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Introduction
to Networking
How data moves across the world. Protocols, architecture, and the networking fundamentals that every IT and tech professional needs.
What You'll Learn
A full semester of introduction to networking — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Attain a comprehensive understanding of computer networks, encompassing various types and characteristics, and their integral role in contemporary society
- Identify and evaluate the key components of telecommunications systems, recognizing their significance in facilitating efficient data transmission and network management; analyse different network architectures, including hierarchical and peer-to-peer models, and assess their suitability for different organizational needs and objectives
- Distinguish between various network types, such as LANs, WANs, WLANs, MANs, SANs, PANs, EPNs, and VPNs, understanding their respective functionalities and applications
- Understand the functions and significance of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the essential aspects of the Internet, including IP addresses, URLs, DNS, and the historical development from ARPANET; and explore potential future trends and advancements in networking technologies, recognizing their implications for future network infrastructures and digital connectivity.
Major Course Topics
Course chapters and lessons
Introduction to Networking has 15 chapters across 57 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.
- Chapters
- 15
- Lessons
- 97
- Instructional hours
- 57 hrs
- Semester hours
- 3
Chapter 1
What Networks Are and Why They Matter
- 1.1 Significance of Communication Networks in Modern Society
- 1.2 Understanding Computer Networks: Classification and Characteristics
- 1.3 Exploring the Elements of Telecommunications Systems
- 1.4 Unveiling the Concept of Client-Server Networks: Features, Pros, and Cons
- 1.5 Analysis of Network Architectures: Hierarchical and Peer-to-Peer Models
- 1.6 Diverse Network Types: LANs, WANs, WLANs, MANs, SANs, PANs, EPNs, and VPNs
Chapter 2
The Internet — History, Governance, and Standards
- 2.1 The World Wide Web: IP Addresses, URLs, DNS, ISPs, and the Evolution from ARPANET
- 2.2 Deciphering Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Definitions and Instances
- 2.3 Standardization Bodies in Networking
- 2.4 Standards for Internet Connectivity and Communication
- 2.5 Exploring the Roles of IANA and ICANN in IP Address Management
- 2.6 How Hostnames and DNS Work Together to Resolve Network Addresses
- 2.7 Anticipating Future Trends in Networking
Chapter 3
Network Structures, Topologies, and Physical Layout
- 3.1 Point-to-Point Topologies: Star and Bus Configurations
- 3.2 Loop and Distributed Topologies: Ring and Mesh Configurations
- 3.3 Understanding Physical and Logical Topologies: Definitions and Characteristics
- 3.4 Investigating Hybrid Networking Topologies: Types, Applications, and Exemplars
- 3.5 Analyzing Backbone Networks: Types and Utilizations
- 3.6 Delving into Network Switching: Definitions and Varieties
- 3.7 Unveiling Ethernet Standards and Frame Structures
- 3.8 Unveiling Internet Packets: Definitions and Clarifications
Chapter 4
Signals, Media, and Physical Data Movement
- 4.1 Understanding Digital and Analog Signals: Definitions and Explanations
- 4.2 Introduction to Transmission Basics in Networking: Types and Definitions
- 4.3 Exploring Transmission Basics in Networking: Media Characteristics and Connectors
- 4.4 Differentiating Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Duplex Communication Channels
- 4.5 Overview of Networking Cables: Types and Characteristics
- 4.6 Unveiling Optical Fiber: Definitions and Concepts
- 4.7 Applications, Advantages, and Examples of Time Multiplexing
- 4.8 Advantages and Examples of Frequency-Division Multiplexing
- 4.9 Network Performance Metrics: Bandwidth, Throughput, and Latency
Chapter 5
The OSI Model — Layers, Functions, and Protocols
- 5.1 Understanding the OSI Model: Leveraging Open Systems Interconnection for Data Transmission
- 5.2 Examining the Physical Layer of the OSI Model: Definitions, Components, and Transmission Media
- 5.3 Scrutinizing the Data Link Layer of the OSI Model: Protocols, Functions, and Design Considerations
- 5.4 Investigating the Network Layer of the OSI Model: Functions, Design Principles, and Security Measures
- 5.5 Analyzing the Transport Layer of the OSI Model: Functions, Security Considerations, and Protocol Suite
- 5.6 Navigating the Session Layer of the OSI Model: Functions, Protocol Suite, and Practical Applications
- 5.7 Delving into the Presentation Layer of the OSI Model: Definitions, Functions, and Protocol Suite
- 5.8 Exploring the Application Layer of the OSI Model: Definitions, Roles, and Protocols
Chapter 6
TCP/IP — The Language of the Internet
- 6.1 Understanding Communication Protocols: TCP/IP and Its Explanation
- 6.2 Understanding Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses: Definitions and Explanations
- 6.3 IP Addressing: Comparing IPv4 and IPv6 Structure, Classes, and Types
- 6.4 Unraveling the UDP Protocol: Characteristics and Structure
- 6.5 Network Component Addressing: Types and Significance
- 6.6 Understanding Address Translation: Definitions, Types, and Examples
- 6.7 Overview of Application Layer Protocols: Types and Uses
Chapter 7
Routing, Subnetting, and Network Design
- 7.1 Designing IPv4 Networks and Subnetting Strategies
- 7.2 Routing Between Two Nodes Using IPv4 Addressing
- 7.3 Exploring Types of Routes Between Nodes: Protocols and Examples
- 7.4 Crafting a TCP/IP-Based Network Design
- 7.5 Factors Influencing Network Design: Considerations and Strategies
- 7.6 Utilizing Command-Line Networking Tools: Types and Applications
Chapter 8
Network Hardware, Devices, and Infrastructure
- 8.1 Understanding Server Functionality: Definitions and Explanations
- 8.2 Exploring Network Interface Cards (NICs): Types, Functions, and Definitions
- 8.3 Defining Local Area Network (LAN) Cards: Functions, Types, and Applications
- 8.4 Routing and Switching Devices: Routers, Switches, and Bridges
- 8.5 Connectivity Devices: Modems and Gateways
- 8.6 Embracing Internet Infrastructure: Gateways, Cloud Computing, and the Internet
- 8.7 Unraveling VLANs and Trunking: Definitions and Applications
Chapter 9
Mail Services and Messaging Protocols
- 9.1 Exploring the Post Office Protocol (POP): Overview and Definitions
- 9.2 Understanding the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): Definitions and Applications
- 9.3 Unveiling the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME): Definitions and Applications
- 9.4 Delving into the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP): Definitions and Applications
Chapter 10
Wide Area Networks — Connectivity Beyond the LAN
- 10.1 Exploring Techniques for Wide Area Network Connectivity
- 10.2 Analyzing Wide Area Network Topologies
- 10.3 Understanding DSL and Cable Wide Area Networks: Definitions, Varieties, and Applications
- 10.4 Comparing Synchronous and Asynchronous Networks in Wide Area Networks
Chapter 11
Wireless Communication — From Bluetooth to 5G
- 11.1 Exploring Wireless Transmission Characteristics: Components and Illustrations
- 11.2 Understanding Short-Range Wireless Communication: Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Infrared Transmission
- 11.3 Analyzing Medium-Range Wireless Communication: Wi-Fi and Hotspots
- 11.4 Examining Wide-Area Wireless Communication: Microwave, Satellite Connectivity, and 5G Technology
- 11.5 Investigating Communication and Wireless Computing Devices: GPS, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Cellular Technology, and Satellites
- 11.6 Unveiling WLAN Protocols: Types and Characteristics
- 11.7 Delving into Routing Mechanisms in Wireless Networks: Access Points and Processes
Chapter 12
Virtual Networks, Remote Access, and Cloud Computing
- 12.1 Understanding Virtual LANs: Definitions and Applications
- 12.2 Exploring Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Definitions, Types, and Utilizations
- 12.3 Secure Remote Access: SSH and Alternative Methods
- 12.4 Unveiling Cloud Computing: Definitions, Benefits, and Drawbacks
Chapter 13
Network Security — Principles, Tools, and Mechanisms
- 13.1 Defining Network Security and its Core Principles
- 13.2 Examining the Significance of Network Security in Modern Environments
- 13.3 Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Network Security
- 13.4 Unveiling the Role and Importance of Firewalls in Network Security
- 13.5 Deciphering Network Security Keys: Definitions and Varieties
- 13.6 Exploring the Concept of Non-Repudiation in Network Security
- 13.7 Exploring Diverse Approaches to Network Security
Chapter 14
Threats, Attacks, and Wireless Security
- 14.1 Safeguarding Computer Systems and Mitigating Threats for Individuals and Organizations
- 14.2 Identifying and Addressing Network Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
- 14.3 Passive Network Attacks: Eavesdropping, Sniffing, and Traffic Analysis
- 14.4 Active Network Attacks: Spoofing, Hijacking, and Injection
- 14.5 Understanding Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks and Their Ramifications
- 14.6 Investigating Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) in Network Security
- 14.7 Delving into Wireless Protected Access (WPA) Technology
- 14.8 Implementing Best Practices and Measures to Secure Wireless Networks
Chapter 15
Unified Communications — VoIP, Video, and QoS
- 15.1 The Evolution of Voice Communication: From Analog Telephony to VoIP
- 15.2 How VoIP Works: Digitization, Codecs, and Packet Delivery
- 15.3 Understanding the Nature and Traits of Video Transmission Over IP Networks
- 15.4 Signaling and Transport Protocols for VoIP and Video-Over-IP Communications
- 15.5 Ensuring Quality of Service in VoIP and Video-Over-IP Environments
These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.
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