Networks Illustrated: Principles without Calculus from Coursera

What makes WiFi faster at home than at a coffee shop? How does Google order its search results from the trillions of webpages on the Internet? Why does Verizon charge $15 for every GB of data we use? Is it really true that we are connected in six social steps or less? These are just a few of the many intriguing questions we can ask about the social and technical networks that form integral parts of our daily lives. This course is about exploring the answers, using a language that anyone can understand. We will focus on fundamental principles like “sharing is hard”, “crowds are wise”, and “network of networks” that have guided the design and sustainability of today’s networks, and summarize the theories behind everything from the social connections we make on platforms like Facebook to the technology upon which these websites run. Unlike other networking courses, the mathematics included here are no more complicated than adding and multiplying numbers. While mathematical details are necessary to fully specify the algorithms and systems we investigate, they are not required to understand the main ideas. We use illustrations, analogies, and anecdotes about networks as pedagogical tools in lieu of detailed equations. All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Uses a language that anyone can understand

Focuses on fundamental principles like “sharing is hard”, “crowds are wise”, and “network of networks” that have guided the design and sustainability of today’s networks

Summarizes the theories behind everything from the social connections we make on platforms like Facebook to the technology upon which these websites run

Taught by Christopher Brinton and Mung Chiang, who are recognized for their work in computer and network science

Uses illustrations, analogies, and anecdotes about networks as pedagogical tools in lieu of detailed equations

Does not offer a certificate upon completion

Reviews summary

Accessibly explained networking concepts

This course takes an everyday-language approach to unpacking essential networking concepts, emphasizing core principles that shape today's social and technical networks. While the course doesn't offer a certificate, learners will find the content valuable for understanding the fundamentals of networking.

The course provides a deep dive into networking concepts.

"This course presents together several concepts that are seen separately through different courses as computer networks, network science, recommendation systems and so on."

Course topics connect to real-world networking applications.

"The topics covered give a practical view about problems of and on actual networked systems."

Concepts are explained in clear, non-technical language.

"Subjects are explain in the simplest language which help the understanding."

Slides lack formulas and detailed information.

"slides are not complete (there are no formulas)."

The course content does not cover the latest networking trends.

"Not updated to latest trends but serves as an introduction to the origins on the networks detailed in the course."

Some video lectures are over 2 hours long.

"The content is excellent, however the videos are too long (more than 2 hours per week)."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Networks Illustrated: Principles without Calculus with these activities:

Read 'Computer Networks: A Systems Approach'

Show steps

Build a strong foundation in computer networks by reviewing a comprehensive textbook.

View Private 5G: A Systems Approach on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read designated chapters and take notes.
Complete end-of-chapter exercises and problems.

Participate in a study group or online forum discussions

Show steps

Engage in discussions with peers to clarify concepts, exchange perspectives, and reinforce understanding.

Show steps

Join a study group or online forum related to networking.
Actively participate in discussions, asking and answering questions.
Collaborate with peers on projects or assignments.

Follow online tutorials on network theory

Show steps

Supplement the course material with guided tutorials to deepen understanding of network theory concepts.

Browse courses on Network Theory

Show steps

Search for online tutorials or courses on network theory.
Identify tutorials that cover specific topics relevant to the course.
Work through the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the concepts.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend industry conferences or meetups on networking

Show steps

Network with professionals in the field and gain insights into the practical applications of networking concepts.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Research industry conferences or meetups related to networking.
Register for and attend the event.
Engage with attendees, ask questions, and exchange ideas.

Solve network analysis problems on LeetCode

Show steps

Sharpen problem-solving skills and reinforce network analysis concepts through practice on LeetCode.

Show steps

Sign up for a LeetCode account.
Identify problems related to network analysis.
Solve the problems, analyzing the network structure and applying appropriate algorithms.

Write blog posts on network analysis techniques

Show steps

Apply knowledge of network analysis techniques by writing blog posts, reinforcing understanding and improving communication skills.

Browse courses on Network Analysis

Show steps

Identify a specific network analysis technique.
Research and understand the technique in depth.
Write a blog post explaining the technique and providing examples.

Develop a network simulation model

Show steps

Apply course concepts to create a practical simulation model, enhancing understanding and technical skills.

Browse courses on Network Simulation

Show steps

Define the purpose and scope of the simulation model.
Design the network topology and parameters.
Implement the simulation model using a programming language.
Run the simulation and analyze the results.

Contribute to open-source networking projects

Show steps

Engage with the networking community by contributing to open-source projects, gaining hands-on experience and deepening understanding.

Browse courses on Open Source

Show steps

Identify open-source networking projects on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
Fork the project, make your changes, and submit a pull request.

Career center

Learners who complete Networks Illustrated: Principles without Calculus will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts scour data to extract meaningful insights that inform decision-making. Most work in the tech industry, but they're needed across different sectors, particularly as data collection and analysis become more common. This course can help aspiring Data Analysts build a foundation in networking principles as they relate to data. For example, understanding topics like network optimization can help Data Analysts determine the best ways to transfer or manage data, ensuring that it's quickly and efficiently accessible to those who need it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze computer systems and networks for security breaches. They investigate incidents and recommend measures to prevent future breaches. This course may be useful for aspiring Security Analysts as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network security can help Security Analysts identify and mitigate security risks more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and securely, and troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course may be useful for aspiring Database Administrators as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network security can help Database Administrators protect databases from unauthorized access.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with a variety of technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This course may be useful for aspiring Web Developers as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network performance can help Web Developers design and develop websites that load quickly and efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and networks. They answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and provide training. This course may be useful for aspiring Technical Support Specialists as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network troubleshooting can help Technical Support Specialists resolve network issues more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers assess the security of computer systems and networks by simulating cyberattacks. They identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers and recommend measures to mitigate these vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for aspiring Penetration Testers as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network security can help Penetration Testers identify and exploit vulnerabilities more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Network Administrator

Network Administrators oversee computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely, and troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course may be useful for aspiring Network Administrators as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network topology can help Network Administrators design and manage networks more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems and networks. They install and configure software, monitor system performance, and troubleshoot problems. This course may be useful for aspiring Systems Administrators as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network protocols can help Systems Administrators manage and maintain networks more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of technologies, including routers, switches, and firewalls. This course may be useful for aspiring Network Engineers as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network protocols can help Network Engineers design and manage networks more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with a variety of technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. This course may be useful for aspiring Information Security Analysts as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network security can help Information Security Analysts identify and mitigate security risks more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and recommend ways to improve them. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business users, IT professionals, and executives. This course may be useful for aspiring Business Analysts as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network connectivity can help Business Analysts assess the impact of new technologies on business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. This course may be useful for aspiring Software Engineers as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network protocols can help Software Engineers design and develop software systems that can communicate with other computers and devices over a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including project team members, clients, and executives. This course may be useful for aspiring Project Managers as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network connectivity can help Project Managers assess the impact of network issues on project timelines and budgets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. This course may be useful for aspiring Computer Programmers as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network protocols can help Computer Programmers write programs that can communicate with other computers and devices over a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate computer systems and software to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work with a variety of technologies, including test automation tools and performance monitoring tools. This course may be useful for aspiring Quality Assurance Analysts as it provides a non-technical overview of networking principles. For example, understanding concepts like network performance can help Quality Assurance Analysts assess the impact of network issues on software performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst