Best Computer Networking Courses

Overview

• Computer networking: Interconnected digital devices for data exchange.
• First network: ARPANET.
• Benefits: Resource sharing, scalability, communication speed, reliability, security.
• Components: Hubs, bridges, switches, routers, modems, gateways, repeaters.

Recommended Courses

1. The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking (Coursera)

• Offered by Google on Coursera.
• Covers:
  • Introduction to Networking
  • Network Layer
  • Transport and Application Layers
  • Networking Services
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Duration: 27 hours
  • Certificate awarded
  • Beginner-friendly
  • No prior knowledge required

2. Introduction to Networking for Complete Beginners (Udemy)

• Offered for free by Udemy.
• Covers basics: Network requirements, wireless issues, Cisco introduction, troubleshooting.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.4/5
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • For absolute beginners
  • Free with bonus videos

3. CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Full Course & Practice Exam (Udemy)

• Created by Jason Dion and Dion Training Solutions.
• Covers: TCP/IP Model, Routing, Security Technologies, Network Troubleshooting.
• Prepares for CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) exam.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Duration: 26 hours
  • Includes practice tests

4. Become a Network Administrator (LinkedIn)

• Covers: IP Addressing, LAN/WAN, Network Troubleshooting, Cisco configurations.
• Key Points:
  • Duration: 28 hours
  • Earn a badge after completion
  • Prepares for network administrator role

5. Computer Networks for Beginners | IT Networking Fundamentals (Skillshare)

• Taught by industry leaders.
• Beginner-focused.
• Covers: Network topologies, TCP/IP, Ethernet, Wireless LANs.
• Key Points:
  • Duration: 3 hours 12 minutes
  • Unlimited access to videos

6. Cisco Networking Foundations (LinkedIn)

• Instructor: Kevin Wallace.
• Covers: OSI Model, Network protocols, Cisco iOS commands.
• Key Points:
  • Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Practice exercises included

7. Computer Networking (Udacity)

• Offered by Georgia Tech.
• Advanced topics: SDN, Data center networking.
• Key Points:
  • Completion: 3 months
  • Free study material

8. Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization (Coursera)

• Offered by University of Colorado.
• Four courses on network security.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4/5
  • Duration: 4 months
  • Quizzes included

9. Networking in Google Cloud Specialization (Coursera)

• Offered by Google Cloud.
• Covers Google Cloud networking.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.8/5
  • Duration: 4 months

10. Networking Foundations: Networking Basics (LinkedIn)

• Instructor: Kevin Wallace.
• Covers: MAC addresses, IP addressing, NAT overview, SDN.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.8/5

11. Introduction to Networking (Edx)

• Instructors: Aspen Olmsted, Rafail Portnoy.
• Covers: HTTP, FTP, TCP/UDP, Cryptography, LANs.
• Key Points:
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Free and paid versions

12. MTA: Networking Fundamentals - Exam: Microsoft 98-366 (Udemy)

• Instructor: Marius Kurita.
• Covers: VPNs, Network Topology, Security.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.3/5
  • Duration: 5 hours 26 minutes

13. Computer Communications Specialization (Coursera)

• Offered by University of Colorado.
• Covers: Network communication fundamentals, LANs, TCP/IP.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Duration: 4 months

14. Introduction to TCP/IP (Coursera)

• Instructor: Jong-Moon Chung.
• Covers: OSI vs TCP/IP, Internet security, Wireshark.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.6/5
  • Duration: 8 hours

15. Introduction to Networking and Storage (Coursera)

• Offered by IBM.
• Covers: IP Addressing, Wireless Networks, Cloud Storage.
• Key Points:
  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Duration: 4 weeks

Conclusion

• Various courses available for different levels of knowledge and objectives in networking.
• Choose based on personal goals and career aspirations.
• Many offer certificates and practice exercises.