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Introduction to Networking Basics with CCNA

Learn the fundamentals of computer networking with an introduction to becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associate.

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Introduction to Networking Basics with CCNA

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

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.

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.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Computer networks and the ethernet

    • The word Welcome written in white text on a light pink background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Welcome and introduction

      Welcome to Introduction to Networking Basics with CCNA and the start of your learning journey, brought to you by Packt.

    • The word One written in white text on a light pink background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Computer networks

      In this activity, we'll explore an overview of computer networks and learn how they operate in practice.

    • The word Two written in white text on a light pink background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      TCP/IP and OSI models

      In this activity, we'll outline two different networking models, including their differences, uses, and layers.

    • The word Three written in white text on a pink background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Bits and bytes

      In this activity, we'll explore bits and bytes, Protocol Data Units (PDUs), and compare the OSI and TCP/IP models.

    • The word Four written in white text on a pink background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Ethernet

      In this activity, we'll discuss the ethernet, different physical media options, and Network Interface Controllers (NICs).

    • The word Five written in white text on a dark pink background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The words Wrap up written in white text on a dark pink background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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

    • The word Welcome written in white text on a light yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Introduction to Week 2

      Welcome to Week 2. In this activity we'll highlight the main topics that will be covered this week.

    • The word One written in white text on a light yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Network characteristics part 1

      In this activity, we'll explore the following network characteristics: bandwidth, throughput, latency, and round-trip time (RTT).

    • The word Two written in white text on a light yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Three written in white text on a yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Four written in white text on a yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Five written in white text on a dark yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Six written in white text on a dark yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Routers

      In this activity, we'll learn about routers, local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WANs).

    • The words Wrap up written in white text on a dark yellow background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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

    • The word Welcome written in white text on a light purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Introduction to Week 3

      Welcome to Week 3. In this activity we'll highlight the main topics that will be covered this week.

    • The word One written in white text on a light purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Two written in white text on a light purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Three written in white text on a purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Four written in white text on a purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      Binary math

      In this activity, we'll explore binary and decimal conversions as well as binary 'AND' and 'OR' operations.

    • The word Five written in white text on a dark purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

    • The word Six written in white text on a dark purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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).

    • The words Wrap up written in white text on a dark purple background with a white stairs icon to the left.

      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.

Who developed the course?

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Packt

Founded in 2004 in Birmingham, UK, Packt’s mission is to help the world put software to work in new ways, through the delivery of effective learning and information services to IT professionals.

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FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

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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

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  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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