IT & Software Networking

Networking Basics

A practical introduction to how computers connect, communicate, and share resources in modern networks

Quick Course Facts

Self-paced, Online, Lessons

Videos and/or Narrated Presentations

5.4

Approximate Hours of Course Media

About the Networking Basics Course

This Networking Basics course provides a practical introduction to how computers connect, communicate, and share resources in modern networks. Designed for learners in IT & Software, it helps you build a clear foundation in networking concepts so you can understand devices, data flow, and common services with confidence.

Build Strong Networking Foundations For IT & Software

Learn Networking Basics in a structured, beginner-friendly way
Understand A practical introduction to how computers connect, communicate, and share resources in modern networks
Gain hands-on knowledge of core networking hardware, addressing, and protocols
Develop practical troubleshooting skills for real-world connection issues

Networking Basics gives you the essential skills to understand, plan, and support modern computer networks.

Throughout this IT & Software course, you will explore how networks are organized, how data moves between devices, and how common technologies such as Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and NAT work together. Each lesson is designed to make Networking Basics approachable, helping you connect theory with the real systems you use every day.

You will also learn the role of network hardware, how IP addressing and subnet masks guide communication, and why switching, routing, ports, and services matter in both home and business environments. By studying layered concepts like the OSI model and the TCP/IP stack, you will gain a clearer understanding of how network communication is structured and how different parts of the system interact.

The course also covers network performance, security fundamentals, and basic troubleshooting so you can diagnose common issues more effectively. Whether you are preparing for further study, building confidence for an IT role, or simply want a better grasp of Networking Basics, you will finish with a practical foundation that makes networks easier to understand and support. After completing the course, you will be able to think more confidently about network design, connectivity, and everyday problem-solving in IT & Software.

Course Lessons

Full lesson breakdown

Lessons are organized by topic area and each includes descriptive copy for search visibility and student clarity.

Networking Foundations

1 lesson

Lesson 1: Introduction to Computer Networks

18 min Preview

This lesson introduces what a computer network is, why networks exist, and how connected devices share information and resources. Learners will distinguish between common network types, understand the…

How Networks Are Organized

1 lesson

Lesson 2: Network Types and Topologies

18 min

This lesson explains how networks are organized and why different network types exist. You will compare LANs , WANs , and other common network categories, then look at the most widely used physical an…

Devices That Make Networks Work

1 lesson

Lesson 3: Networking Hardware Overview

20 min

This lesson introduces the physical and logical hardware that makes a network work, from end devices to the components that connect, direct, and extend traffic. Learners will understand what each devi…

How Information Moves

1 lesson

Lesson 4: Data Flow and Network Communication

18 min

This lesson explains how data moves across a network from one device to another. You will learn the basic communication steps behind sending a message, how information is broken into packets, why addr…

Layered Networking Concepts

1 lesson

Lesson 5: The OSI Model in Practice

22 min

The OSI model is a practical way to understand how network communication is split into layers, from electrical or wireless signals up to the applications people use every day. In this lesson, you will…

The Internet Protocol Stack

1 lesson

Lesson 6: TCP/IP Model Essentials

18 min

This lesson introduces the TCP/IP model , the layered framework that makes Internet communication possible. You will learn the purpose of each layer, how data is packaged and passed down the stack, an…

Wired and Wi‑Fi Connections

1 lesson

Lesson 7: Ethernet and Wireless Networking

20 min

Ethernet and Wi‑Fi are the two most common ways devices connect to a local network. Ethernet uses a physical cable and network interface to provide a stable, low-latency connection, while Wi‑Fi uses r…

Identifying Devices on a Network

1 lesson

Lesson 8: IP Addressing Basics

22 min

This lesson introduces IP addressing as the basic way devices identify each other on a network. You will learn what an IP address is, why devices need one, the difference between IPv4 and IPv6, and ho…

Basic Addressing Logic

1 lesson

Lesson 9: Subnet Masks and Default Gateways

20 min

Subnet masks and default gateways are the two ideas that help a computer decide whether another device is local or remote. The subnet mask tells the device which part of an IP address identifies the n…

Essential Network Services

1 lesson

Lesson 10: DNS, DHCP, and NAT

22 min

This lesson explains three core network services that make modern networks usable: DNS turns names into IP addresses, DHCP automatically gives devices network settings, and NAT lets many private devic…

Moving Traffic Within and Between Networks

1 lesson

Lesson 11: Switching and Routing Fundamentals

22 min

This lesson explains how data moves within a local network and between different networks . You will learn the roles of switches and routers, how devices use MAC and IP addresses, and why traffic some…

How Applications Use the Network

1 lesson

Lesson 12: Ports, Services, and Common Protocols

20 min

Applications do not send data to a network in a vague way; they use ports , services , and protocols to find the right destination and communicate reliably. In this lesson, you will learn how common a…

Protecting the Network Edge

1 lesson

Lesson 13: Network Security Basics

20 min

Network security starts at the edge, where users, devices, and traffic first enter or leave a network. In this lesson, Professor Mark Davis explains the most practical first-line defenses: keeping sof…

Understanding Network Quality

1 lesson

Lesson 14: Performance, Bandwidth, and Latency

18 min

This lesson explains the three core measures of network quality: bandwidth , latency , and overall performance . Students learn what each term means, how they affect everyday tasks like video calls, f…

Diagnosing Common Connectivity Problems

1 lesson

Lesson 15: Basic Network Troubleshooting

25 min

This lesson teaches a practical approach to diagnosing common network connectivity problems. You will learn how to isolate whether a problem is with the device, the local network, DNS, the router or s…

Putting the Fundamentals Together

1 lesson

Lesson 16: Designing a Simple Home or Small Office Network

22 min

This lesson pulls together the core networking concepts from the course and shows how to turn them into a practical design for a small home or office network. You will learn how to identify devices, c…

About Your Instructor

Professor Mark Davis

Professor Mark Davis guides this AI-built Virversity course with a clear, practical teaching style.