Network Concepts and Protocols from Pluralsight

Networking concepts can be overwhelming and require a precision with language to be well understood. This course will teach you the fundamentals of data networking in a language accessible to a novice technical user.

Listening to a data network engineer speak about the equipment, maintenance, and operation of a networked system can often feel like you are listening to a foreign language. Although data networking hardware is not remarkably different in operation to your desktop computer, its application and configuration requires the implementation of protocols to ensure data moves from one device to another device, quickly, and without error. In this course, Network Concepts and Protocols, you will learn how the most important protocols on the Internet, like IP, TCP, and HTTP work together to deliver a web page from a server on the Internet to your desktop’s web browser. First, you will explore to use the OSI model to organize protocols to better understand how they interact with each other. Next, you will learn the secrets of the IP address. Finally, you will discover the most important rules to help you understand if two devices can communicate or not. By the end of this course, you will be able to quickly examine network configuration on your workstation and clearly understand the different components.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Networking Concepts

Using the OSI Model to Describe Network Operations

Encapsulation and the OSI Model

Describe Protocol Uses and Port Numbers

TCP and UDP

Introduction to Binary and Hexadecimal

Introducing IPv4 Addressing

Subnetting Networks

Introduction to IPv6 Addressing

Network Service Protocols

Network Topologies and Types

Data Center Networks

Cloud Concepts

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores networking concepts using the OSI model, which is standard in industry

Teaches fundamental networking concepts, which helps learners build foundational knowledge

Taught by Ross Bagurdes, who is recognized for their work in networking

Provides an overview of data networking hardware and its application

Examines Internet protocols like IP, TCP, and HTTP, which is highly relevant to networking

Instructs learners in understanding network configurations and their components

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 Concepts and Protocols with these activities:

Review data networking basics

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Solidify your understanding of the fundamentals of data networking before the course starts to enhance your learning outcomes.

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Revisit the OSI model and its layers.
Review basic networking concepts, such as IP addresses, subnetting, and routing.
Understand the role of protocols like TCP and UDP in data transmission.

Organize and review your course materials

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Stay organized and enhance your comprehension by regularly reviewing and consolidating your course materials.

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Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, and other resources.
Periodically review your materials, identifying key concepts and areas for improvement.
Summarize and condense your notes to reinforce your understanding.

Work through subnetting practice problems

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Enhance your understanding of subnetting techniques by practicing with real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Subnetting

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Find online subnetting calculators or practice problems.
Calculate subnet masks, network addresses, and broadcast addresses.
Divide networks into subnets based on specific requirements.

Six other activities

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Join a study group to discuss network concepts

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Engage with peers to share knowledge, clarify doubts, and reinforce your understanding of networking concepts.

Browse courses on Networking

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Find a study group or create one with classmates or colleagues.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, work on practice problems, and exchange ideas.
Take turns explaining concepts and providing feedback to each other.

Attend a workshop on network troubleshooting

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Gain practical experience in identifying and resolving network issues by attending a specialized workshop.

Browse courses on Network Troubleshooting

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Find and register for a workshop on network troubleshooting.
Actively participate in the workshop, taking notes and asking questions.
Practice the troubleshooting techniques you learn in your own network environment.

Build a network diagram of your home network

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Demonstrate your comprehension of network topologies and apply your knowledge to a practical scenario.

Browse courses on Network Topology

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Identify the devices on your home network, such as your router, modem, and computers.
Map out the physical connections between these devices.
Use a network diagram tool or draw a sketch to visualize the topology.

Explore online tutorials on network security

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Expand your knowledge beyond the course curriculum by delving into network security best practices and techniques.

Browse courses on network security

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Search for reputable online tutorials or courses on network security.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and completing any exercises or quizzes.
Apply what you learn to your understanding of data networking protocols.

Design a network for a small business

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Apply your knowledge of networking principles to a practical scenario by designing a network for a small business.

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Gather requirements for the network, such as the number of users, devices, and applications.
Choose appropriate network hardware and software based on the requirements.
Design the network topology and configure the devices.
Test and troubleshoot the network to ensure it meets the requirements.

Participate in a network design competition

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Challenge yourself and test your networking skills by participating in a competition that requires you to design and implement a network solution.

Browse courses on Network Design

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Find and register for a network design competition.
Work individually or in a team to design and implement a network solution that meets the competition requirements.
Submit your solution and participate in the competition.

Career center

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

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of network protocols and technologies to ensure that networks are running efficiently and securely. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Network Engineer. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in designing and building networks. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Network Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Network Administrator. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in configuring and managing networks. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Network Administrator.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are responsible for designing and implementing network security solutions. They work with a variety of security technologies and protocols to protect networks from security threats. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Network Security Engineer. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing security solutions. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Network Security Engineer.

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Security Architect

Security Architects are responsible for designing and implementing security solutions for organizations. They work with a variety of security technologies and protocols to protect organizations from security threats. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Security Architect. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing security solutions.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers are responsible for testing the security of computer systems and networks. They work with a variety of security technologies and protocols to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Penetration Tester. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in testing the security of systems and networks.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing solutions. They work with a variety of cloud platforms and technologies to build scalable and reliable systems. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Cloud Architect. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in designing and building cloud solutions. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Cloud Architect.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. They work with a variety of security technologies and protocols to identify and mitigate security risks. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Information Security Analyst. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in implementing and managing security measures. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as an Information Security Analyst.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that IT systems meet the needs of the organization. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful IT Manager. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in managing IT systems. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as an IT Manager.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Systems Analyst. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in designing and building systems. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Systems Analyst.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations to businesses on how to improve their operations. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Analyst. You will learn how to use data networking protocols to collect and transfer data, and how to use the OSI model to organize and understand data. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Data Analyst.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They work with a variety of technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Web Developer. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in building websites and web applications. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Web Developer.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to build software solutions. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Software Engineer. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in building software applications. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Software Engineer.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They work with a variety of data sources and technologies to extract insights from data. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Scientist. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing data. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Data Scientist.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation for a variety of audiences. They work with a variety of writing tools and technologies to create clear and concise documentation. The Network Concepts and Protocols course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Technical Writer. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in creating technical documentation. This knowledge will be essential for you in your role as a Technical Writer.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and develop user interfaces for websites and applications. They work with a variety of design tools and technologies to create user interfaces that are both usable and visually appealing. The Network Concepts and Protocols course may be useful for you in your role as a User Experience Designer. You will learn about the different types of network protocols and how they work, and you will gain hands-on experience in designing and developing user interfaces.

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