Network Protocols and Architecture from Coursera

Welcome to the second of five courses in the Cisco Networking Basics Specialization. Have ever wondered how devices on computer networks truly communicate? There are specific protocols or rules and standards that every device must follow to access the Internet and to communicate over a network. In this course, you will examine the principles of network communication, how networks are designed and what specifically is being sent and received by different devices when we send pictures, text messages, video or any other data across the network. What exactly is sent and how is it sent are the questions that will be answered in this course. At the end of this course, you will be able to: 1. Explain how protocols and standards benefit a global internetwork. 2. Describe how the Ethernet Protocol transmits data within a LAN. 3. Explain IPv4 addressing and the role subnet masks. 4. Use Cisco Packet Tracer to connect hosts to a wireless router in a LAN. 5. Use a protocol analyzer or "packet sniffer" to open and examine a data packet that has been transmitted across a network. 6. Examine a Windows computer to locate the physical or MAC address used send and receive data.

Good to know

Know what's good

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Develops core foundational knowledge for a career or certification in IT

Builds a strong knowledge base in networking protocols and standards, which are essential for a successful career in IT

Familiarizes learners with Cisco Packet Tracer, an industry-standard tool for network simulation and troubleshooting

Provides hands-on experience in examining data packets and understanding network communication

Requires prerequisite knowledge in basic networking concepts

Reviews summary

Cisco: networking basics — network protocols and architecture

Based on 84 reviews, students found this course to be well-structured and informative. The topics are presented in a clear and engaging manner, and the hands-on assignments help to reinforce the concepts. Overall, students felt that this course was a worthwhile experience.

Well-organized and structured

"Very well structured, documented and teached by CISCO"

Practical assignments help reinforce concepts

"The course is very much informative, but a candidate need to pay heed to every minute detail. I have learned a whole lot of things from here."

Great for those new to networking

"Excellent for someone who has no knowledge about networks and protocols, very easy to follow and I feel I learnt a lot"

Some information is repeated

"Some of the information is a bit redundant."

Some sections can be unclear

"There was some aspect of this section which were confusing..."

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 Network Protocols and Architecture with these activities:

Review Network Fundamentals Before Starting the Course

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Refreshing your knowledge of network fundamentals will provide a strong foundation for the course material.

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous networking courses.
Take practice quizzes or online assessments to test your understanding.

Create a Network Diagram of Your Home Network

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Creating a network diagram will help you visualize your home network, identify potential issues, and plan for future expansion.

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Gather information about your home network, including devices, cables, and connections.
Use a network diagramming tool or software.
Create a visual representation of your network, including all devices and their connections.

Apply Your Knowledge with Practice Drills

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Completing practice drills will help solidify your understanding of the network communication principles covered in the course.

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Access the practice drills provided by Cisco Packet Tracer.
Work through the drills, experimenting with different scenarios.
Review your results and identify areas for improvement.

Five other activities

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Compile a Glossary of Network Terminology

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Creating a glossary will provide you with a quick reference for key terms used in the course.

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As you encounter unfamiliar terms in the course material, add them to your glossary.
Include the definition, an example, and any relevant notes.
Review your glossary regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Participate in a Study Group with Classmates

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Engaging in discussions with classmates can enhance your understanding of the course material and provide different perspectives.

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Find a group of classmates who are also taking the course.
Schedule regular study sessions to discuss the course material.
Take turns leading discussions and presenting summaries of key concepts.

Attend a Local Networking Workshop or Event

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Attending a networking event can provide you with valuable insights and networking opportunities within the industry.

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Research local networking events or workshops related to the course material.
Register for and attend the event.
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.
Follow up with any contacts you make.

Explore Advanced Packet Analysis Techniques

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By exploring advanced packet analysis techniques, you can gain a deeper understanding of network traffic and identify potential issues more effectively.

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Find online tutorials or courses on advanced packet analysis.
Install Wireshark or a similar packet analyzer on your computer.
Follow the tutorials to learn about advanced features and techniques.
Practice using these techniques to analyze real-world network traffic.

Contribute to a Network Configuration Management Tool

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By contributing to an open-source project, you can gain hands-on experience in network configuration management and make a valuable contribution to the community.

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Identify an open-source network configuration management tool that interests you.
Review the project's documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
Submit a pull request with your proposed changes.
Collaborate with the project maintainers to refine and merge your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Network Protocols and Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer networks. A deep understanding of network protocols and architecture is crucial for success in this role. The Network Protocols and Architecture course provides essential knowledge in these areas, making it a valuable resource for aspiring Network Engineers.

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Computer Network Architect

The primary responsibility of a Computer Network Architect is designing, building, and maintaining computer networks. To succeed in this role, one must have a comprehensive understanding of network protocols and architecture. The Network Protocols and Architecture course offers a solid foundation in these areas, making it highly relevant for aspiring Computer Network Architects.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer networks. A solid understanding of network protocols and architecture is vital for success in this role. The Network Protocols and Architecture course offers a comprehensive overview of these topics, making it highly relevant for aspiring Network Administrators.

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Network Analyst

Network Analysts troubleshoot and resolve issues with computer networks. A strong understanding of network protocols and architecture is vital for success in this role. The Network Protocols and Architecture course offers a comprehensive overview of these topics, making it highly relevant for aspiring Network Analysts.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats. A thorough understanding of network protocols and architecture is essential for success in this role. The Network Protocols and Architecture course provides a solid foundation in these areas, making it beneficial for aspiring Information Security Analysts.

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Cloud Network Engineer

Cloud Network Engineers design, build, and maintain cloud-based networks. A strong understanding of network protocols and architecture is vital for success in this role. The Network Protocols and Architecture course offers a comprehensive overview of these topics, making it highly relevant for aspiring Cloud Network Engineers.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. A strong understanding of network protocols and architecture is vital for success in this role. The Network Protocols and Architecture course offers a comprehensive overview of these topics, making it beneficial for aspiring Network Security Engineers.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers collaborate with developers and operations teams to ensure the smooth deployment and operation of software applications. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as software applications often communicate over networks.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer systems. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as computer systems often communicate over networks.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data to extract meaningful insights and patterns. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as data is often transmitted over networks.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as computer systems often communicate over networks.

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Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as cyber threats often exploit vulnerabilities in networks.

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IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, execute, and manage IT projects. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as IT projects often involve the deployment and maintenance of networks.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as software applications often communicate over networks.

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IT Manager

IT Managers oversee the IT department of an organization. A basic understanding of network protocols and architecture may be helpful in this role, as IT departments are responsible for the management and maintenance of networks.

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