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Karl Krueger

Take Udacity's Networking for Web Developers course and learn how the internet works. Explore the underpinnings of the net with tools like traceroute, tcpdump, and nc.

What's inside

Syllabus

Start exploring the network using low-level command-line tools such as ping and netcat.
Investigate the Domain Name System (DNS), which translates hostnames into IP addresses.
Read more
Investigate the structure and use of Internet addresses, including network blocks, interfaces, network address translation (NAT), and IPv6.
Use tcpdump to examine packets that make up the requests and responses for three protocols: ping, DNS, and HTTP.
Learn more about bandwidth, latency, filtering, and other properties that matter when users are accessing your application over the Internet.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Exposes the fundamentals of the internet, including tools and techniques used by networking professionals
Builds a foundation for web developers looking to strengthen their networking knowledge
Instructs on navigating the internet's underpinnings using command-line tools
Offers insights into the structure and use of internet addresses, IPV6, and NAT
Provides hands-on practice with tools like tcpdump, ping, and netcat
Introduces concepts of bandwidth, latency, and filtering in the context of web development

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Reviews summary

Networking foundations

A foundational networking course that introduces the basics of HTTP and its underlying protocols through hands-on exercises. Suitable for beginner backend developers, it equips learners with the knowledge and tools to understand network operations.

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 Networking for Web Developers with these activities:
Review basic programming concepts
Review the basic concepts of programming, such as variables, control flow, and data structures, before starting the course. This will help you to build a strong foundation for the more advanced topics that you will learn in the course.
Browse courses on Programming Concepts
Show steps
  • Read articles and tutorials on basic programming concepts.
  • Take a quiz or practice exam to test your understanding.
Review basic networking concepts
Review the basic concepts of networking, such as IP addresses, TCP/IP, and network protocols, before starting the course. This will help you to build a strong foundation for the more advanced topics that you will learn in the course.
Browse courses on IP Addresses
Show steps
  • Read articles and tutorials on basic networking concepts.
  • Take a quiz or practice exam to test your understanding.
DNS lookup exercises
Practice using the dig command to perform DNS lookups. This will help you to understand how DNS works and to troubleshoot DNS issues.
Browse courses on DNS
Show steps
  • Install the dig command on your computer.
  • Use the dig command to perform DNS lookups for different domain names.
  • Interpret the results of the DNS lookups.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Traceroute and netcat investigations
Practice using traceroute and netcat to explore the network and troubleshoot network issues.
Browse courses on Traceroute
Show steps
  • Install traceroute and netcat on your computer.
  • Use traceroute to trace the route of a packet to a website.
  • Use netcat to connect to a website and send and receive data.
Network packet capture with tcpdump
Learn how to use tcpdump to capture and analyze network packets, which can be useful for troubleshooting network issues and understanding network traffic patterns.
Browse courses on Tcpdump
Show steps
  • Install tcpdump on your computer.
  • Use tcpdump to capture network packets.
  • Use Wireshark or another packet analyzer to analyze the captured packets.
Create a study guide
Create a study guide that summarizes the key concepts that you learn in the course. This will help you to review the material and to prepare for exams.
Show steps
  • Gather your notes, assignments, and quizzes.
  • Organize the material into a logical order.
  • Write summaries of the key concepts.
  • Add practice questions and exercises.
Glossary of networking terms
Create a glossary of networking terms that you encounter in the course. This will help you to understand the terminology and to communicate with other network engineers.
Show steps
  • Identify the networking terms that you are unfamiliar with.
  • Look up the definitions of the terms online or in a dictionary.
  • Write a clear and concise definition for each term.
  • Organize the definitions into a glossary.
Blog post on a chosen networking topic
Write a blog post on a specific networking topic that you are interested in. This will help you to solidify your understanding of the topic and to share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on Networking Concepts
Show steps
  • Choose a networking topic that you are interested in.
  • Research the topic and gather information from reliable sources.
  • Write a blog post that explains the topic in a clear and concise way.
  • Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Networking for Web Developers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cybersecurity Specialist
A Cybersecurity Specialist protects an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may help a Cybersecurity Specialist by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to identify and mitigate security risks. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify security vulnerabilities.
Information Technology Specialist
An Information Technology Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems and networks. This course may help an Information Technology Specialist by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to provide more effective technical support. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in computer systems and networks.
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator maintains and supports an organization's computer networks. This course may help a Network Administrator by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to maintain and support networks more efficiently and effectively. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in networks.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications. This course may help a Web Developer by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to design and develop more efficient and reliable websites and web applications. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in websites and web applications.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may help a Software Engineer by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to design and develop more efficient and reliable software applications. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in software applications.
IT Manager
An IT Manager plans, implements, and maintains an organization's IT infrastructure. This course may help an IT Manager by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to design and implement more efficient and reliable IT infrastructure. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in IT infrastructure.
Cloud Architect
A Cloud Architect designs and implements cloud computing solutions. This course may help a Cloud Architect by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to design and implement more efficient and scalable cloud solutions. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in cloud environments.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may help a Data Analyst by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to collect and analyze data more efficiently. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in data collection and analysis processes.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains computer networks. This course may help a Network Engineer by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to design and implement more efficient and secure networks. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst helps businesses to identify and solve problems by analyzing their business processes and systems. This course may help a Business Analyst by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to identify and solve problems related to network connectivity and performance. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in business processes and systems.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may help an Information Security Analyst by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to identify and mitigate security risks. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify security vulnerabilities.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and controls projects to achieve specific goals. This course may help a Project Manager by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to plan and execute projects more efficiently and effectively. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in project execution.
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer helps customers to identify and solve problems by selling them products and services. This course may help a Sales Engineer by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to better understand and sell products and services related to networking. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in products and services.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course may help a Technical Writer by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to create more accurate and informative technical documentation. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in technical documentation.
Computer Scientist
A Computer Scientist conducts research in the field of computer science. This course may help a Computer Scientist by providing a deeper understanding of how networks work, which can help them to conduct research in the field of networking. For example, the course covers the use of tools like traceroute and tcpdump, which can be used to troubleshoot network problems and identify performance bottlenecks in research projects.

Reading list

We've selected 19 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 Networking for Web Developers.
This highly respected book by networking expert W. Richard Stevens must-have reference for anyone serious about understanding the intricacies of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It provides a detailed and authoritative explanation of the protocols that underpin the Internet, making it an invaluable resource for the course.
Provides a deep dive into the performance optimizations and techniques used in modern web browsers. It is an essential resource for web developers looking to improve the performance and user experience of their web applications.
This comprehensive handbook provides a detailed overview of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It is an invaluable reference for anyone looking to gain a deep understanding of the protocols that underpin the Internet.
This classic textbook provides a practical guide to cryptography, covering the principles, algorithms, and source code used in real-world applications. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deep understanding of cryptography and its applications.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer networking, covering the fundamental principles and protocols that underpin the Internet. It valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the course.
A classic reference on the inner workings of the TCP/IP protocol suite, essential for anyone seeking a deep understanding of networking.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of modern cryptography, covering the theoretical foundations and practical applications of cryptographic techniques. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deep understanding of cryptography.
This practical guide provides a hands-on approach to network security and troubleshooting. It is an excellent resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by network professionals to secure and maintain networks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Domain Name System (DNS) and its implementation using BIND. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of how DNS works and how to configure and manage DNS servers.
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer networking, covering both the theoretical foundations and practical applications. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deep understanding of the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the HTTP protocol, the foundation of the World Wide Web. It valuable resource for web developers looking to gain a deep understanding of how HTTP works and how to use it effectively.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of network security, covering the principles, techniques, and standards used to protect networks and data. It valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of network security.
Provides a practical guide to designing and building RESTful web APIs. It valuable resource for web developers looking to build scalable and maintainable APIs.
Provides a practical guide to network programming using the Go programming language. It is an excellent resource for web developers looking to build high-performance and scalable network applications.
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A humorous and thought-provoking exploration of the Internet's history, technology, and social impact, providing a unique perspective on the subject.
A comprehensive textbook covering a wide range of networking topics, suitable for advanced students and professionals seeking a thorough foundation.
A well-rounded textbook providing a balanced treatment of networking concepts, protocols, and technologies.
Covers fundamental network security concepts, threats, and countermeasures, suitable for beginners and those seeking a comprehensive overview.
A practical guide to designing, implementing, and operating reliable and scalable networks, focusing on real-world experiences and best practices.

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