Computer Networks and Network Security

Course Overview

Hello, and welcome to this course! 

In this course, you will explore networking concepts, hardware, protocols, and security measures with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The curriculum covers the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) models, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards, wireless networks, IP addressing, IPv6 schema, and routing basics.

The course covers IP addressing basics, network classes, traffic routing, and the IPv6 schema. It includes routing concepts, Layer 2 and Layer 3 addressing, ARP, and hands-on labs for securing a SOHO network. 

Additionally, the course addresses UDP and TCP protocols, DNS, DHCP, syslog message logging, network analysis, port mirroring, and user behavior analysis. Security topics include stateless and stateful inspections, firewall technologies, IDS and IPS systems, network address translation, file integrity monitoring, data loss prevention, network access control, and advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR/XDR), with practical activities to enhance real-world application.

This course is part of the
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
, designed to equip learners with comprehensive skills and knowledge to strong competencies in cybersecurity. 

To succeed in this course, you require:

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

This information-packed course has four modules that should take approximately 9 hours to complete. We encourage you to set aside time to complete all the modules. Consistency will help you achieve your learning goals! 

To derive maximum benefit from this course, watch all the videos. Then, reinforce your learning by completing all the hands-on activities, such as the labs, practice, graded quizzes, and final project. 

This course consists of three modules:

This module provides a comprehensive overview of networking concepts, hardware, protocols, and practical applications through hands-on activities. It begins with an introduction to networking hardware, such as routers and switches, followed by practical identification exercises. The module covers networking models, standards, protocols, and ports, including the OSI and TCP/IP models,


 IEEE standards, TCP and UDP protocols, and wireless networks. Practical sessions explore networking ports and protocols within a Windows environment, emphasizing the role of Windows Defender.

Module 2: IP Addressing, Routing and Switching
The module then delves into IP addressing, discussing the basics, IP address structure and network classes, IP protocol and traffic routing, and an introduction to the IPv6 address schema. The focus shifts to network routing, covering basic routing principles, Layer 2 and Layer 3 addressing, ARP, and detailed router and routing table sessions. It concludes with a hands-on lab on securing a SOHO network. Each lesson builds on the previous one, ending with a summary and key takeaways to reinforce learning.

This module covers essential network protocols and security measures, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. It begins with an introduction to application and transport protocols, focusing on UDP and TCP. It then explores DNS and DHCP, including a hands-on lab for configuring DHCP and an activity on DNS filtering. This module also explores Syslog message logging, network analysis techniques like port mirroring and promiscuous mode, and user behavior analysis.


Module 4: Network Security Techniques

The module introduces you to network security techniques, including firewall technologies,  stateless and stateful inspections, IDS, and IPS systems. You’ll also examine Network Address Translation (NAT) and file integrity monitoring, along with advanced security measures such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Network Access Control, and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).  You'll conclude this module by gaining real-world experience with an open source Extended Detection and Response (XDR) lab.

In the final module, you’ll put your skills to the test by working on a peer-reviewed final project. You apply your skills to design a network with subnets, calculate subnet addresses and subnet masks, analyze HTTP/HTTPS traffic using Wireshark, and configure firewall rules using Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall.

The module  includes a Course Wrap-Up video that will review the key concepts covered in this  course. 

This course uses an online Microsoft Windows environment for many of the labs. Optional labs might use free, open-source versions of Xcitium OpenEDR, Npcap, and Snort, and Wireshark.

Congratulations on taking these steps to further your knowledge and career! Enjoy your journey.