Unlock the essential skills needed to understand and navigate today’s interconnected world with our comprehensive introduction to computer networks. In this course, you’ll explore how devices communicate and share resources, gaining insight into the foundational role networks play in modern life. You’ll discover different network types based on their geographical scope, and learn the strengths and limitations of various network topologies in terms of scalability, fault tolerance, and performance.
Network Architecture Fundamentals
Network Architecture Fundamentals
This course is part of Network Fundamentals Specialization
Instructor: Mai Vang
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
3 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Explain key network types and architectures, including LANs, WANs, cloud networking, network segmentation, and wireless technologies
Describe and compare the OSI and TCP/IP network models, including L2 versus L3 networks, and identify core network protocols such as TCP and UDP
Recognize the purpose of load balancing and routing, and describe the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 addressing
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Recently updated!
December 2025
Assessments
9 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Network Fundamentals Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 9 modules in this course
The complexity of a deployed network infrastructure depends on the scale of its deployment. Depending on the scale of deployment, they are primarily classified into three categories: LAN, WAN, and cloud. In this module, you will learn about their characteristics, similarities, and differences.
What's included
3 videos3 readings1 assignment
To define interoperability between network devices and software, the ISO created the OSI model to serve as a framework on which a suite of protocols can be built. In this module, you will learn about the popular OSI model and its seven layers.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
The TCP/IP model represents a protocol suite. It is similar to the ISO OSI model in that it uses layers to organize protocols. TCP/IP protocols are actively used in actual networks today. In this module, you will learn about the TCP/IP model and the different layers that constitute it.
What's included
3 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this module, you will learn the significance of IP addresses and how routers route packets to their destinations.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
IPv4 provides approximately 4 billion unique addresses. Although 4 billion is a large number of addresses, it is not enough to keep up with the growth of the internet. In this module, you will learn about IPv6, which tries to solve the problem of IP exhaustion.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this module, you will learn about the transport layer and its responsibilities.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
Segmentation divides a computer network into smaller parts. The purpose is to improve network performance and security. Other terms that often mean the same thing are network segregation, network partitioning, and network isolation.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment
One of the most important aspects of wireless operation is how Wi-Fi operates over the air. In this module, you will learn the basics of Wi-Fi technologies, Wi-Fi 6E and 5G.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
What's included
1 reading1 assignment
Earn a career certificate
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Frequently asked questions
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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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