Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course provides a deep dive into IP addressing and core network protocols. You'll learn about private, public, static, and dynamic IP addresses, and how they function in network communication. The course covers the importance of network masks and subnetting, equipping you to manage IP address allocation and design networks effectively. With hands-on Wireshark demonstrations, you’ll analyze ARP and ICMP messages, learning to troubleshoot network issues. The course also explores the differences between TCP and UDP, explaining how each protocol plays a role in network communication. Designed for beginners, this course is ideal for those starting a career in networking or IT. No prior experience is required. By the end of the course, you will be able to configure IP addresses, perform subnetting, troubleshoot network problems, and analyze network traffic using tools like Wireshark.

Syllabus

Internet Protocol (IP) Addressing and Internet Protocol (IP) Packets

In this module, we will cover the essentials of IP addressing, including the different classes of IP addresses and their applications in network design. You will also learn about the roles of private and public IP addresses and how to analyze IPv4 packets using tools like Wireshark, providing you with a solid foundation in IP communication.

Networks

In this module, we will introduce networks and their importance in enabling communication in the digital world. You’ll explore the different types of networks, their functionalities, and see practical examples that help reinforce your understanding of how networks operate in various scenarios.

Binary Math

In this module, we will focus on binary math, a crucial skill for networking professionals. You'll learn how to convert between binary and decimal formats and explore binary AND and OR operations. These concepts are foundational for subnetting and other network calculations that are essential for efficient IP addressing.

Network Masks and Subnetting

In this module, we will explore network masks and subnetting techniques used in IP address allocation. You will learn how network masks determine network segments and how to calculate and assign hosts in a network. We will demonstrate subnetting through step-by-step examples to ensure you understand its role in optimizing IP address usage.

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) and Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

In this module, we will delve into ARP and ICMP, two critical protocols in network communication. You’ll learn how ARP facilitates the mapping of IP addresses to MAC addresses and how ICMP is used for network diagnostics and error reporting. We’ll also explore practical examples of using ICMP for troubleshooting.

Transport Layers: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

In this module, we will cover the transport layer and its key protocols—TCP and UDP. You’ll learn how each protocol manages data transmission, the differences between them, and how they are used in various network scenarios. We will also walk you through analyzing TCP and UDP packets using Wireshark, reinforcing your understanding through practical examples.