Computer network courses can help you learn about network architecture, protocols, security measures, and troubleshooting techniques. You can build skills in configuring routers and switches, managing firewalls, and optimizing network performance. Many courses introduce tools like Wireshark for packet analysis, Cisco Packet Tracer for simulation, and various network monitoring software, allowing you to apply your knowledge in practical scenarios and enhance your technical expertise.

Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, TCP/IP, Network Architecture, Network Protocols, OSI Models, Network Routing, Network Infrastructure, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Security, Wireless Networks, Network Model, Data Integrity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Cisco Learning and Certifications
Skills you'll gain: OSI Models, Network Security, Network Protocols, Network Performance Management, Network Architecture, Network Monitoring, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Network Troubleshooting, Network Administration, Computer Networking, TCP/IP, Network Planning And Design, Cybersecurity, Routing Protocols, Firewall, Network Routing, Network Analysis, IT Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, Automation
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Hardening, Network Protocols, Cloud Security, Network Architecture, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, TCP/IP, Vulnerability Assessments, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, Network Infrastructure, Firewall, Cloud Computing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Encryption
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

NVIDIA
Skills you'll gain: OSI Models, TCP/IP, Data Centers, Network Protocols, Network Infrastructure, Local Area Networks, General Networking, Network Architecture, Computer Networking, Network Planning And Design, Network Switches, System Requirements
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Hardening, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Incident Response, Network Architecture, Network Security, Computer Security Incident Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Incident Management, Network Protocols, Threat Detection, Event Monitoring, Threat Management, Network Infrastructure, Cyber Attacks, System Monitoring, Communication Systems, Operating Systems, Linux, Bash (Scripting Language), Databases
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Skills you'll gain: Routing Protocols, OSI Models, Remote Access Systems, Network Architecture, TCP/IP, General Networking, Network Protocols, Network Troubleshooting, Computer Networking, Networking Hardware, Network Administration, Network Security, Network Infrastructure, Network Model, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Wireless Networks, Network Routers, Network Routing, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Amazon Web Services
Skills you'll gain: Network Routing, Network Troubleshooting, Virtual Networking, Network Performance Management, Network Monitoring, General Networking, Amazon Web Services, Network Planning And Design, Network Architecture, Capacity Management, Performance Tuning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Cisco Learning and Certifications
Skills you'll gain: OSI Models, Network Architecture, Computer Networking, TCP/IP, Network Protocols, General Networking, Network Infrastructure, Wireless Networks, Network Routing, Local Area Networks, Network Security, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), Load Balancing, Wide Area Networks, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Network Infrastructure, Cybersecurity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Cloud Computing, Virtualization, Network Infrastructure, Microsoft Azure, Firewall, Computer Networking, Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, Virtual Machines, Network Monitoring, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Cloud Computing, Firewall, Cloud Services, General Networking, Networking Hardware, Network Architecture, OSI Models, Microsoft Azure, Computer Networking, Network Infrastructure, Network Monitoring, Virtualization
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

LearnQuest
Skills you'll gain: Network Monitoring, Network Administration, Network Security, Routing Protocols, Network Troubleshooting, OSI Models, TCP/IP, Computer Networking, Network Switches, General Networking, Command-Line Interface, Network Routing, Networking Hardware, Network Architecture, Local Area Networks, Network Infrastructure, Network Protocols
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Top networking courses include Computer Communications from the University of Colorado and Google's Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking. These cover key topics like network protocols, IP addressing, DNS, routing, and cybersecurity.
Yes. Many networking courses offer a free audit option, which lets you access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To earn a certificate or complete assessments, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.
No prior experience is required for most beginner-level networking courses. They introduce concepts step by step and are suitable for learners looking to build a solid foundation in IT or computer science.
Yes. Networking is a core skill in many IT roles, including technical support, systems administration, and cybersecurity. Completing a course or certificate program can help you build job-ready skills and prepare for industry certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco’s CCNA.