Estimated Time: 15 Hours
Target Audience: Learners ready to move beyond part names and understand why ports, cables, protocols, versions, and bandwidth decide whether hardware actually works together.
Course Overview
HW301 covers how computers move data across physical connections. This advanced course explores internal buses (PCIe lanes and motherboard link routing), external connections (USB topologies and Thunderbolt docks), audio/display protocols, storage interfaces, local network layers (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, IP routing, DNS), and structured troubleshooting patterns.Course Outline
Module 1: Communication Fundamentals
Separate physical connectors from the protocols that use them.- 1.1 Connector, protocol, bus, and signal: Learn the difference between physical ports, data buses, and communication protocols.
- 1.2 Quick Check: Communication vocabulary: 3-question check on USB-C capabilities, link fallbacks, and protocol definitions.
- 1.3 Reading a connection path: Trace how signals move through controllers, cables, passive adapters, active converters, and hubs.
- 1.4 Practice: Identify the missing link: Autograded checks on data vs. power cables, adapter limits, and link troubleshooting.
Module 2: Internal PC Links
Understand PCIe, M.2, SATA, headers, and motherboard lanes.- 2.1 PCIe lanes, slots, and generations: Detail how expansion cards share lane counts (x1, x4, x8, x16) and signaling generations (Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 5).
- 2.2 Quick Check: PCIe links: 3-question check on motherboard lane splits, mechanical vs. electrical wiring, and lane-sharing footnotes.
- 2.3 Storage, fan, front-panel, and power headers: Identify board pins, front USB headers, fan types (PWM vs. DC), pump headers, and power pins.
- 2.4 Practice: Internal connector decisions: Autograded checks on board layout wiring, pump configurations, and front-panel connections.
Module 3: External I/O and Peripheral Protocols
Understand USB, Thunderbolt, audio, Bluetooth, and input devices.- 3.1 USB versions, naming, and practical speed: Decode USB speeds (USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1/2, USB4), connector types, and power delivery standards.
- 3.2 Quick Check: USB behavior: 3-question check on USB negotiation, hub power draw, and cable length fallbacks.
- 3.3 Thunderbolt, docks, audio, Bluetooth, and low-latency peripherals: Explore Thunderbolt bandwidth, display docks, Bluetooth audio profiles, and low-latency inputs.
- 3.4 Practice: External I/O troubleshooting: Autograded checks on laptop dock display limits, Bluetooth interference, and external SSD speeds.
Module 4: Display and Storage Protocols
Compare HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA, NVMe, and file-transfer limits.- 4.1 Display protocols and cable limits: Connect resolutions, refresh rates, and HDR depth to HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
- 4.2 Quick Check: Display links: 3-question check on high-resolution link limits, cable certification, and USB-C display requirements.
- 4.3 SATA, NVMe, and external storage paths: Compare AHCI vs. NVMe storage protocol layers, M.2 interfaces, and external drive enclosures.
- 4.4 Practice: Storage and display path choices: Autograded checks on un-detected M.2 drives, enclosure speeds, and SATA/NVMe differences.
Module 5: Networks and Reliable Communication
Reason about Ethernet, Wi-Fi, IP, DNS, and practical network symptoms.- 5.1 Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and link layers: Detail network interfaces, Cat cable categories, Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz), local IP routing, and DNS lookups.
- 5.2 Quick Check: Network communication: 3-question check on link speed vs. internet speed, Wi-Fi interference, and DNS resolution failures.
- 5.3 Protocol troubleshooting habits: Structured troubleshooting utilizing layered network diagnostic tests (Ping, Traceroute, NSLookup).
- 5.4 Practice: Layered troubleshooting: Autograded checks on resolving connection issues, link speed fallbacks, and logging results.
Course Review & Final Exam
Review communication protocols and complete the final quiz.- 6.1 Course review: What to remember: Core concepts review on connectors, protocols, PCIe lanes, USB speeds, and networks.
- 6.2 Final Quiz: Communication Protocols and Connectors: 5-question cumulative quiz testing your understanding of connector/protocol differences, lane splits, dock video links, and layered network testing.