This course is designed to provide a full overview of computer networking. We’ll cover everything from the fundamentals of modern networking technologies and protocols to an overview of the cloud to practical applications and network troubleshooting.
The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
This course is part of Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Instructor: Google Career Certificates
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(50,195 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 23 hours
Learn at your own pace
94%
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Assessments
32 quizzes
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.
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There are 6 modules in this course
Welcome to the Networking course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! In the first module of this course, we will cover the basics of computer networking. We will learn about the TCP/IP and OSI networking models and how the network layers work together. We'll also cover the basics of networking devices such as cables, hubs and switches, routers, servers and clients. We'll also explore the physical layer and data link layer of our networking model in more detail. By the end of this module, you will know how all the different layers of the network model fit together to create a network.
What's included
15 videos7 readings6 quizzes1 plugin
In the second module of this course, we'll explore the network layer in more depth. We'll learn about the IP addressing scheme and how subnetting works. We'll explore how encapsulation works and how protocols such as ARP allow different layers of the network to communicate. We'll also cover the basics of routing, routing protocols, and how the Internet works. By the end of this module, you'll be able to describe the IP addressing scheme, understand how subnetting works, perform binary math to describe subnets, and understand how the Internet works.
What's included
18 videos3 readings4 quizzes
In the third module of this course, we'll explore the transport and application layers. By the end of this module, you'll be able to describe TCP ports and sockets, identify the different components of a TCP header, show the difference between connection-oriented and connectionless protocols, and explain how TCP is used to ensure data integrity.
What's included
11 videos2 readings4 quizzes1 plugin
In the fourth module of this course, we'll explore networking services. We'll learn about why we need DNS and how it works. We'll also show you why DHCP makes network administration a simpler task. By the end of this module, you'll be able to do describe how DNS and DHCP work, how NAT technologies help keep networks secure, and how VPNs and proxies help users connect and stay secured.
What's included
14 videos2 readings7 quizzes
In the fifth module of this course, we'll explore the history of the Internet, how it evolved, and how it works today. We'll understand the different ways to connect to the Internet through cables, wireless and cellar connections, and even fiber connections. By the end of this module, you'll be able to define the components of WANs and outline the basics of wireless and cellular networking.
What's included
15 videos8 readings6 quizzes
Congratulations, you've made it to the final module in the course! In the last module of this course, we'll explore the future of computer networking. We'll also cover the practical aspects of troubleshooting a network using popular operating systems. By the end of this module, you'll be able to detect and fix a lot of common network connectivity problems using tools available in Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
What's included
18 videos6 readings5 quizzes
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (13,895 ratings)Offered by
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4
Reviewed on Jun 30, 2022
Its interesting if you like understanding how the internet works. There is a lot moving parts involved for everything to work smothly. It changed what I had thought about it before I took this course.
BC
5
Reviewed on Jun 23, 2018
I loved this course. When I had issues support was awesome sauce. I really enjoyed the puns this instructor used to keep you from going off in a daze. I really wish I would have found Coursera sooner.
DL
5
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2021
This course was amazing and helped me understand so much more about networking, things I never thought I would know or understand. Very fulfilling and I can't wait to use this knowledge going forward.
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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