Skip to 0 minutes and 1 second SPEAKER: Do you want to be a Cisco Certified Network Associate? Do you need a crash course? If your answer is yes, then let’s go. This is your opportunity learn from Bogdan Stashchuk, an expert in computer networking. In only three weeks, this course will help you explain computer networks, their operations and models, discuss bits and bytes in relation to computer networks, describe the ethernet, explain various network characteristics and details, identify different types of IP addresses, convert between binary and decimal, assess whether hosts are in the same network or not, and describe subnetting. Become a Cisco specialist. Learn wherever and whenever you want. Step into your future with Introduction To Networking Basics with CCNA from Packt and FutureLearn.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
3 hours100% online
How it works
Introduction to Networking Basics with CCNA
Discover how network devices communicate with one another
Computer networks allow devices to interconnect, either locally or around the world, sharing resources and data in milliseconds.
On this three-week course, you’ll examine foundational concepts of computer networks, learning key terminology and processes. Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be able to begin your journey to passing the CCNA exam.
Explore network protocols and frameworks
Beginning with defining computer networks and their applications, you’ll be guided through key concepts including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) models.
By understanding these communications protocols and frameworks, you’ll be able to explain how different hosts communicate with each other.
Examine the role of routers, IP addresses, and LAN and WAN connectivity
Learning how routers manage data traffic and connect devices to internet connections, you’ll then expand your knowledge of Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks within this context. You’ll also explore their relation to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, taking a detailed look at the differences between private and public IP addresses.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to understand network scalability and compare processes involved in individual networks and those used on a global scale.
Identify and define network layers in computer networking
Building on your knowledge from earlier in the course, you’ll explore network layers in more detail, including physical, data link, network, transport, and application layers, and understand their functions within a network.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to define key network characteristics and explain the role of computer networks and devices in sharing resources, transferring data, and connecting people.
Syllabus
Week 1
Computer networks and the ethernet
Welcome and introduction
Welcome to Introduction to Networking Basics with CCNA and the start of your learning journey, brought to you by Packt.
Computer networks
In this activity, we'll explore an overview of computer networks and learn how they operate in practice.
TCP/IP and OSI models
In this activity, we'll outline two different networking models, including their differences, uses, and layers.
Bits and bytes
In this activity, we'll explore bits and bytes, Protocol Data Units (PDUs), and compare the OSI and TCP/IP models.
Ethernet
In this activity, we'll discuss the ethernet, different physical media options, and Network Interface Controllers (NICs).
MAC addresses
In this activity, we'll explore Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, hexadecimal and binary numbers, the structure of a MAC address, and various MAC address notations.
Wrap up
You have reached the end of Week 1. In this activity, you'll reflect on what you have learned.
Week 2
Network characteristics, the network layer, and routers
Introduction to Week 2
Welcome to Week 2. In this activity we'll highlight the main topics that will be covered this week.
Network characteristics part 1
In this activity, we'll explore the following network characteristics: bandwidth, throughput, latency, and round-trip time (RTT).
Network characteristics part 2
In this activity, we'll investigate two more network characteristics (jitter and packet loss rate) before summarising what you've learned about network properties across the past two activities.
Network switches, unicast, multicast, and broadcast
In this activity, we'll discuss network switches and analyse how they work. We'll also discuss the ethernet frame header, different types of communication, and the different types of MAC addresses.
Transition modes and collisions
In this activity, we'll explore two types of transition modes and discuss collisions (including handling mechanisms and domains). We'll also outline speed and duplex negotiation before analysing different ethernet frames.
Network layer and IP addresses
In this activity, we'll focus on the network layer and IP addresses. More specifically, we'll explore switched networks, IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, IP address formats, and different types of IP addresses.
Routers
In this activity, we'll learn about routers, local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WANs).
Wrap up
You have reached the end of Week 2. In this activity, you will reflect on what you have learned.
Week 3
IP addressing, networks, binary math, network masks, and subnetting
Introduction to Week 3
Welcome to Week 3. In this activity we'll highlight the main topics that will be covered this week.
IP addressing
In this activity, we'll focus on IP addressing: different classes of IP addresses, localhost IP addresses, and private vs public IP addresses.
IP addressing continued and IP packets
In this activity, we'll continue to learn about IP addressing, with a focus on static vs dynamic IP addresses and how to switch between these. We'll also explore IPv4 headers and IP packets.
Networks
In this activity, we'll discuss and demonstrate different networks. You'll learn what networks are made up of and how to extract network details.
Binary math
In this activity, we'll explore binary and decimal conversions as well as binary 'AND' and 'OR' operations.
Network masks
In this activity, we'll focus on network masks. You'll learn how to determine whether hosts are in the same or a different network and how many hosts are needed in a network.
Subnetting
In this activity, we'll discuss subnetting, including the need for subnetting and nested subnetting. We wrap up with a summary of the content from the last few activities (networks, binary math, network masks and subnetting).
Wrap up
You have reached the end of this course. In this activity, you will reflect on what you have learned.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explain computer networks, their operations and models.
- Discuss bits and bytes in relation to computer networks.
- Describe the ethernet.
- Explain various network characteristics.
- Describe the network layer in terms of transition modes, collisions, switched networks and IP addresses.
- Compare routers, LANs and WANs.
- Identify different types of IP addresses.
- Explore network details.
- Practice converting binary to decimal and decimal to binary.
- Assess whether hosts are in the same network or not.
- Describe subnetting.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone wanting to understand computer networking with little or no prior experience. It is particularly useful for those wanting to begin preparing for the CCNA exam.
What software or tools do you need?
You’ll need access to a tool called Wireshark for Windows or MacOS. We’ll show you how to download and install this program during the course.
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
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Choose the best way to learn for you! | $54/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 26 Feb 2025 |
Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 26 Feb 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
Learning on FutureLearn
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- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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Map your progress
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- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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