Network Basics

Learn about networking basics and the TCP/IP model.

0 of 9 lessons complete

Practice in terminal (Ubuntu sandbox) ↗

Syllabus

  1. 01 Network Basics Learn how hosts, links, switches, routers, and packets form local and wide-area networks.
  2. 02 OSI Model Learn how the seven-layer OSI reference model organizes network functions and troubleshooting language.
  3. 03 TCP/IP Model Learn how the application, transport, Internet, and link layers cooperate in the TCP/IP model.
  4. 04 Network Addressing Learn how link addresses, IP addresses, and hostnames identify different parts of network communication.
  5. 05 Application Layer Learn how application protocols define service messages, state, naming, and security behavior.
  6. 06 Transport Layer Learn how TCP and UDP use ports and different delivery semantics between application endpoints.
  7. 07 Network Layer Learn how IP addressing, prefixes, routing tables, and hop limits move packets between networks.
  8. 08 Link Layer Learn how Ethernet frames, neighbor discovery, switches, and routers deliver packets on a local link.
  9. 09 DHCP Overview Learn how DHCPv4 leases addresses and network options through discovery, selection, and renewal.

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.