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The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

Approx. 34 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn the fundamentals of computer networking including protocols, architectures, and network design principles with this comprehensive course.

Key Learning Points

Understand the basics of computer networking including TCP/IP, LANs, and WANs
Learn about network architectures and design principles
Explore important network protocols like HTTP, DNS, and SMTP

Learning Outcomes

Understand the fundamentals of computer networking
Learn to design and implement networks using best practices
Be able to troubleshoot common network issues

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of computers and operating systems
Familiarity with the internet and web browsing

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Online self-paced course
Video lectures and quizzes

Similar Courses

Introduction to Computer Networking
Computer Networks

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Andrew S. Tanenbaum
Radia Perlman

Related Books

Description

This course is designed to provide a full overview of computer networking. We’ll cover everything from the fundamentals of modern networking technologies and protocols to an overview of the cloud to practical applications and network troubleshooting.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: ● describe computer networks in terms of a five-layer model ● understand all of the standard protocols involved with TCP/IP communications ● grasp powerful network troubleshooting tools and techniques ● learn network services like DNS and DHCP that help make computer networks run ● understand cloud computing, everything as a service, and cloud storage

Outline

Introduction to Networking
Course Introduction
The TCP/IP Five-Layer Network Model
Alex Why Networking
Cables
Hubs and Switches
Routers
Servers and Clients
Sergio Being A Network Engineer
Moving Bits Across the Wire
Twisted Pair Cabling and Duplexing
Network Ports and Patch Panels
Ethernet and MAC Addresses
Unicast, Multicast, and Broadcast
Dissecting an Ethernet Frame
Victor Escobedo: Practical Experience in IT
Navigating Coursera
Program Surveys
How to Use Discussion Forums
Get to Know Your Classmates
Earn a dual Google/CompTIA A+ credential
Supplementary Reading for The OSI Networking Model
Supplemental Reading for Ethernet Over Twisted Pair Technologies
Graded Plugin
TCP/IP
Networking Devices
The Physical Layer
The Data Link Layer
Layers in Networking Models
Networking Basics

The Network Layer
Introduction to The Network Layer
The Network Layer
IP Addresses
IP Datagrams and Encapsulation
IP Address Classes
Address Resolution Protocol
Sergio Path
Subnetting
Subnet Masks
Basic Binary Math
CIDR
Motivation
Basic Routing Concepts
Routing Tables
Interior Gateway Protocols
Exterior Gateway Protocols
Non-Routable Address Space
Alex Good Story
Supplemental Reading for Routing Protocol Examples
Supplemental Reading for RFCs and Standards
Graded Plugin
The Network Layer
Subnetting
Routing
Routing Paths and Subnets
The Network Layer

The Transport and Application Layers
Introduction to the Transport and Application Layers
The Transport Layer
Dissection of a TCP Segment
TCP Control Flags and the Three-way Handshake
TCP Socket States
Connection-oriented and Connectionless Protocols
Firewalls
The Application Layer
The Application Layer and the OSI Model
All the Layers Working in Unison
Learner Story: Daniel
Supplemental Reading for System Ports versus Ephemeral Ports
The Transport Layer
The Application Layer
The Transport and Application Layer
The Five-Layer Network Model

Networking Services
Introduction to Network Services
Why do we need DNS?
The Many Steps of Name Resolution
DNS and UDP
Sergio IT Great Field
Resource Record Types
Anatomy of a Domain Name
DNS Zones
Overview of DHCP
DHCP in Action
Basics of NAT
NAT and the Transport Layer
NAT, Non-Routable Address Space and the Limits of IPv4
Virtual Private Networks
Proxy Services
Supplemental Reading forIPv4 Address Exhaustion
Graded Plugin
Name Resolution
Name Resolution in Practice
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Network Address Translation
VPNs & Proxies
Networking Services Simulation
Networking Services

Connecting to the Internet
Introduction to Connecting to the Internet
Dial-up, Modems and Point-to-Point Protocols
What is broadband?
T-Carrier Technologies
Digital Subscriber Lines
Cable Broadband
Fiber Connections
Wide Area Network Technologies
Point-to-Point VPNs
Introduction to Wireless Networking Technologies
Wireless Network Configurations
Wireless Channels
Wireless Security
Cellular Networking
Mobile Device Networks
Supplemental Reading for Broadband Protocols
Supplemental Reading for WAN Protocols
Supplemental Reading for Alphabet Soup
Supplemental Readings for Mobile Device Networks
Graded Plugin
POTS and Dial-up
Broadband Internet
WANs
Wireless Networking
Wireless Channels
Connecting to the Internet

Troubleshooting and the Future of Networking
Introduction to Troubleshooting and the Future of Networking
Ping: Internet Control Message Protocol
Traceroute
Testing Port Connectivity
Name Resolution Tools
Public DNS Servers
DNS Registration and Expiration
Hosts Files
What is The Cloud?
Everything as a Service
Cloud Storage
IPv6 Addressing and Subnetting
IPv6 Headers
IPv6 and IPv4 Harmony
Interview Role Play: Networking
Course Wrap Up
Alex Career Path
Congratulations!
Supplemental Reading for Testing Port Connectivity
Supplemental Reading for IPv6 and IPv4 Harmony
Graded Plugin
Verifying Connectivity
Digging into DNS
The Cloud
IPv6
IPv6 Compression
Troubleshooting and the Future of Networking

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the fundamentals of computer networking with this comprehensive course from Coursera. Students rated this course highly for its engaging instructor and practical, hands-on approach to learning. One key aspect that many users appreciated was the opportunity to practice networking concepts in a virtual lab environment.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging instructor who presents material in an easy-to-understand way
Practical, hands-on approach to learning with a virtual lab environment
Comprehensive coverage of networking concepts
Clear and concise explanations of complex topics
Excellent resources and support from the Coursera platform

Cons from User Reviews

Some users felt the course content was too basic and not challenging enough
Occasional technical difficulties with the virtual lab environment
Some users found the course pacing to be too slow
Limited opportunities for interaction with other students
No opportunities for certification or accreditation

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