Home Networking Basics from Coursera

Welcome to the fourth of five courses in the Cisco Networking Basics Specialization. In the first three courses of this specialization, you were focused on understanding how computer networks work and how to access the network. Now that you have a firm grasp of that, you can dive deeper into how do you actually build and secure a home network that includes lots of wireless devices. Wireless requires different configurations than a wired network. Both wireless and wired networks are susceptible to security threats and attacks. You will work through the different types of threats and attacks that typically occur and understand the different software tools that can be used to mitigate those security threats. At the end of this course, you will be able to: 1. Build and secure a home wireless network. 2. Connect and configure a home wireless router in order to provide a secure connection to the Internet. 3. Describe different methods of connecting devices to a home network, including wired and wireless connections. 4. Explain how Wi-Fi communication is implemented in a small LAN environment. 5. Explain the inherent risks associated with wireless network connectivity. 6. Implement the best practices for securing wireless network access, including methods for secure authentication and encryption. 7. Describe common types of network security threats and attacks. 8. Explain how software tools can mitigate network security threats.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Specifically designed for home networking, this course explores topics highly relevant to both personal life and remote work

The focus on mitigating security threats ensures learners develop valuable real-world skills

Well-structured as the fourth course in a specialization, providing a solid foundation for building and securing home networks

The course requires learners to come in with a firm grasp of computer networks and network access

Assumes learners have access to a home wireless router and other necessary equipment for hands-on practice

Reviews summary

Home networking basics: great for beginners

Home Networking Basics is an excellent introductory-level course for students new to the subject of networking. The course receives very high marks for its accessibility, organization, and valuable information for first-time learners. However, more experienced users may find the course to be a little too simplistic.

Highly recommended for those with little to no networking knowledge.

"Interesante desde el punto de vista de aprendizaje para alguien que no tenga conocimientos previos de redes"

Concepts are presented in a clear and organized manner.

"simple words to reach hard world"

"This course very easy to understand"

"Its so easy to understand the all the topics ."

Perfect course for getting started with home networking.

"Top"

"GOOD"

"I am very pleased with this course."

"Great course for understanding home networks"

Experienced learners may find the material to be too basic.

"Too easy course."

Peer-graded assignments may slow down progress.

"Peer-graded assessments slow down the course of education"

"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 Home Networking Basics with these activities:

Organize and review course materials

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Prepare for the course by organizing and reviewing the provided materials, including slides, videos, and readings, to familiarize yourself with the key concepts.

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Download and organize the course materials in a logical manner.
Review the materials briefly, taking note of key topics and concepts.

Review basic networking concepts

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Refresh understanding of foundational networking concepts, such as network architecture, protocols, and topologies, to strengthen the foundation for the course.

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Review notes or materials from previous courses or certifications.
Read online articles or watch videos on basic networking.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.

Watch and follow introductory tutorials on wireless networking

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Build foundational knowledge of wireless networking by watching and following introductory tutorials on YouTube or online courses.

Browse courses on Wireless Networking

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Search for and select a reputable tutorial provider such as Cisco, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning.
Watch and follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions as needed.
Practice the concepts covered in the tutorials by setting up a small home wireless network.

Five other activities

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Participate in discussion forums on wireless network best practices

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Engage in discussions with peers and experts on best practices for securing home wireless networks, exchanging practical tips and sharing experiences.

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Join online discussion forums or communities focused on wireless networking.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing knowledge and seeking advice.
Document key takeaways and incorporate best practices into your own wireless network configuration.

Build a visual representation of wireless network security threats

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Strengthen understanding of wireless network security risks by creating a visual representation, such as a diagram or infographic, that illustrates common threats and vulnerabilities.

Browse courses on Wireless Network Security

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Research different types of wireless network security threats and vulnerabilities.
Design and create a visual representation that effectively communicates the identified threats and vulnerabilities.
Share the visual representation with peers or instructors for feedback and discussion.

Design a wireless network security policy

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Develop a comprehensive wireless network security policy that outlines guidelines and procedures for securing a home network, including password management, access control, and incident response.

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Research and identify best practices for wireless network security.
Draft a security policy that covers key areas such as password management, encryption, and access control.
Review and refine the policy, ensuring it is clear, concise, and actionable.

Troubleshoot wireless network connectivity issues

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Enhance troubleshooting skills by simulating and resolving common wireless network issues such as signal strength, interference, or security breaches.

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Set up a virtual or physical network environment with simulated connectivity issues.
Use diagnostic tools and techniques to identify and resolve the issues.
Document the troubleshooting process and solutions for future reference.

Build a secure home Wi-Fi network

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Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills by setting up a secure home Wi-Fi network, implementing best practices for password management, encryption, and access control.

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Gather the necessary equipment and resources, including a wireless router, cables, and tools.
Plan and design the network layout, considering factors such as coverage, interference, and security.
Physically set up the network, connecting the router, devices, and cables.
Configure the router settings, including password protection, encryption, and access controls.
Test the network and ensure it is secure and functioning properly.

Career center

Learners who complete Home Networking Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Wireless Network Administrator

A Wireless Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a wireless computer network. This course would be particularly helpful for anyone who seeks a career as a Wireless Network Administrator because it goes over the details of building and securing wireless computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wireless Network Administrator

Wireless Network Engineer

A Wireless Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains wireless computer networks. This course would be particularly helpful for anyone who seeks a career as a Wireless Network Engineer because it goes over the details of building and securing wireless computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wireless Network Engineer

Wireless Network Consultant

A Wireless Network Consultant provides advice on building and securing wireless computer networks. This course would be particularly helpful for anyone who seeks a career as a Wireless Network Consultant because it goes over the details of building and securing wireless computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wireless Network Consultant

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a computer network. This course would be particularly helpful for anyone who seeks a career as a Network Administrator because it goes over the details of building, securing, and troubleshooting computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Network Consultant

A Network Consultant provides advice on computer networks. This course would be particularly helpful for anyone who seeks a career as a Network Consultant because it goes over the details of building and securing computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Consultant

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains computer networks. This course would be particularly helpful for anyone who seeks a career as a Network Engineer because it goes over the details of building, securing, and troubleshooting computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

IT Consultant

An IT Consultant provides advice on computer networks and systems. This course goes over different methods of securing computer networks, how to encrypt data, and how to defend against various network attacks. This course is very relevant to someone seeking a career as an IT Consultant since it can help one build a foundation in network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor evaluates the security of computer networks and systems. This course goes over different methods of securing computer networks, how to encrypt data, and how to defend against various network attacks. This course is very relevant to someone seeking a career as an IT Auditor since it can help one build a foundation in network security.

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Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's information. This course goes over different methods of securing computer networks, how to encrypt data, and how to defend against various network attacks. This course is very relevant to someone seeking a career as an Information Security Analyst since it can help one build a foundation in network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security measures to protect an organization's information. This course goes over different methods of securing computer networks, how to encrypt data, and how to defend against various network attacks. This course is very relevant to someone seeking a career as a Security Engineer since it can help one build a foundation in network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst protects computer networks and systems from unauthorized access. This course goes over different methods of securing computer networks, how to encrypt data, and how to defend against various network attacks. This course is very relevant to someone seeking a career as a Cybersecurity Analyst since it can help one build a foundation in network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Computer Security Analyst

A Computer Security Analyst is responsible for developing security measures to prevent unauthorized access to data. This course goes over different methods of securing computer networks, how to encrypt data, and how to defend against various network attacks. This course is very relevant to someone seeking a career as a Computer Security Analyst since it can help one build a foundation in network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Security Analyst

Network Security Consultant

A Network Security Consultant provides advice on securing computer networks. This course goes over different methods of securing computer networks, how to encrypt data, and how to defend against various network attacks. This course is very relevant to someone seeking a career as a Network Security Consultant since it can help one build a foundation in network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Consultant

Telecommunications Engineer

A Telecommunications Engineer designs, installs, and maintains telecommunications equipment. This course would be particularly helpful for anyone who seeks a career as a Telecommunications Engineer because it goes over the details of building and securing computer networks, which is a part of telecommunications.

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Computer Network Architect

A Computer Network Architect designs and builds computer networks. One who wants to be a successful Network Architect should also be able to understand and build secure networks, and this course seeks to help teach those skills. The course goes over how to build and secure home networks, secure wireless networks, and how to defend against network security threats. While this course is not focused on large enterprise networks, the skills and knowledge taught here are generally consistent with what a Network Architect should know.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect