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Cloud Computing and DevOps

Computer Networking Basics

Understand how networks move data, plan IP addressing and VLANs, and set up, document and troubleshoot a small office network with confidence.

Level
Beginner
Format
Written, self-paced
Length
About 6 hours
Lessons
15
Modules
4
Certificate
Yes, verifiable
Last updated
October 2026

About this course

Understand how networks work, from cables and Wi-Fi to IP addressing, DNS and routing, and learn to set up and troubleshoot a small office network.

Self-paced written course: text lessons, practical exercises, module quizzes and a final project, delivered online. No video and no live tutor.

What you will learn

  • Explain how data travels across a network using the OSI and TCP/IP models
  • Choose suitable cabling, switches, routers and Wi-Fi equipment for a small office
  • Calculate IPv4 subnets by hand and verify them with Python
  • Configure and troubleshoot DHCP, DNS and NAT, and read IPv6 addresses
  • Design a VLAN-based network with sensible firewall rules between segments
  • Diagnose common faults methodically with ipconfig, ping, tracert and nslookup

Curriculum

Module 1Network Foundations4 lessons
  1. 1What a Network Is and How Data Travels4 min read Free preview
  2. 2The OSI and TCP/IP Models in Plain Terms4 min read
  3. 3Cables, Connectors and Network Hardware4 min read
  4. 4Wireless Standards and Wi-Fi Basics3 min read
  5. QuizModule quiz, 4 questions
Module 2Addressing and Core Services4 lessons
  1. 5IPv4 Addressing and Subnet Masks4 min read
  2. 6Subnetting Step by Step3 min read
  3. 7DHCP, DNS and NAT Explained4 min read
  4. 8An Introduction to IPv64 min read
  5. QuizModule quiz, 4 questions
Module 3Switching, Routing and Services4 lessons
  1. 9How Switches and VLANs Work4 min read
  2. 10How Routers Choose a Path4 min read
  3. 11Common Ports and Protocols3 min read
  4. 12Network Documentation and Diagrams3 min read
  5. QuizModule quiz, 4 questions
Module 4Building and Troubleshooting3 lessons
  1. 13Setting Up a Small Office Network4 min read
  2. 14Troubleshooting with ping, tracert, ipconfig and nslookup4 min read
  3. 15Course Project: Design and Document a Small Office Network3 min read
  4. QuizModule quiz, 4 questions

Final project

Design and Document a Small Office Network. A practical brief with ordered steps, what to produce and how to check your own work. You confirm it in your learner area.

Who it is for

  • IT support staff who want a solid grounding in networks
  • Aspiring network technicians starting their career
  • Developers who want to understand the networks their software runs on

Not for you if you already work confidently with everything in the curriculum below. Look at the other cloud computing and devops courses instead.

Requirements

  • A Windows, macOS or Linux computer with administrator access
  • Access to a home or office router to practise on is helpful but not required
  • Python 3 installed if you want to run the address-checking examples

What is included

  • 15 written lessons
  • 15 practical exercises
  • 4 module quizzes
  • A final project
  • Certificate of completion with a verification code
  • Lifetime access to what you buy

Questions about this course

What do I need before I start?

A Windows, macOS or Linux computer with administrator access. Access to a home or office router to practise on is helpful but not required. Python 3 installed if you want to run the address-checking examples.

What device do I need?

A phone, tablet or computer with a modern web browser and an internet connection. Lessons are written, so they work on slow connections.

How long do I have access?

Lifetime access to the full course or to any module you buy. All Access and Teams give 12 months of access to every course.

Can I get a refund?

Yes: a full refund within 14 days of purchase if you have completed less than 30% of the course (or of the module, for a single module). Read the refund policy.

Should I buy a module or the full course?

A module (USD 10) unlocks that module's lessons and quiz. The full course (USD 39) unlocks everything and leads to the certificate. If you buy modules first, each one you own is credited at USD 10 when you buy the full course.

Which currency will I pay in?

US dollars (USD). Prices include all taxes where applicable. Your bank may apply its own conversion fee. Card payment is being set up with our bank. After you place your order we email you payment instructions within one working day; your access starts as soon as payment is confirmed.

Cloud Computing and DevOps learning path

All 11 open courses in this subject for USD 269. Bought separately they cost USD 449, so you save USD 180.

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