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Data Communications and Network Services

Welcome to the third of five courses in the Cisco Networking Basics Specialization. Now that you know the basics of what an network is and how the devices on a network communicate with each other, it is time to explore the network further. In this course, you will learn the benefits and limitations of the IPv4 addressing system and why NAT and IPv6 were implemented to address the limitations. You will also explore common network services and protocols such as email, web services, instant messaging, DNS, HTTP, HTML, SMTP, Telnet, and SSH. At the end of this course, you will be able to: 1. Describe the role of network services including DHCP and DNS. 2. Use Cisco Packet Tracer to configure a router to perform DHCP services for a LAN. 3. Explain use of IPv4 private addresses with NAT. 4. Compare TCP and UDP protocol operations for efficiency and reliability. 5. Describe the network services and applications for file transfer, web access, email, remote access and instant messaging. 6. Observe how web requests are processed by the web client and the server. 7. Use various tools to verify network operations.

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Suitable for learners who are comfortable with basic foundational networking concepts

Explores network services such as DHCP and DNS, which are essential in network administration

Provides hands-on experience in configuring routers for DHCP services using Cisco Packet Tracer

Helps learners understand the benefits and limitations of IPv4 addressing and the need for IPv6

Compares TCP and UDP protocol operations, providing insights into their efficiency and reliability

Covers common network applications like web access, email, and instant messaging, aligning with industry practices

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Reviews summary

Network services and data communications

This course focuses on the benefits and limitations of the IPv4 network protocol and the reasons for implementing NAT and IPv6. It also dives into network services and protocols such as email, web services, instant messaging, DNS, HTTP, HTML, SMTP, Telnet, and SSH. Students will learn how to configure a router to perform DHCP services for a LAN and compare the efficiency and reliability of TCP and UDP protocols. This course has received mostly positive reviews, with students particularly appreciating the hands-on practice and clear explanations. Some students have suggested that the course could be improved by providing more detailed explanations and by having the instructor participate more actively in the discussion forums.

Covers basic networking concepts well.

"It is a well-defined course. It covers the basics of protocols that are used in computer networking properly."

Valuable information provided.

"Another excellent course from Cisco to help you get to grips with networking essentials"

Packet Tracer exercises are helpful.

"This course is very effective for everyone who wants to know "How internet works""

Easy-to-understand content.

"The courses you have provide are the best for learning purpose. This will help me to improve myself in the networking section."

Instructor could participate more in forums.

"Course material is useful. It would be good if the instructor would participate in the discussion forums, as necessary."

Peer-graded assignments can be unfair.

"The course content was very informative. But one piece of feedback from my end is that even though peer-graded assignments are a good initiative... there should be a mechanism which can approve the fairness of the grades awarded by peers."

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 Data Communications and Network Services with these activities:

Review how networks work

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Review and expand on your notes for an improved foundational knowledge of networks.

Browse courses on Networks

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Gather notes from the previous course in this specialization
Organize notes by topic
Review notes for at least two hours
Take a quiz or practice test on networks

Refresh knowledge of IPv4 and IPv6

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Review the concepts of IPv4 and IPv6 to strengthen your understanding of this topic covered in this course.

Browse courses on IPv4

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Review notes or study materials from previous courses or online resources
Do practice questions on IPv4 and IPv6
Take a quiz or practice test on IPv4 and IPv6

Tutorials on network services and protocols

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Watch or read tutorials online that specifically cover topics taught in this course.

Browse courses on Network Services

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Find online resources that match the learning objectives of the course
Make a list of tutorials to complete
Complete the list of tutorials, taking notes on new or challenging concepts
Take a quiz or practice test on the topics covered in the tutorials

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Attend a workshop on networking basics

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Attend a workshop or seminar that covers the fundamentals of networking.

Browse courses on Networking Basics

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Research and find a workshop that aligns with the learning objectives of the course
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and take notes
Apply what you learned in the workshop to your studies in this course

Study group for networking basics

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Join a study group with other students in this course to discuss concepts and work on assignments together.

Browse courses on Networking Basics

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Find or create a study group with other students in this course
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
Work together on assignments and projects
Quiz each other on the concepts covered in the course

Compilation of network tools

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Compile a list of network tools and resources that will be helpful for your studies in this course.

Browse courses on Network Tools

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Research and identify network tools and resources
Create a document or spreadsheet to list the tools and their descriptions
Organize the tools into categories or topics
Share the compilation with other students in the course or online

Configure a router to perform DHCP services

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Reinforce your understanding of DHCP by configuring a router in Cisco Packet Tracer.

Browse courses on DHCP

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Configure a network using Cisco Packet Tracer
Configure the router with the necessary IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways
Enable DHCP on the router
Connect clients to the network
Verify that DHCP is working by checking the IP addresses of the clients

Compete in a networking competition

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Participate in a networking competition to test and improve your skills.

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Find a networking competition that aligns with your interests and skill level
Register for the competition
Prepare for the competition by studying and practicing
Compete in the competition
Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Data Communications and Network Services will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator maintains and troubleshoots computer networks. Graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Network Architect

A Computer Network Architect designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. With training in network services and protocols, graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator maintains and troubleshoots computer systems. Graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites. Graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator maintains and troubleshoots databases. Graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation. Graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and manage computer networks. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter the field, as it covers network services and protocols.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. Graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

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Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects an organization's computer networks and systems from security breaches. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter the field, as it covers network services and protocols.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter the field, as it covers network services and protocols.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst protects an organization's computer networks and systems from security breaches. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter the field, as it covers network services and protocols.

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Computer and Information Systems Manager

A Computer and Information Systems Manager plans and directs the activities of an organization's IT department. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter the field, as it covers network services and protocols.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager oversees the IT department of an organization. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter the field, as it covers network services and protocols.

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Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist researches and develops new computer technologies. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter the field, as it covers network services and protocols.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. Graduates of this course may be able to step into an entry-level role in this field.

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Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Data Communications and Network Services.

The TCP/IP Guide

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Comprehensive reference on TCP/IP. It covers a wide range of topics, including TCP/IP protocol operation, TCP/IP network troubleshooting, and TCP/IP security.

The TCP/IP Guide: A Comprehensive, Illustrated...

Hardcover

$$$

The TCP/IP Guide: A Comprehensive, Illustrated...

Kindle Edition

$$$