CS 196: Introduction to Networking
In this introduction to networking, learn how computer networks work, the architecture used to design networks, and how to keep them secure.
In this introduction to networking, learn how computer networks work, the architecture used to design networks, and how to keep them secure.
Introduction
What is a Computer Network?
Functions of a Computer Network
Computer Networking Protocols
Types of Computer Networks
Local Area Networks (LAN)
Personal Area Networks (PAN)
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Other Types of Computer Networks
Home Area Networks
Enterprise Private Networks
Virtual Private Networks
Campus Area Networks
Backbone Networks
Global Area Networks
Design of Computer Networks
Client/Server Networks
P2P Networks
Types of Network Connections
Bus Topology
Ring Topology
Star Topology
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.1
Communication Networks: Definition
Everyday Life
1. File Sharing: Multimedia
2. Hardware Sharing: Backup and Recovery
3. Messaging and Communicating
4. Web Access: Web Browser Applications
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.2
Telecommunication Systems
Components of a Telecommunication System
Computer Network
Different Types of Networks
Network Properties
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.3
What is Client-Server Network?
Client-Server Network Examples
How Does It Work?
Advantages of Client-Server Network
Disadvantages of Client-Server Network
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.4
Network Architecture
Peer-to-Peer
Client/Server
Multi-Tier Architecture
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.5
Types of Networks
Personal Area Network
Local Area Network
Metropolitan Area Network
Wide Area Network
Private Networks
Other Special Purpose Networks
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.6
ISP Definition
What is ISP?
Services of ISPs
ISP Examples
DSL & Cable ISP
Fiber Optics
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.7
What is the Internet?
History of the Internet
Internet Protocol (IP) Address
Internet Service Provider
Communication (TCP/IP)
Domain Name System (DNS)
ICANN or Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
Process for Retrieving a Web Page
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.8
Networking
Wi-Fi 6 & Wi-Fi 7
5G
Automation
1. AI and Machine Learning
2. SD-WAN
3. Open Source Networking
Lesson Summary
Quiz 1.9
Introduction
What are Networking Standards?
Organizations that Create Networking Standards
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
International Standards Organization (ISO)
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
Internet Society (ISOC)
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
International Corporations for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.1
Basic Principles
Key Terms
Data Packet Description
Data Packet Composition
Packet Loss
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.2
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model
The Seven Layers of the OSI Model
How the OSI Model Works: An Example
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.3
Application Layer Defined
The Seven Layers
Protocols and Functions
Domain Name System
IMAP Internet Message Access Protocol
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.4
What is the Presentation Layer?
The OSI Model
Roles, Functions and Protocols
Sublayers in the Presentation Layer
Responsibilities of the Presentation Layer
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.5
What Is the Session Layer?
What Is the Open Systems Interconnect Model?
Understanding the Session Layer
Session Layer Functions and Protocols
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.6
Layers of the OSI Model
Transport Layer
Services
Functions
Protocols
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.7
The Network Layer
Network Layer Functions
Design Issues of the OSI Model
Insecurity & Network Anxiety Disorder
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.8
What Is the OSI Model?
Data Link Layer
Regulating Data Flow
Protocols
Data Flow to the Network Layer
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.9
The OSI Model Physical Layer
Physical Layer Components
Physical Layer Cable Types
Physical Layer Cable Connections
Physical Layer Transmission Media
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.10
Standards and Protocols Necessity
Networking Protocols
Functions & Characteristics of TCP/IP
Networking Standards Bodies
Lesson Summary
Quiz 2.11
Introduction
Types of Signals
What is an Analog Signal?
What is a Digital Signal?
Analog Signal and Digital Signal Examples
Analog vs Digital Signal
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.1
Networks
1. Simplex
2. Half duplex
3. Full duplex
Multiplexing and Bandwidth
Baseband & Broadband Transmission
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.2
Transmission Media & Types
1. Twisted Pair Cable
2. Coaxial Cables
3. Optical Fibers
4. Wireless or Unguided Transmission Media
Network Connectors
RJ-45
USB
RJ-11
F-Type
SC & ST
Fiber LC
MT-RJ
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.3
Communication Channels
What Is a Simplex Channel?
What Is a Half-Duplex Channel?
What Is a Full-Duplex Channel?
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.4
Being Effective
What is Time Multiplexing?
Applications and Examples of Time Multiplexing
Advantages of Time Multiplexing
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.5
Bandwidth vs. Throughput
More About Bandwidth
More About Throughput
Bandwidth Needs
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.6
It's About Demand
Demand Results in Throughput
Demand Results in Latency
Why Throughput and Latency Matter
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.7
Frequency Division Multiplexing
Multiplexing & De-Multiplexing
Frequency vs Time
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.8
Networking Cables 101
Twisted Pair Cables
Types of UTP
UTP vs. STP
Coaxial vs. Fiber Optics
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.9
Optical Fiber Defined
Types of Optical Fiber
Advantages & Limitations
Lesson Summary
Quiz 3.10
Introduction
Introduction to TCP/IP
Terminology
Description
IP Addressing
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.1
Role of IANA
Domain Name Services
Number Resources
Protocol Assignments
Role of ICANN
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.2
UDP: History
Characteristics
UDP Packet Structure
Quick Facts
Present Iterations and Usage
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.3
Host Name Definition
What is a Network?
Host Name in a Network
Host Name on the Internet or WAN
Reference a Host Name
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.4
What Is DNS?
How Does DNS Work?
User Requests Information
Request Information from Recursive DNS Servers
Request Information from Root Servers
Root Servers Request Information from TLD Name Servers
TLD Request Authoritative Servers
Name Resolution
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.5
What Is IP?
What Does the 'IP' Stand For?
What does an IP Address Do?
What Is an IP Number?
IP Address Definition
IP Address Meaning
IP Address Types
IP Address Classes
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.6
IPv4 Addresses
IP Packet Structure
IP Address Classes
Public, Private, Reserved
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.7
What is IPv6?
Why is it Important?
The Structure
Different Addressing Types
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.8
About the IPv4 Protocol
IPv4 Characteristics
IPv4 Subnetting
How These Nodes Communicate
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.9
The Importance of Addresses
IP Addresses
MAC Addresses
Addresses and Network Layers
Significance of MAC and IP Addresses
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.10
The History of IPv4
IPv4 Characteristics
IPv4 Subnetting
Quick Facts
Present Iterations and Usage
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.11
Types of Routes and Protocols
IPv4 Characteristics
IPv6 Characteristics
How These Nodes Communicate
Address Assignments
Communication on the same subnet
Routing Protocols
Summary
Quiz 4.12
What is Address Translation?
How Does This Translation Work?
Types of Address Translations
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Static NAT
Dynamic NAT
Port Address Translation
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.13
Application Layer Definition
Application Layer Protocol Types
Lesson Summary
Quiz 4.14
Introduction
Network Design
A Simple Local Network
What does /24 mean?
The Client Gets a New Department
Subnetting
The Gateway
Internet Access
Lesson Summary
Quiz 5.1
Definition
History and Evolution
Everyday Usage
Lesson Summary
Quiz 5.2
Overview: What is SMTP?
How Does It all work?
SMTP Server Contact Initialized
Mail Identification Details Transmitted
Mail Details Transmitted
Message Sent and Process Terminated
In Simple Terms
SMTP Advantages
Lesson Summary
Quiz 5.3
What is Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension?
Why MIME Can Be Useful
A Real World Example
Lesson Summary
Quiz 5.4
What is Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)?
IMAP Port Access
IMAP Uses
Lesson Summary
Quiz 5.5
Introduction
IPConfig
IfConfig
Tracert
Ping
Netstat
Nslookup Command
Getmac Command
Lesson Summary
Quiz 5.6
Introduction
ISP
WAN (Wide Area Network) Connections
Designing the Network
Load Balancing
QoS
Summary
Quiz 5.7
Introduction
Network Topology
Point-to-Point
Bus
Star
Ring
Mesh
Tree
Hybrid
Which One to Choose
Lesson Summary
Quiz 6.1
Physical & Logical Topologies
Signal Topologies
Common Types of Physical Topologies
Lesson Summary
Quiz 6.2
Hybrid Network Topologies
Types of Hybrid Network Topologies
1. Star-Wired Ring Network Topology
2. Star-Wired Bus Network Topology
3. Hierarchical Network Topology
Hybrid Network Topologies Uses
1. Where There Is Need for Flexibility and Ease of Network Growth
2. Where There Is Need for Isolation of Individual Networks
3. Where There Is Need to Increase Reliability
4. Where There Is Need to Overcome the Weaknesses of the Basic Network Topologies
Lesson Summary
Quiz 6.3
What Is a Backbone Network?
Serial Backbone
Distributed Backbone
Collapsed Backbone
Parallel Backbone
Lesson Summary
Quiz 6.4
What Is Network Switching?
Circuit Switching
Packet Switching
Multi-Protocol Label Switching
Lesson Summary
Quiz 6.5
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet Standards
CSMA/CD Standard
Standards for Cable
10 Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet Frames
Lesson Summary
Quiz 6.6
Introduction
What is a Server and What are the Functions of a Server?
Client-Server Model
Types of Server and Services Provided by the Server
Desktop Computers and Servers
Components and Subcomponents of Servers
Hardware and Software Requirements for Servers
Lesson Summary
Quiz 7.1
Network Interface Cards
Ethernet Connection
Wireless Connection
Lesson Summary
Quiz 7.2
LAN: Definition
LAN Card Types
Function
LAN Card vs. Integrated Wi-Fi
LAN Card Categories
Lesson Summary
Quiz 7.3
Network Hardware
Transmission Media
Repeaters, Hubs, Bridges and Switches
Routers and Gateways
Modems
Network Interface Card
Lesson Summary
Quiz 7.4
What is a VLAN?
Configuration Example
VLAN: Basic Set Up
Trunking
Lesson Summary
Quiz 7.5
What is the Internet?
Internet: Uses
What is an Internet-to Orbit Gateway?
Internet-to-Orbit: Uses
The Cloud
The Cloud: Uses
Internet of Things
Internet of Things: Uses
Gateways
Gateways: Uses
Lesson Summary
Quiz 7.6
Introduction
WAN Connectivity Techniques
WAN Overview
Hub and Spoke
Full Mesh Network Topology
WAN Connectivity
Common Carriers
The Future of WAN Connectivity
Lesson Summary
Quiz 8.1
What Is a Wide Area Network?
Types of Network Topologies
Lesson Summary
Quiz 8.2
A Brief History of Home Networks
The Advantages of DSL
The Disadvantages of DSL
Asymmetric DSL
Symmetric DSL
The Cable Network Connection
Comparing DSL and Cable Networks
Lesson Summary
Quiz 8.3
Data Communication
Synchronous Networks
Asynchronous Networks
Lesson Summary
Quiz 8.4
Introduction
Wireless Transmission
Frequency Ranges
Wireless Transmission Components
1. Antennas
2. Signal Strength
3. Signal Degradation
4. Signal Types
5. Fixed vs. Mobile Network
Lesson Summary
Quiz 9.1
Wireless Communication
Mobile Phones
Tablet Computers
PDAs
Satellite Phones
GPS
Lesson Summary
Quiz 9.2
Short-Range Wireless
Bluetooth
Infrared
Zigbee
Other Examples
Lesson Summary
Quiz 9.3
Wi-Fi
Access Points & Hotspots
Lesson Summary
Quiz 9.4
Wireless Communication
Getting Online From (Almost) Anywhere
Cellular Communication - 5G and Beyond
Microwaves
Wireless From Space
Lesson Summary
Quiz 9.5
Introduction to Wireless Access Points
Routing in a Wireless Network and a Wired Network
WAP Set-up Options
Wireless Access Points as a Basic Router
Things to Consider while Setting up a WAP
WAP as a Pass Through
Applications of Wireless Access Points
Lesson Summary
Quiz 9.6
What are WLAN Protocols?
Types of WLAN Protocols
802.11a Protocol
802.11b Protocol
802.11g Protocol
802.11n Protocol
802.11ac Protocol
Lesson Summary
Quiz 9.7
Introduction
What is a Virtual LAN?
What are the Benefits?
Easier maintenance
Easier troubleshooting
Better security
Improved stability
How Switches Create VLANs
Static VLAN
Dynamic VLAN
A VLAN Configuration Example
Lesson Summary
Quiz 10.1
VPN Defined
Different Types of VPNs
How Do VPNs Work?
Lesson Summary
Quiz 10.2
SSH Alternatives
Telnet
Going Mobile With Mosh
VPN
Lesson Summary
Quiz 10.3
SSH Remote Access
SSH Protocol
Remote Access
Lesson Summary
Quiz 10.4
Definition of Cloud Computing
What Is the Cloud?
Advantages of Cloud Computing
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Lesson Summary
Quiz 10.5
Introduction
Introduction to Computer Security
Security Threats
Security Defenses
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.1
Network Security
How Network Security is Implemented
Hardware Appliance
Software
As a Service (Cloud-based)
Types of Network Security
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.2
Definition
Types of Network Threats
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.3
What Is Network Security?
Fundamentals of Network Security
Scope of Network Security
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.4
How is Network Security Important?
Security is Professional
Security is Legal and Financial
Security is Personal
Summary
Quiz 11.5
What's a Firewall and How Does It Protect You?
How Traditional Firewalls Work
The Evolution of the Firewall
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.6
What Is A Network Security Key?
Types of Network Security
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.7
Affixing Your Signature
What is Network Security?
How Does Non-Repudiation Factor In?
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.8
What is WPA?
Why WPA?
WPA Security
WPA2 vs WPA2 Enterprise
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.9
The Tale of Cables
What is WEP?
What is Network Security?
How Does WEP Relate to Network Security?
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.10
Why Secure a Wireless Network?
Encryption
Network Names and Passwords
Advanced Steps
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.11
What is a Computer Network?
Social Impact of Computer Networks
Defining Network Security
Common Network Vulnerabilities
Computer Viruses
Limiting Your Network Vulnerabilities
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.12
Different Threats
Active vs. Passive
Examples of Active Threats
Examples of Passive Threats
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.13
An Unpleasant Surprise
What Is a Denial of Service Attack?
Target Categories
What Does an Attack Look Like?
How to Defend
Lesson Summary
Quiz 11.14
Introduction
Definition
History and Evolution
Lesson Summary
Quiz 12.1
What is Video-Over IP?
Characteristics of Video-Over IP
Streaming Video
Video Conferencing
Lesson Summary
Quiz 12.2
Now You See Me
VoIP Protocols
Types of Signaling Protocols
SIP
H.323
MGCP
Lesson Summary
Quiz 12.3
Transporting Communications
Transport Protocols
Defining RTP and RTCP
Lesson Summary
Quiz 12.4
The Magic of VoIP
What It Means To RSVP
Types of QoS Models
How VoIP Benefits From MPLS
Lesson Summary
Quiz 12.5
Assignment
Download Case study here
Final Exam: Instructions (Important)
FINAL EXAM
We’ll help you check. UPI Study courses are ACE & NCCRS-recommended, and students have successfully transferred credits to 1733+ universities. You can check your college in our list so you can move forward with confidence or schedule a call.
Step 1
Start one or more courses covering lower or upper division requirements. Great for completing your degree.
Step 2
Complete courses by watching fun video lessons, taking short quizzes and the final exam, all from home.
Step 3
Send transcript and transfer earned college credits to your university and graduate sooner, and at a fraction of the cost.
Select your course and click Enroll Today.
Create your account and complete checkout.
Start earning affordable college credits.
All Courses, Computer Science, NCCRS Courses
The course aims to cover the fundamentals of information security, focusing on critical areas such as network encryption, firewall systems, authentication processes, and auditing and configuration practices.
All Courses, Computer Science, ACE Courses, NCCRS Courses
The course objective is to introduce students to the basics of cybersecurity and cybercrime. Learn about cybersecurity policies and procedures, the impact of cybercrime on communication, cryptography, operating system and network security.
All Courses, Computer Science, Gen Eds, ACE Courses, NCCRS Courses
IT Fundamentals introduces computer hardware, computer software, databases, networking, security, and software development. Each lesson includes a combination of readings, lectures, quizzes, and assignments to prepare you to be the best.
Invite a friend to join UPI and help them cut their college costs from day one. They save big, you earn up to $200 cashback — everyone wins, and it takes less than a minute to share.
Speak directly with a UPI Study advisor to understand how our transferable online college credits work, whether your university accepts them, and how to move forward with confidence.
Get quick answers about ACE & NCCRS-recommended credits, course selection, pricing, and transfer policies through WhatsApp support.
Prefer SMS? Text UPI Study to get help with enrollment, exams, self-paced online courses, and how to transfer credits to your university.
Explore in-depth guides on testing out of college courses, transfer credit policies, ACE evaluations, and ways to save on tuition.
General Questions
UPI Study courses are fully self-paced, meaning you control your time commitment.
You can:
Move quickly to test out of course material if you’re confident
Slow down and study at a comfortable pace if needed
Fit coursework around work, school, or personal responsibilities
This flexibility makes UPI Study ideal for students looking to earn college credit online, finish requirements faster, or balance learning with other commitments.
Yes, UPI Study courses include online exams, which are conducted securely on our platform and are proctored to meet academic standards.
Your final course grade is evenly distributed as follows:
25% Attendance
25% Quizzes
25% Assignments
25% Final Exam
This balanced grading structure ensures that students are evaluated fairly across participation, coursework, and exams—similar to traditional college classes, but with the flexibility of online learning.
Content Questions
To confirm whether your university will accept UPI Study’s transferable online college credits, you can check one of the following:
1) Verify if your university is listed
UPI Study courses carry NCCRS credit recommendations, and credits have already been reviewed by 1,500+ colleges and universities. If your school appears on the NCCRS list, your credits are very likely transferable.
OR
2) Review your university’s transfer credit policy
Many universities state that they accept credits from regionally accredited institutions or from ACE/NCCRS-evaluated coursework. If your university’s policy includes this language, UPI Study credits typically qualify for review and transfer.
As long as you meet either of these criteria, your credits can usually be transferred without issue.
Check the list of colleges here.
Membership Questions
Yes — this is one of the key differences with UPI Study.
Each student is assigned an academic advisor who helps guide them through the credit transfer process, including:
Understanding your university’s transfer policy
Preparing the right documents and transcripts
Knowing when and how to submit credits for evaluation
This level of hands-on support is designed to make transferring online college credits as smooth and stress-free as possible.
UPI Study offers a completely online learning experience, free from the high costs of traditional colleges and universities. By cutting out the institutional overhead, we pass the savings onto you (instead of extra costs) — providing top-quality courses at a price that fits with your budget
Quick answers about transferable online college credits, test-out style learning, and ACE & NCCRS-recommended credit options through UPI Study.
UPI Study offers transferable online college credits that are evaluated by universities across the
United States, Canada, and the UK. Our official transcripts have been reviewed by
2,100+ colleges and universities, and many students transfer credits toward
general education or elective requirements.
In Short - Many learners use UPI Study to test out of college courses and move faster without paying full tuition.
Anyone can enroll — including high school students, incoming college students,
adult learners, and students trying to test out of traditional college courses.
UPI Study is built for self-paced online college courses so you can finish on your schedule.
In Short - If you’re searching for a faster way to earn transfer credits to your university, this is one of the simplest options.
Taking self-paced online college credits can help you save time and reduce tuition costs
versus traditional on-campus classes. Many students use UPI Study to complete prerequisites faster and shorten
their time to graduation while still earning transferable college credit.
In Short - For students looking to test out or finish general education requirements quickly, this is often the most efficient path.
Many UPI Study courses are ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended, commonly for
3 semester credit hours per course. Your university registrar makes the final decision, but schools often
evaluate UPI Study credits similarly to other ACE credit recommendation options.
In Short -If you’re searching for ACE recommended college credit or NCCRS credit recommendation, these keywords match exactly how registrars review transfer credit.
UPI Study helped me fast-track my final semester for my bachelor’s degree. I completed four courses 12 college credits in total....and successfully transferred them back to my university. Because of that, I stayed on track to graduate on time.
If you’re looking for a legitimate way to earn transferable college credits online and move through your degree faster, UPI Study is definitely worth considering.
Anna, Pennsylvania State University
I was able to go from having no transferable credits to transferring 90 college credits into my university through UPI Study. The courses are broken down into short, easy-to-follow video lessons, which made learning manageable even with a busy schedule.
The platform itself is modern and easy to use, not glitchy or outdated like some online learning systems. If you’re trying to finish your degree faster or pick up extra classes without a huge added cost, UPI Study is a solid option.
Saherine, Southern New Hampshire University
It’s completely legit. I’d just recommend checking in advance that the credits will transfer to the university or college you plan to attend...which is something you should do with any transfer credit option anyway!!
Using UPI Study ended up saving me an entire semester of tuition! I spent a few hundred dollars instead of several thousand, which honestly made a huge difference. The course content was relevant, current, and actually useful—not outdated or filler material.
If your school accepts the transferable credits from UPI Study, it’s a no-brainer. It’s an affordable way to earn college credit online and move through your degree faster.
Lewis, Excelsior University
As a working professional, I wanted to advance my career with a Data Science degree. UPI Study allowed me to earn credits while working full-time, which I transferred to California State University. This helped me finish my degree in 1.5 years instead of 4. I'm graduating in fall '24 and will be working as a data analyst at a health startup. UPI was key to my career growth.
Isabella Silva, California State University