Networking Fundamentals from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Network Theory

This module provides the student with an opportunity to understand some of the most basic vocabulary used in networking. Students will learn about the categories of networks and the standard network models.

Protocol Models

In this module, students will learn about the OSI model and the TCP/IP model which describe how protocols work.

Network Transmissions and Hardware

In this module, students will learn about data transmission methods. After learning about the most common media access methods, they will explore common network connectivity devices. Finally, students will learn about wireless networks.

Internet Protocols

In this module, students will learn about how the IP protocol works. Students will learn about IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and routing.

TCP/IP Services

In this module, students will learn about the DHCP and DNS services that support TCP/IP. They will also explore some basic troubleshooting commands.

Network Security

In this module, students will learn about defense in depth. They will explore controls for securing networks and controls for detecting network intrusions.

Remote Networking

In this module, students will learn remote access in general and VPNs in specific.

Network Management / Troubleshooting

In this module, students will learn the concepts of network management. They will study troubleshooting methodology and review strategies for troubleshooting various types of issues.

Capstone

In this module, the student will upload a capstone project that demonstrates mastery of the material.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores network fundamentals, which are foundational in the IT field

Develops practical skills in network configuration and troubleshooting, which may be beneficial to new students

Taught by instructors with industry expertise, which may indicate strong content quality

Provides hands-on experience through network simulation software, which may enhance practical skills

May require additional resources and materials, which could pose a financial burden to some students

Provides a comprehensive overview of networking concepts and technologies, which may be valuable for students seeking a broad understanding of the field

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 Fundamentals with these activities:

Network Study Group

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Join a study group with other students to discuss course concepts, work on assignments together, and quiz each other to enhance understanding and retention.

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Find or create a study group with peers
Establish a regular meeting schedule and agenda
Take turns leading discussions and presenting on different topics

Configure Network Devices

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Practice configuring network devices like routers and switches using simulators or online tools to solidify your understanding of network protocols and settings.

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Use online network simulators like Packet Tracer or GNS3
Set up a home network and experiment with different configurations
Join online communities or forums to discuss and troubleshoot configuration issues

Network Security Workshop

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Attend a workshop on network security to gain hands-on experience with security tools and techniques, and learn about emerging threats and best practices.

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Research and identify relevant network security workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate in discussions and exercises

Four other activities

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Network Design Proposal

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Design and document a network solution for a specific scenario, considering factors like network topology, traffic patterns, and security requirements.

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Identify the network requirements and constraints
Research and select appropriate network technologies and devices
Create a network diagram and documentation outlining the design

Troubleshooting Network Issues

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Follow guided tutorials or documentation to learn advanced troubleshooting techniques for resolving network issues such as connectivity problems, performance issues, and security breaches.

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Enroll in online courses or workshops on network troubleshooting
Read technical articles and whitepapers on specific troubleshooting scenarios
Experiment with different troubleshooting tools and methodologies

Contribute to Open-Source Networking Projects

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Get involved in open-source networking projects by contributing code, documentation, or bug reports to gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of network technologies.

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Identify open-source projects related to your interests
Join the project community and participate in discussions
Make contributions to the project codebase or documentation

Network Security Capture the Flag

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Participate in a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition focused on network security to test your skills in identifying and exploiting network vulnerabilities.

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Register for a CTF competition
Set up a secure environment for testing
Work individually or as a team to solve challenges and capture flags

Career center

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

Network Administrator

Network Administrators make sure computer networks run smoothly. They install, configure, and maintain hardware and software for an organization's computer network. Networks can be small or large, wired or wireless. With the knowledge you will gain from this course, such as TCP/IP, Internet protocols, and network security, you will be able to diagnose and solve network and connectivity issues for companies that rely on networks to operate efficiently.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computers and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The knowledge you gain from this course will prepare you to identify security risks, vulnerabilities, and threats in order to design and implement security plans, policies, and procedures to protect an organization's computer network, data, and information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects create, implement, maintain, and manage the computer networks that allow people and organizations to share information, communicate, and access the internet. This course will help you understand the fundamentals of network theory, protocol models, and network transmissions and hardware, all of which can help you succeed in this role.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain the physical and logical infrastructure of an organization's network. This course will help you to better understand the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and the TCP/IP model, helping you to design and maintain networks that support business objectives by providing reliable, secure, and high-performance connections.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and monitor computers, computer systems, and networks. The knowledge that you gain from this course on IP protocols, TCP/IP services, network security, and remote networking will prepare you to monitor and maintain data and applications, ensuring they are available to users when needed.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the implementation and maintenance of computer systems in an organization. They ensure that an organization's IT systems are aligned with the organization's business objectives and that the organization's data and information assets are protected. This course will introduce you to basic network theory and terminology, including network components, node functions, types of networks, and network models. It will also help you build a foundation in TCP/IP and network protocols, preparing you to manage and direct IT systems and strategies.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers plan, implement, and maintain network security systems to protect networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The knowledge you gain from this course, including network theory, protocol models, network transmissions and hardware, internet protocols, TCP/IP services, network security, remote networking, and network management will help you to identify and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities in an organization's network.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and create websites and applications for the internet. This course will introduce you to basic network theory, including network components, node functions, types of networks, and network models. You will also learn about IP protocols, TCP/IP services, and network security, which are all essential for ensuring that websites and applications are accessible and secure.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases, which store and organize data for an organization. This course will teach you about basic network theory, protocol models, network transmissions and hardware, and TCP/IP services, all of which are essential for connecting to and managing databases.

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Network Technician

Network Technicians install, maintain, and repair computer networks and related equipment for an organization. This course will help you to build a foundation in network theory, protocol models, and network transmissions and hardware, preparing you to troubleshoot and maintain networks.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems and applications to meet the needs of an organization. They may also develop, test, and implement new systems and applications. This course will teach you about basic network theory, protocol models, and network transmissions and hardware, preparing you to understand the technical requirements of new systems and applications.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and assistance to organizations on all aspects of information technology. This course will introduce you to basic network theory, protocol models, network transmissions and hardware, and TCP/IP services, which are all essential for understanding the technical needs of an organization and providing effective IT consulting services.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. This course will teach you about basic network theory, protocol models, and network transmissions and hardware, which are all essential for understanding the technical requirements of software applications and systems.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, build, and manage cloud computing systems and applications. This course will teach you about basic network theory, protocol models, and network transmissions and hardware, which are all essential for understanding the technical requirements of cloud computing systems and applications.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. This course will teach you about basic network theory, protocol models, and network transmissions and hardware, which are all essential for understanding how data is collected and transmitted.

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