Instructor
This course is designed and delivered by the Computer Science department. Course announcements and instructor contact details are posted in the course Discussion forum.
Computer Networks
USDBAbout This Course
Computer Networks is an introductory course that explains how devices communicate over local and wide-area networks, from the physical cabling all the way up to the applications you use every day. You will learn how networks are classified, how the OSI and TCP/IP reference models organize network functions into layers, and how key devices such as hubs, switches and routers work together with protocols such as Ethernet, IP, TCP, UDP, DNS, DHCP and HTTP to move data from one machine to another.
The course is organized into two chapters. Chapter 1 covers the fundamentals of networking: definitions, network types, topologies, and the protocols and standardization bodies that make communication possible. Chapter 2 goes layer by layer through the protocol stack: the OSI and TCP/IP models, transmission media, the physical and data link layers, network devices, the network layer with IPv4 addressing, subnetting, routing and an introduction to IPv6, the transport layer with TCP and UDP, and the application layer with HTTP, DNS, DHCP and email.
Each lesson ends with a short knowledge check, and each chapter includes a set of practice exercises with multiple choice, multiple select, matching, calculation and short answer questions, all with immediate feedback. Every chapter also includes a discussion question to connect the material to real-world scenarios. The course concludes with a final exam covering both chapters.
Requirements
- Basic computer literacy: file management and using a web browser.
- Basic familiarity with binary numbering is helpful but not mandatory.
- No prior knowledge of networking concepts is required.
Course Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
What web browser should I use?
The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.
How is the course graded?
Knowledge checks and chapter exercises are for practice and can be retried as often as you like. Your final grade is based entirely on the final exam, and you need a score of at least 50% to pass.
Do I need any special software or equipment?
No. A computer with a modern web browser and an Internet connection is enough. A calculator can be helpful for the subnetting exercises.