Learn Networking Basics at the Cisco Networking Academy

The free online beginner-level self-paced course Networking Basics from the Cisco Networking Academy is of 22 hours duration with 13 labs. It has the following modules:

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Course Introduction

Module 1: Communication in a Connected World

1.0. Introduction

1.1. Network Types

1.2. Data Transmission

1.3. Bandwidth and Throughput

1.4. Communications in a Connected World Summary

Module 2: Network Components, Types, and Connections

2.0. Introduction

2.1. Clients and Servers

2.2. Network Components

2.3. ISP Connectivity Options

2.4. Network Components, Types, and Connections Summary

Module 3: Wireless and Mobile Networks

3.0. Introduction

3.1. Wireless Networks

3.2. Mobile Device Connectivity

3.3. Wireless and Mobile Networks Summary

Module 4: Build a Home Network

4.0. Introduction

4.1. Home Network Basics

4.2. Network Technologies in the Home

4.3. Wireless Standards

4.4. Set Up a Home Router

4.5. Build a Home Network Summary

Checkpoint Exam: Build a Small Network

Checkpoint Exam

Module 5: Communication Principles

5.0. Introduction

5.1. Communication Protocols

5.2. Communication Standards

5.3. Network Communication Models

5.4. Communication Principles Summary

Module 6: Network Media

6.0. Introduction

6.1. Network Media Types

6.2. Network Media Summary

Module 7: The Access Layer

7.0. Introduction

7.1. Encapsulation and the Ethernet Frame

7.2. The Access Layer

7.3. The Access Layer Summary

Checkpoint Exam: Network Access

Checkpoint Exam

Module 8: The Internet Protocol

8.0. Introduction

8.1. Purpose of an IPv4 Address

8.2. The IPv4 Address Structure

8.3. The Internet Protocol Summary

Module 9: IPv4 and Network Segmentation

9.0. Introduction

9.1. IPv4 Unicast, Broadcast, and Multicast

9.2. Types of IPv4 Addresses

9.3. Network Segmentation

9.4. IPv4 and Network Segmentation Summary

Module 10: IPv6 Addressing Formats and Rules

10.0. Introduction

10.1. IPv4 Issues

10.2. IPv6 Addressing

10.3. IPv6 Addressing Formats and Rules Summary

Module 11: Dynamic Addressing with DHCP

11.0. Introduction

11.1. Static and Dynamic Addressing

11.2. DHCPv4 Configuration

11.3. Dynamic Addressing with DHCP Summary

Checkpoint Exam: The Internet Protocol

Checkpoint Exam

Module 12: Gateways to Other Networks

12.0. Introduction

12.1. Network Boundaries

12.2. Network Address Translation

12.3. Gateways to Other Networks Summary

Module 13: The ARP Process

13.0. Introduction

13.1. MAC and IP

13.2. Broadcast Containment

13.3. The ARP Process Summary

Module 14: Routing Between Networks

14.0. Introduction

14.1. The Need for Routing

14.2. The Routing Table

14.3. Create a LAN

14.4. Routing Between Networks Summary

Checkpoint Exam: Communication Between Networks

Checkpoint Exam

Module 15: TCP and UDP

15.0. Introduction

15.1. TCP and UDP

15.2. Port Numbers

15.3. TCP and UDP Summary

Module 16: Application Layer Services

16.0. Introduction

16.1. The Client Server Relationship

16.2. Network Application Services

16.3. Domain Name System

16.4. Web Clients and Servers

16.5. FTP Clients and Servers

16.6. Virtual Terminals

16.7. Email and Messaging

16.8. Application Layer Services Summary

Module 17: Network Testing Utilities

17.0. Introduction

17.1. Troubleshooting Commands

17.2. Network Testing Utilities Summary

Checkpoint Exam: Protocols for Specific Tasks

Checkpoint Exam

Networking Basics Course Final Exam

The Academy also offers courses in the following areas:

• Cybersecurity
• Networking
• Operating Systems & IT
• AI & Data Science
• Programming
• Digital Literacy
• Professional Skills