Syllabus

Network Basics Interactive Lessons

1Network BasicsLearn how hosts, links, switches, routers, and packets form local and wide-area networks.
2OSI ModelLearn how the seven-layer OSI reference model organizes network functions and troubleshooting language.
3TCP/IP ModelLearn how the application, transport, Internet, and link layers cooperate in the TCP/IP model.
4Network AddressingLearn how link addresses, IP addresses, and hostnames identify different parts of network communication.
5Application LayerLearn how application protocols define service messages, state, naming, and security behavior.
6Transport LayerLearn how TCP and UDP use ports and different delivery semantics between application endpoints.
7Network LayerLearn how IP addressing, prefixes, routing tables, and hop limits move packets between networks.
8Link LayerLearn how Ethernet frames, neighbor discovery, switches, and routers deliver packets on a local link.
9DHCP OverviewLearn how DHCPv4 leases addresses and network options through discovery, selection, and renewal.

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Before you begin

Frequently Asked Questions

What networking models will I learn?

The course explains both the OSI and TCP/IP models and connects them to the link, network, transport, and application layers used in real networks.

Is previous networking experience required?

No. The lessons introduce core terminology, addressing, DHCP, and layered communication before later courses cover subnetting, routing, and configuration.

Why learn both OSI and TCP/IP?

The OSI model is useful for reasoning and troubleshooting, while the TCP/IP model more directly reflects the protocol suite used by modern networks.

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