What you will be able to do
Plan, install, secure and maintain a small network and an offline learning server for a school, clinic, church or community hub.
Syllabus
- Networking basics: addressing, switches, routers, Wi-Fi planning.
- Cabling and access points, power over Ethernet.
- A local server: Linux basics, Moodle or Kolibri-type server on a mini-PC or single-board computer.
- Content management: loading courses, sync and backup.
- Security: passwords, updates, firewall, user accounts, child safety filtering.
- Connectivity options: mobile data, point-to-point links, satellite and fixed wireless, and the cost of each.
- Solar-powered network design and battery sizing for always-on equipment.
- Support and monitoring.
- Documentation and handover to a site champion.
Hands-on practical activities
- Build a six-device network from scratch
- install and back up an offline server
- load a course pack
- run it for two weeks on a solar supply
- document a site
Resources and equipment
Mini-PC or single-board computer with SSD, managed switch, access points, cable and crimp tools, cable tester, solar and battery set (Zambesi S or M tier), laptops.
🔋 No power? Off-grid option
Mode C ready: runs offline on a solar-supported device and local server.
Career direction
Network and systems support, community network technician, school ICT coordinator, offline-learning installer, entry to ZTH-SEC-001 and ZTH-COD-005.
Why it matters in the market
Schools, clinics and NGOs with unreliable connectivity need local servers, and few people can install and maintain them.
Assessment
Practical build and fault-finding test; install a working offline learning server at a real partner school or hub with a handover document.
Progression
48 contact hours over 8 to 10 weeks; entry ZTH-FND-002 or ZTH-ROB-002 or equivalent.