Introduction to Networking

Introduction to Networking

Learn to perform basic computer networking tasks such as DSL connectivity, configuring connections to an ISP and creating a private network. This course explains computer networking basics in easy-to-understand terms, using concepts common to everyday, non-computing experience.

6 Weeks Access / 24 Course Hrs
  • Details
  • Syllabus
  • Requirements
  • Instructor
  • Reviews
$129.00

Select Instruction Type:

$129.00
Self-Guided

Details

Businesses, schools, and other organizations rely on computer networks, which explains why employees and contributors with networking skills are in high demand.

Are you ready to learn the fundamentals of computer networking in terms you can easily understand? If so, the online Introduction to Networking course will help you understand why networks have become so important, how software and hardware make networking possible, and how networks function. This course will also give you the foundation to understand and get ahead in any career involving the world of computers, networks, the Internet, and the cloud.

Syllabus

Have you ever wondered how networks started? We're surrounded by networks, whether they're computer networks, networks of roads, or the network of telephones that allow us to communicate every day. In our first lesson, you'll learn how networks have evolved over the last hundred years. You'll also find out why every additional device that connects to a network greatly increases the value of the network. By the time you've completed this lesson, you'll have a framework of knowledge that will take you through the rest of the course.

In this lesson, you'll jump right into networks and networking, and learn how they work. We'll use examples from our everyday experience. You'll learn how to tell the difference between a network and networking, and realize that computer networks are a lot like freeway networks. You'll never look at an interstate the same way again! You'll also find out why shipping your data from one computer to the next is a lot like sending your distant uncle a new cookie jar for his birthday. Believe it or not, freeways and shipped gifts have a direct correlation to how networks and networking operate!

Have you ever heard someone refer to a computer as a server? Maybe you've heard someone talk about connecting computers in a peer-to-peer environment. Understanding the difference between client/server and peer-to-peer networks really helps you learn about computers and networking. So in this lesson, you'll learn how to tell the difference between client/server and peer-to-peer networks, and when to use one instead of the other.

Many people have heard of Ethernet, but what does that mean exactly? In this lesson, you'll learn all about Ethernet and a whole lot more. Here you'll learn the difference between a star topology and a bus topology, and the advantages of each. Is Ethernet or Token Ring the best modern network technology, and why? In this lesson you'll get those answers and many more!

In this lesson we'll explore how routers operate, and you'll see why routers operate a lot like how a receptionist in a growing company handles telephone calls. We'll build on information you learned in previous lessons, and then you'll find out how a single interconnected network (the Internet) can actually span the entire globe. A global network is an amazing feat, accomplished by interconnecting network segments and routing data! When you've completed this lesson, you'll understand how routing helps our data to cross the city, state, or an entire ocean.

When people communicate they speak a language, such as English or French, to exchange information. Computers communicate similarly over a network, but instead of speaking a language they use something called a protocol. Protocols are similar to languages and in this lesson, you'll learn about the protocols used in networking. You'll also learn which protocol has emerged as the dominant computer protocol, and why!

In this lesson you'll learn how the networking protocol TCP/IP operates. TCP/IP is a collection of protocols, and we'll discuss how TCP/IP divides its tasks. We'll go over how TCP/IP uses addresses to direct data to its rightful owner - it's similar to how we use street addresses.

Have you ever wondered how your computer converts a Web address into a website that appears on your screen? In this lesson you'll learn how the Domain Name System (DNS) translates names into numeric addresses, and how all that allows your favorite website, email, or file to appear on your computer screen. You'll also learn how the entire computer industry comes to a consensus about how the Internet should work.

We'll take a look at Wide Area Networks (WANs) and how they compare to Local Area Networks (LANs), and we'll discuss different types of modern WANs. You'll learn all about how data gets sent over long distances and how the Internet changed expensive, long-distance network connections. You'll also learn how VPNs secure those Internet connections from prying eyes.

If you connect to the Internet, you use remote access. In this lesson, we'll explore the traditional means of connecting to remote LANs and talk about exactly how DSL and cable Internet access works. Then we'll discuss other means by which many people connect to the Internet, including wireless and cellular networks.

In this lesson you'll apply many of the concepts you've learned so far in this course. We'll walk through the process of building a network with many different wired and wireless devices. Each step of the way, you'll come to understand what's going on behind the scenes. From there we'll jump to connecting to the Internet using broadband connections, configuring a home router, and testing what you've done.

In our final lesson we'll tie all the previous lessons together, clarifying how new information about networks and networking can be quickly understood. You'll learn three categories into which networking knowledge can be placed, and see examples to apply your newfound network categories. By the end of this lesson, your understanding of networking will be solid as a rock, and you'll be well-prepared for a lifetime of continued learning about networks and networking!

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.


Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 10 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Instructor

David Iseminger

David Iseminger is an author and technology veteran, with expertise in computing, networking, wireless and cloud technologies, data and analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. While with Microsoft, David worked on early versions of Windows and its core networking infrastructure, and on transmission protocols, security, data visualizations, and multiple emerging cloud technologies. David is passionate about education, serving as a School Board director for over 10 years, advocating at state and federal levels for increased learning standards, and has taught over 40,000 students through multiple technology courses. He has an awarded patent in Artificial Intelligence (AI) object detection and social posting methodologies, and is the founder and CEO of the blockchain company that created IronWeave, the unlimited scale blockchain platform, based on his patent-pending blockchain innovations and inventions.

Reviews

Excellent course content, good analogies and examples. Explained in an easily understood manner. Content was perfect for an introductory course.

Excellent course. Lots of information was provided, however it was a very easy-to-follow format and it was kept interesting.

Excellent use of illustrations as a means of clarifying initially difficult concepts. Very clear writing style. I also enjoyed the humor. Overall, an excellent course.

Finally, someone who completely understands his subject and is capable of conveying that understanding to others. This course met the criteria for effective teaching: Explain clearly, Illustrate and show practical application. I will be back for more!!!

I especially liked the instructor's writing style and analogies. I feel the course taught me what it promised.

I really, really enjoyed this class and I am a recent Information Systems graduate. There needs to be more instructors like David Iseminger. He is very user friendly. I will take his next course.

I think course was very informative organized very well and the concepts built on each other to help with understanding the topics. I really enjoyed the course and plan to take additional courses in the future.

I thought the presentation of the material by the instructer was done in a way that made it easy to understand the various complex issues in this course.

I wanted to learn more about a complex and somewhat abstract subject ie networks and networking. I was pleased that the writing style kept my interest and introduced complex subjects in a matter of fact style. I don't think I would have gotten as much out of just reading a book on the subject. Certainly has proven helpful to me in my day to day dealings with computer networks and the internet thank you.

Self-Guided Course Code: T9219
Instructor-Moderated Course Code: itn