Free Online Course offered by Coursera: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking.

Coursera Platform is offering, in partnership with Google, a free online course on the theme of The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking.

Course background:

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. 

Course duration:

Approx. 33 hours to complete.

Course topics:

• WEEK 1: Introduction to Networking:

Welcome to the Networking course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! In the first week 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.

• WEEK 2: The Network Layer:

In the second week 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.

• WEEK 3: The Transport and Application Layers:

In the third week 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.

• WEEK 4: Networking Services:

In the fourth week 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.

•  WEEK 5: Connecting to the Internet:

In the fifth week 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.

•  WEEK 6: Troubleshooting and the Future of Networking:

Congratulations, you've made it to the final week in the course! In the last week 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.

Course objectives:

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: 

1. describe computer networks in terms of a five-layer model.
2. understand all of the standard protocols involved with TCP/IP communications.
3. grasp powerful network troubleshooting tools and techniques.
4. learn network services like DNS and DHCP that help make computer networks run.
5. understand cloud computing, everything as a service, and cloud storage.

Course costs:

As this course is a part of larger Google IT Support Professional Certificate, learner can to enroll for free and gets:

• Unlimited access to all courses in the certificate including: Watching lectures, trying assignments, participating in discussion forums, and more.
• Canceling option at any time: No penalties - simply cancel before the trial ends if it's not right for you.
• $49 USD per month to continue learning after trial ends: Go as fast as you can - the faster you go, the more you save.
• Certificate when you complete, that you can share on your resume, LinkedIn, and CV.
• Learner who can’t afford to pay required fees is eligible to apply for financial aid, that allows him/her to get everything a fee-payer learner gets.

Upon completing the certificate:

• FREE career resources when you complete the Professional Certificate.
• Includes resume builder and mock interviews (a $948 USD value).

See more available jobs on For9a

See more opportunities in the UK available on For9a