Why Computer Networking Matters

In today's hyper-connected world, computer networks are the invisible backbone of everything we do—from sending emails and streaming videos to running businesses and securing critical infrastructure. Yet for most people, networking remains a mystery filled with confusing jargon and technical complexity.

Whether you're a business professional who needs to understand how your company's network operates, an aspiring IT professional starting your career, or simply someone curious about how the internet actually works, understanding computer networking fundamentals is essential knowledge in the modern world.



Udemy's #1 Best-Selling Computer Networking Course

With over 76,000 students enrolled and a 4.7-star rating, this course has helped tens of thousands of beginners master networking fundamentals. This isn't just a collection of lectures—it's a complete, hands-on learning experience designed specifically for non-technical professionals.

  • 18.5 Hours of Expert Instruction: Over 180 video lectures across 28 comprehensive sections, covering everything from basic network concepts to advanced topics like subnetting, VLANs, routing protocols, and Software-Defined Networking.
  • 13 Cisco Packet Tracer Labs: Learn by doing with hands-on network simulation labs. Build networks, configure routers and switches, set up VLANs, implement DHCP servers, and more—all in a safe, virtual environment using industry-standard Cisco Packet Tracer software.



  • Live Demonstrations Throughout: Watch real-world demonstrations of DNS, DHCP, ARP commands, SSH connections, RDP sessions, FTP servers, Wireshark packet analysis, creating network cables, and much more.
  • Real-World Case Studies: Analyze 2 complete business network design scenarios—a law firm and dental practice—to understand how networking principles apply in actual organizations.



  • 21 Section Quizzes: Test your knowledge as you progress through the course with comprehensive quizzes after each major section.
  • Complete Course Materials: Downloadable PDF versions of all lecture slides, edited closed captions, video transcripts, and offline viewing capability with the Udemy mobile app.
  • Always Up to Date: Course content is regularly updated to reflect current networking technologies and industry best practices.
  • Lifetime Access: Learn at your own pace with permanent access to all materials and future updates.

What You'll Learn: Complete Curriculum

This course provides a complete foundation in computer networking—from understanding how networks function at a basic level to planning and designing networks for real businesses. You'll gain practical, applicable knowledge whether you're managing a small business network or preparing for an IT career.

Network Fundamentals & Architecture

  • How Computer Networks Work: Understand the fundamental principles of network communication, including protocols, the OSI model, TCP/IP model, MAC addresses, IP addresses, duplex communication, transmission types, and Ethernet basics.
  • Network Topologies: Learn physical versus logical topologies, wired topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh), wireless topologies, and how to design networks using different configurations.
  • Networking Devices: Master the purpose and function of NICs, hubs, switches, wireless access points, range extenders, routers, modems, all-in-one SOHO devices, media converters, firewalls, DHCP servers, and VoIP endpoints.
  • Network Cabling: Explore coaxial, twisted pair copper, and fiber optic cabling. Learn Ethernet standards, wiring standards (568A & 568B), cable types (straight-through, crossover, rollover), plenum-rated cabling, and selection criteria.



The OSI Model & TCP/IP Protocol Suite

  • Seven Layers of the OSI Model: Understand each layer from Physical to Application, including data encapsulation and de-encapsulation processes.
  • TCP/IP Protocols: Learn network layer protocols (ARP, IP, ICMP), transport layer protocols (TCP, UDP, ports, and sockets), and application layer protocols (DNS, DHCP, NTP, SSH, RDP, FTP, SFTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP, HTTP, HTTPS).
  • Network Access Methods: Understand CSMA/CD and how devices communicate on networks.



IP Addressing & Subnetting

  • IPv4 Addressing Fundamentals: Master binary math basics, IP address classification, subnet masks, the power of 2's, public versus private IP addresses, and loopback addresses.
  • IPv4 Subnetting: Learn how to subnet Class A, B, and C networks. Use subnetting reference tables and visualize subnetting to create multiple networks from a single address space.
  • IPv6 Fundamentals: Understand IPv6 addressing, transmission types, address types, IPv4-to-IPv6 translation, compatibility methods, and the Neighbor Discovery Protocol.
  • IP Address Assignment: Learn static versus dynamic addressing, DHCP configuration and operation, APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing), and hands-on DHCP server setup.



DNS, Switches & Routers

  • DNS Fundamentals: Explore the DNS hierarchy, common DNS record types (A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, NS, PTR), and how domain name resolution works.
  • Understanding Switches: Learn collision domains, broadcast domains, managed versus unmanaged switches, MAC address learning, Virtual LANs (VLANs), Layer 3 switches, port mirroring, and Power over Ethernet (PoE).
  • Understanding Routers: Master the routing process, static versus dynamic routing, Interior Gateway Protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), routing tables, administrative distance, and default routes.
  • Network Segmentation: Understand Network Address Translation (NAT), Demilitarized Zones (DMZ), port forwarding, and Access Control Lists (ACLs).



Wireless Networking & WAN Services

  • Wireless Networking: Learn wireless service set types (IBSS, BSS, ESS, MBSS), frequencies and channels (2.4GHz, 5GHz), 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax), MIMO technology, wireless deployment strategies, security protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3), and Internet of Things (IoT) basics.
  • WAN Broadband Services: Explore cable broadband, fiber, DSL, cellular broadband, dedicated leased lines, Metro Ethernet, satellite internet, and dial-up connections.



Network Security & Advanced Topics

  • Network Security Fundamentals: Understand the CIA Triad, least privilege principle, acceptable use policies, defense in depth, intranets/extranets/internet, VPNs, firewalls, web proxy servers, and network intrusion detection and prevention systems.
  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Learn how SDN is revolutionizing network management, understand SDN architecture, Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), and the benefits of SDN.
  • Planning & Designing Networks: Master the complete network planning process: understanding business needs, establishing requirements, defining improvements, securing buy-in and resources, addressing hidden costs, and following a systematic design methodology.


What Students Are Saying

"I am currently studying cybersecurity at WGU and study.com. I completed Alton's course before enrolling and when I got stuck in my network foundations classes, I would refer back to this course. I learned more about networking from Alton's networking course on Udemy than in two college-level networking classes. Alton does a magnificent job delivering the material. It is slow-paced enough so even the newest of beginners can understand it. The structure and roll-out of the course flows smoothly and in perfect order. I 100% recommend this course to anyone looking to understand networking."

— Jammie Williams ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



"This is a great course. I enjoyed it a great deal. I love the fact that Cisco Packet Tracer was used to allow for a better understanding of networking. I can't state enough how informative it is and it was a lot of fun also. Anyone who is struggling with networking, very highly recommend."

— Christian Bell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



"This is by far the best beginners networking course that I have come across and Alton describes and teaches networking concepts brilliantly in my opinion. Networking has always been something that I have struggled with but since taking this course I understand networking concepts a lot better and the labs help a lot as well. Money well spent."

— Andrea A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Course curriculum

    1. Course Introduction and Overview

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Why Learn Computer Networking from Me?

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Beginner-Friendly Labs

    4. Course Lecture PDFs

    1. What Is a Computer Network?

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Some Basic Computer Networking Rules

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Types of Networks (by Size)

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. Peer-to-Peer vs. Client-Server Architecture

      FREE PREVIEW

    5. Why Build a Computer Network?

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Section Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Introduction to Computer Networking Protocols

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Introduction to the OSI Model

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. Introduction to the TCP/IP Model

      FREE PREVIEW

    5. Introduction to MAC Addresses

    6. Introduction to IP Addresses

    7. IP versus MAC Addresses

    8. Duplex Communication

    9. Network Transmission Types

    10. Introduction to Ethernet

    11. Lab #1: Installing Cisco Packet Tracer

    12. Lab # 2: Connecting two PCs Together

    13. How Computer Networks Work Quiz

    1. Section Introduction

    2. Physical vs. Logical Topologies

    3. Wired Network Topologies

    4. Wireless Network Topologies

    5. Lab # 3: Create Physical Wired Topologies

    6. Network Topologies Quiz

    1. Section Introduction

    2. Network Interface Cards (NICs)

    3. Hubs

    4. Switches

    5. Wireless Access Points

    6. Wireless Range Extenders

    7. Routers

    8. Modems

    9. All-in-One SOHO Devices

    10. Media Converters

    11. Firewalls

    12. DHCP Servers

    13. VoIP Endpoints

    14. Lab # 4: Creating a Simple Home LAN

    15. Network Devices Quiz

    1. Section Introduction

    2. Types of Network Cabling

    3. Ethernet Standards

    4. Coaxial Cabling

    5. Twisted Pair Copper Network Cabling

    6. Wiring Standards: 568A & 568B and Cable Types

    7. Live Demonstration: Creating a Network Cable

    8. Plenum-Rated Cabling

    9. Fiber Optic Network Cabling

    10. Networking Cable Selection Criteria

    11. Lab # 5: Exploring Network Cabling

    12. Network Cabling Quiz

About this course

  • $99.95
  • 228 lessons
  • 18.5 hours of video content

Your Instructor & Learning Approach

About Alton Hardin

Alton Hardin is a former college professor and the founder and lead instructor at Alton Teaches LLC, as well as a bestselling author. He holds two graduate degrees: a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Information Assurance and Security Management, and a Master's of Science (MS) in Information Technology Network Management.

Alton spent 12 years as a cybersecurity specialist at the U.S. Department of Treasury working in governance, risk, and compliance. He holds multiple IT industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP #740196), ITIL, Security+, Network+, Project+, eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT), and several other certifications.

250,000+ students taught across cybersecurity and IT courses. 90,000+ copies sold of his bestselling books.



A Hands-On, Practice-First Approach

This course takes learning beyond passive video watching. You'll actively build networks, configure devices, and solve real problems using the same tools IT professionals use every day.

  • 13 Cisco Packet Tracer Labs: Cisco Packet Tracer is network emulation software used by networking students and professionals worldwide. You'll download the software (free with Cisco registration) and progressively build more complex networks as the course advances—connecting PCs, creating network topologies, assigning IP addresses, setting up VLANs, configuring routers with routing protocols, implementing DHCP servers, adding wireless access points, and configuring server firewalls.
  • Beginner-Friendly Lab Design: Each lab includes both start files and completed solution files. If you get stuck, you can compare your configuration to the working solution. Labs are carefully sequenced to match your growing knowledge throughout the course.



  • Live Demonstrations: Watch real-world demonstrations on Windows, Linux, and Mac systems. See actual ARP commands, ping and traceroute in action, DNS lookups with NSLookup, DHCP configuration, SSH connections, RDP sessions, FTP server setup, HTTP versus HTTPS, Wireshark packet analysis, and even live network cable creation.
  • Keep It Simple Student (KISS) Method: Complex networking concepts broken down into clear, jargon-free explanations. Every topic assumes no prior knowledge and builds systematically.



  • Real Business Scenarios: Analyze two complete case studies—designing networks for an H&M Law Firm and San Bernardo Dentistry—to understand how networking principles apply in real organizations.
  • Progressive Learning: Course structure flows logically from fundamental concepts to advanced topics, with each section building on previous knowledge.

Trusted by Professionals & Students Worldwide

"Brilliant course: very clear, thorough, patient teaching. Excellent course structure. Pleasure to learn and very much hope Alton does more, more advanced courses. Totally recommend."

— Damian Sinnott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



"As someone with limited technical background, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of learning computer networking, but this course broke everything down in such a simple and engaging way. The instructor made complex concepts easy to understand, using practical examples that really helped me grasp the fundamentals. I now feel much more confident in my networking knowledge, and it has greatly enhanced my understanding of how networks function. Highly recommend this course to anyone wanting a clear, beginner-friendly introduction!"

— Rustam Shahverdiyev ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



"I really enjoyed this course! The instructor explains key networking concepts clearly and concisely, without going into unnecessary technical depth that's not needed at this level. The course is well-structured and focuses on the essentials, delivering the core knowledge in a very precise and accessible way. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, especially those just starting their education or career in any area of the tech industry. This is foundational knowledge that everyone entering the field should have."

— Bojan Marinkovic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ready to Build Your Networking Foundation?

Join 76,000+ students in Udemy's #1 best-selling networking course. 18.5 hours of hands-on training with 13 Cisco Packet Tracer labs, lifetime access, 14-day money-back guarantee.

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Common Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for non-technical professionals, business owners, managers, aspiring IT professionals, and anyone who wants to understand how computer networks actually work. Whether you're looking to start a career in IT, better understand your company's network infrastructure, or simply satisfy your curiosity about networking, this course provides the perfect foundation.


Do I need any IT experience or technical background?

No prerequisites required. This course is specifically designed for complete beginners with no prior networking or IT experience. Every concept is explained from scratch using clear, jargon-free language. If you can use a computer, you can take this course and succeed.


What about the Cisco Packet Tracer labs?

Cisco Packet Tracer is free network simulation software that lets you build and configure networks in a safe, virtual environment. You'll need to register with Cisco (free registration) to download the software, which works on both Windows and Mac. The course includes 13 beginner-friendly labs with both start files and completed solution files. Each lab progressively builds your skills, and you can compare your work to the solutions if you get stuck.


How long will it take to complete?

The course contains 18.5 hours of video content across 180+ lectures in 28 sections. Most students complete it in 4-8 weeks, but you have lifetime access so you can learn at your own pace. Each lecture is relatively short (typically 5-15 minutes), making it easy to fit learning into your schedule.


What's included with enrollment?

You get 18.5 hours of video lectures, 13 Cisco Packet Tracer hands-on labs, 21 section quizzes, 2 business case studies, downloadable PDF versions of all lecture slides, edited closed captions and video transcripts, and lifetime access to all materials including future updates.


Will this help me prepare for IT certifications?

Absolutely! This course provides an excellent foundation for CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and other networking certifications. Many students use this course to build their fundamental knowledge before pursuing certification-specific study materials. The networking concepts, subnetting practice, and hands-on labs directly support certification preparation.


Is the course kept up to date?

Yes. The course is regularly updated to reflect current networking technologies, standards, and best practices. Recent updates have included expanded coverage of IPv6, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), updated wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6), and current security protocols.


What if I'm not satisfied?

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may request a refund within 14 days of the original purchase date.