7 Best Computer Networking Course and Certifications

1- Introduction to Computer Networking

2- Cisco Networking Basics Specialization

3- Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems

4- Technical Support Fundamentals

5- The Bits and Bytes of Computer NetworkingMachine Learning

6- Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies

7- Computer Networking by Georgia Institute of Technology

7 BEST COMPUTER NETWORKING COURSES COURSEORA

Course #1: Introduction to Computer Networking

Stanford’s introductory, self-paced course on computer networking focuses on the Internet. For instance, it explains how the Internet works. And how wires cover bits on them to application-level protocols like BitTorrent. Furthermore, this course explains principles of designing networks and their protocols.
 
Students will understand Internet protocol specifications as statements of a system. Stanford’s Introduction to Computer Networking includes many concepts. They are adopted from current practices and developments. For instance, DNS security and net neutrality. This is a one of great networking courses for beginners out there. 

Offered by: Stanford Online via Edx

Instructed by: Professors Philip Levis and Nick McKeown (Engineering and Computer Science, Stanford University)

Price: free

Skills and Knowledge Imparted: 

  1. Web/http
  2. voice-over-IP
  3. p2p file sharing and socket programming.
  4. Reliable transport
  5. TCP/IP
  6. Reliable transfer, flow control, and congestion control.
  7. The network layer. Its names, addresses, and routing.
  8. Local area networks: Ethernet and switches.
  9. Wireless networks and network security.

Difficulty Level: beginner

Duration and Total Lectures: self-paced (with 5-10 hours/week effort)

Average User Rating: 4.5

Review:

This course recommends helpful textbooks to students. Thus they can use either Peterson and Davie or Kurose and Ross, any version from past 5 years. Prerequisites of this networking course include having an introductory knowledge about algebra. But also about probability, binary numbers, bits and bytes, and of how computers lay out data in memory. They should also be comfortable with. The content is designed and taught by some of Stanford’s finest.

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Course #2: Cisco Networking Basics Specialization

This specialization offered by Cisco consists of five courses. And they are all developed for computer beginners. Like those aiming at understand the basics of how data is sent and received in a network. And how small computer networks are invented. Other such useful and underlying concepts will be learned too. Curious to know how your home or small business networks work? Then this is a great computer networking course for you. Given that you are not in familiar with networking before this, of course.
 
Students get to learn how to set up a basic home network, configure devices for connectivity. And understand how communication takes place on a network. Furthermore, they get to familiarize themselves with best practices for securing networks. Learners will also be introduced to Cisco IOS® software. That is used to manage Cisco routers and switches.

Offered by: Cisco by Coursera 

Instructed by: Telethia Willis (Cisco Networking Learning and Development)

Price: free

Skills and Knowledge Imparted: 

  1. Home network
  2. Network protocols
  3. Troubleshooting
  4. Communications protocol

Difficulty Level: beginner

Duration and Total Lectures: 2 months, 5 courses

Average User Rating: 4.8 (3,951 ratings)

Review:

Courses in this specialization introduce a variety of theoretical concepts. And also practice activities and simulations. All these aim at helping build learners’ skills and understanding of computer networking. Some of Cisco’s most experienced professionals teach these coursers. So, who better than Cisco professionals themselves to learn about Cisco networking.

Course #3: Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems

This is the first course that appears in a specialization. And that is ‘Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT) Specialization.’ It aims to teach students importance of IoT in current society. But it also focuses on its current components and future trends. Additionally, IoT design constraints and interfacing between users and devices are highlighted. Making hardware versus software design trade-offs is another skill covered in this class. Finally, key components of networking are also covered in this course. Thus it is ensured students understand how to connect their device to Internet. 

Offered by: University of California, Irvine via Coursera 

Instructed by: Ian Harris (professor, Department of Computer Science)

Price: free

Skills and Knowledge Imparted: 

  1. Internet of things (iot)
  2. Microcontroller
  3. Embedded system design
  4. Wireshark

Difficulty Level: beginner

Duration and Total Lectures: 14 hours

Average User Rating: 4.6 (4,614 ratings)

Review:

37% of the students went on to start new careers in computer networking. It is well-prepared networking course. Especially if you are looking to familiarize yourself with the Internet of Things. And it’s fun and fast-paced. 

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Course #4: Technical Support Fundamentals

This computer networking course is the first of a series. One that aims to prepare you for a role as an entry-level IT support specialist. It will introduce you to the world of Information Technology. You will get to learn about many Information Technology facets. For instance, computer hardware, software, troubleshooting, etc.
 
Understand how the binary system works. And how you can assemble a computer from scratch. Learn how to choose and install an operating system on a computer. But also what the Internet really is. And how it works, impacts and applies to the modern world. Get to know about using common problem-solving soft skills in a technology setting. But also a bunch of other useful IT topics that you are sure to enjoy.

Offered by: Grow with Google via Coursera

Instructed by: Google

Price: free

Skills and Knowledge Imparted: 

  1. Binary code
  2. Customer support
  3. Linux
  4. Troubleshooting

Difficulty Level: beginner

Duration and Total Lectures: 30 hours

Average User Rating: 4.8 (16,365 ratings)

Review:

Everyone will find this course worth their time and effort. Even those already in IT and looking to refresh their concepts. It is an affordable solution to getting those reminders and certificate. It’s also a great introduction to IT and its many standards. It gives you an idea of what to expect. But also the different aspects that you may find in IT related tasks.

Course #5: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

Want to gain a clear understanding of A to Z about computer networking? Don’t have much time to do so, either? Then this is THE course for you! Because it provides a complete overview of computer networking. It starts from the basic fundamentals of modern networking technologies and protocols. Then proceeds to a complex overview of practical applications and network troubleshooting.
 
Thus through this course, you can describe computer networks using a five-layer model. And you will understand standard protocols involved with network communications. Grasp knowledge about using powerful network troubleshooting tools and techniques. And learn network services like DNS and DHCP that help make computer networks run. Furthermore ,understand cloud computing, cloud storage and a whole lot more.

Offered by: Grow with Google via Coursera

Instructed by: Google

Price: free 

Skills and Knowledge Imparted:

  1. Domain Name System (DNS)
  2. Ipv4
  3. Network model
  4. Troubleshooting

Difficulty Level: beginner

Duration and Total Lectures: 23 hours 

Average User Rating: 4.7 (8,348 ratings)

Review:

This computer networking course was found to be ‘a very fun course’ by students. Its style and pace of delivery will be enjoyable information given. A lot of technical information is given in this course but in an easy-to-grasp way.

Course #6: Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies

It can be challenging for a non-techie to learn about a tech such as computer networking. Hence some of Udemy’s finest professionals are teaching this introductory course. They are skilled professionals who know how to get their message across. And even that in a way smooth enough for beginners to grasp. So, in this 14.5 hour course, they will show you fundamentals of computer networking. Step-by-step. And they will teach you computer networking principles you will ever need to know. Especially if you don’t have much background knowledge in computer networking.
 
Key topics covered in this course include computer networks’ working system. But network topologies, devices and cabling are also covered. Furthermore, the OSI and TCP/IP models and sub-netting form this course’s content. There is, of course, lots more to learn.

Offered by: Udemy

Instructed by: Alton Hardin (educator, author, IT and business professional)

Price: $94.99

Skills and Knowledge Imparted:

  1. Understanding how computer networks work.
  2. Knowing the inner workings of a computer network.
  3. Understanding the benefits of computer networks.
  4. Knowing how to effectively plan and design a computer network.

Difficulty Level: beginner

Duration and Total Lectures: 181 lectures, 14.5 hours 

Average User Rating: 4.5 (2,724 ratings)

Review:

As students have reported, this is a great course. Because it deals with one of the biggest problems with the ‘IT’ world. It uses a simpler language for non-tech to understand. It’s a highly-recommended entry level course. According to one student, “This is one of the best courses I ever had. Well-structured, thought-through and very orderly built. The instructor provides clear instructions. The course is so interesting, I wanted to go on and on. I am very happy about taking this computer networking course. And would like to take more courses from the same instructor.”

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Course #7: Computer Networking by Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology is also called Georgia Tech. It is a public research university and institute of technology in Atlanta, Georgia. And is one of the leading centers associated with technological advancements today. It has a successful graduation rate of 82% and increasing. This course is offered as CS6250 at Georgia Tech. There, it happens to be a part of the Online Masters Degree (OMS). It is a course that covers advanced topics in the field of computer networking. Topics such as those listed below.
 
The computer networking course has three parts. The first part discusses implementations, design principles and goals of a computer network. But it also touches upon the various routing algorithms used in computer networking. Algorithms such as link-state and distance vector). The second part touches upon resource control and content distribution in networking applications. It also covers congestion control and traffic shaping. The third and last part is associated with computer networks’ operations and management. But ones encompassing SDN’s (Software Defined Networks), traffic engineering and network security.

Offered by: Udacity

Instructed by: Nick Feamster (instructor) and Joshua Valdez (instructor)

Price: free

Skills and Knowledge Imparted: 

  1. Architecture and principles
  2. Switching
  3. Routing
  4. Naming, addressing and forwarding.
  5. Router design basics.
  6. Domain Name System (DNS)
  7. Congestion control and streaming.
  8. Rate limiting and traffic shaping.
  9. Content distribution
  10. Software denied networking.
  11. Traffic engineering
  12. Network security
  13. Spam
  14. Internet worms
  15. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

Difficulty Level: intermediate

Duration and Total Lectures: 3 months

Average User Rating: 4.5

Review:

This network training has couple of prerequisites. Such as, it asks its students to have a previous background in networking. Additionally, familiarity with network programming such as Python is necessary. The official course page enlists the following questions for those about to enroll. Only if their answers are yes to these questions should they proceed with enrollment.
  1. Can you explain the main distinction between TCP and UDP?
  2. Can you complete the Python tutorial and write basic programs in Python?
  3. Do you understand the three way handshake of TCP?
  4. Can you get files off of a virtual machine without a mapped directory?
Students find the difficulty level of this online networking course quite easy. Because its content is comprehensive. So students are able to grasp it. Even if you are starting off with the subject.
 

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