Networking Fundamentals
Understand how devices connect, communicate and move data across a local network.
Free to start
Create an account to save your progress and take the assessment. Study at your own pace.
Start this courseCreate a free accountAlready enrolled? Sign in
What you'll learn
- Identify common network devices and physical/logical topologies
- Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models in practical terms
- Describe how switches learn MAC addresses and forward frames
- Explain how routers and default gateways connect different networks
Course lessons
4 lessons · 2.5 hours total · hands-on exercise in every lesson
- 1
Networks, devices and topologies
Build a clear mental model of what a network is and the roles of its most common devices.
35 min
- 2
OSI and TCP/IP models
Use layered models to describe communication and locate failures without guessing.
35 min
- 3
Ethernet switching, MAC and ARP
Follow a frame through a switch and understand how IPv4 neighbors discover one another.
40 min
- 4
Routing and default gateways
Decide whether traffic is local or remote and trace the role of a router.
40 min
Final assessment
Check your understanding
Answer five questions drawn from the lessons. A score of 80% or higher passes the assessment and completes the course. You can review feedback and retake it as many times as you need.
Ready to start learning?
Create a free account to save your progress, or sign in and pick up where you left off.