Network Fundamentals & Cisco Platform Development

Overview

Updated in May 2025. This course now 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 comprehensive understanding of network fundamentals and Cisco platform development, equipping learners with the skills necessary for network management and automation. By covering topics such as networking basics, IPv4 addressing, subnetting, and network troubleshooting, the course ensures that participants develop a solid foundation in networking concepts and practices. The course begins by introducing learners to networking basics, including how cabling and networking models have evolved. It then delves into the essential components needed for communication across a network, such as MAC and IP addresses. As learners progress, they will explore the significance of IPv4 addressing, binary conversions, subnetting, and common network components in real-world settings. The troubleshooting section teaches practical methods for resolving network connectivity issues, preparing students for real-life scenarios. Moving into the Cisco platform, the course covers key Cisco management, collaboration, security, and compute platforms, detailing their capabilities. Practical learning is emphasized with hands-on experience, where students will engage in Python scripting using Cisco's SDK to automate and manage network resources. A real-world case study involving WebEx resource management is also explored, showing how automation can streamline network operations. The course is designed for network administrators, engineers, and IT professionals who want to advance their understanding of networking and Cisco platform development. No prior experience with Cisco technologies is required, but basic networking knowledge is recommended. With a hands-on approach, this course is suitable for intermediate learners and offers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for career advancement.

Syllabus

Network Fundamentals

In this module, we will dive into the essential concepts of networking, including how devices communicate, the structure of IPv4 addressing, and common network components. We will explore practical examples, like subnetting and troubleshooting, to solidify your understanding. You'll also gain insights into IP services and the various operational planes within networking devices.

Cisco Platform and Development

In this module, we will focus on Cisco's network, collaboration, security, and compute management platforms, highlighting their core capabilities. You will also get hands-on experience with Python scripting, using Cisco's SDK to automate tasks, and managing WebEx resources via RESTful APIs. This will provide you with the essential tools for Cisco platform development.