A group of digital devices that are interconnected using wired or wireless connections for the purpose of exchanging data with each other is known as computer networking. The first computer network was ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network). Computer network sharing provides resources, backing up data, scalability, good communication speed, reliability, software and hardware sharing, security, etc.

Hubs, bridges, switches, modems, gateways, routers, repeaters, etc., are needed to form a computer network. Networks can be small or large.

If you are interested in knowing more about computer networking, you should choose the best course and gain knowledge.

This article will discuss the best computer networking courses delivered by the foremost universities in the world. You can learn from leading companies and universities. You can also get a certificate after completion of the course. You can pick the most suitable course for yourself from this article.

Some of the best computer networking courses are listed below:

1. The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking (Available on Coursera)

This course is available online on Coursera, which is offered by Google. This course provides a comprehensive overview of computer networking. This course is perfect for those who want to know the fundamentals of computer networking.

The topics that this course covers are:

• Introduction to Networking: This is the topic of the first week of the course. Here, you will understand in detail TCP/IP, OSI networking model, Hub, Cable, Switch, Server, Client, Router, Physical layer, and Data link layer, etc.
• The Network Layer: This is the topic of the second week of the course. Here, you will learn about the network layer, IP addressing scheme, basics of routing, subnetting, etc.
• The Transport and Application Layers: This is the topic of the third week of the course. Here, you will understand the difference between TCP types, sockets, and connection-oriented and connectionless protocols.
• Networking Services: This is the topic of the fourth week of the course. Here, you will learn how DNS and DHCP work, network security by NAT technologies, etc.

Key points:

• This course has a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
• The duration of the course is approximately 27 hours.
• Obtain a certificate after completion of the course.
• Any novice can choose this course.
• Learn the fundamentals of computer networking.
• No prior knowledge of computer networking.

2. Introduction to Networking for Complete Beginners (Available on Udemy)

This course is offered for free by Udemy. If you are a beginner and want to know the basics of computer networking, then this course is best for you. It is a short course which will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Computer Networking. If you want to learn networking in less time, this course is ideal.

Topics that will be covered are network requirements, wireless issues, introduction to the world of Cisco, troubleshooting, careers in IT, and more.

After gaining basic knowledge of computer networking from this course, you can choose more advanced courses on computer networking and enhance your knowledge.

Key point:

• It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
• Learn the basics of computer networking.
• It consists of 23 lectures of 1 hour and 45 minutes in duration.
• For the absolute beginner.
• Free of cost.
• Bonus videos.
• Start your career in Information Technology (IT).

3. CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Full Course & Practice Exam (Available on Udemy)

This course is offered online by Udemy. Jason Dion and Dion Training Solutions create this course.

Topics covered in this course are Network Basics, TCP/IP Model, OSI Model, Routing, IP Addressing, Network Services, Wireless Networks, Wide Area Networks (WAN), Cloud and the Datacenter, Ethernet Fundamentals, Network Management, Network Policies, Security Technologies, network security, physical network troubleshooting, network equipment and commands, troubleshooting, wireless technology, network hardening, network troubleshooting, and more.

If you are preparing for CompTIA Network and (N10-008) exam, then this course is ideal for you as it provides very accurate information to prepare for the exam. This course also includes practice sets to test your knowledge.

Key point:

• It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
• Learn the basics of computers.
• Take the CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) certification exam without fear and pass it.
• 26 hours of video.
• Receive certificate after completion.
• Includes practice tests.

4. Become a Network Administrator (Available on LinkedIn)

This course is available online on LinkedIn. You will learn this course through a group of good instructors.

A network administrator is an individual who is responsible for handling computer networks and maintaining the network up-to-date. Organizations using multiple computers need a network administrator to connect the various devices.

A network administrator's job is upgrading and repairing computer networks, managing servers and their OS, and resolving issues reported by end users. If you are interested in becoming a network administrator, you can learn this course and get the skills required to become a network administrator.

This course covers Networking Basics, IP Addressing, Protocols and CLI Tools, Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Network Troubleshooting, Protecting your Network from Open-Source Software, Subnetting, IPv6, Wireshark Essential Training, RIP and EIGRP, Cisco CLI Switch Configuration, Cisco CLI Router Configuration, Fundamentals of Cisco Networking, Packet Delivery Process, and more.

After getting the skills by learning this course, you will become a network administrator then you can apply for the job and start your career in it.

Key points:

• The duration of this course is approximately 28 hours.
• Master the basic concepts of computer networks.
• Learn Cisco networking.
• Become a network administrator.
• Earn a badge after completion.

5. Computer Networks for Beginners | IT Networking Fundamentals (Available on Skillshare)

This course is available online at Skillshare, taught by experienced industry leaders. This course is developed for novices to attain knowledge of computer networks.

This course covers the topics which are Introduction to Computer Networks, Types of communication, Network topologies, Protocols and Standards, Types of Networks, Types of Network Models, Internet, User support layers in OSI model, Network support layers in OSI model, TCP/IP model, Introduction to Physical Layer, Addressing in Computer Networks, Packet Switching, Transmission Media, Multiplexing, Fiber optic cables, Circuit Switching, Introduction to Data Link layer, Error Correction Methods, Error detecting code - Checksum, Error control and Flow control, Stop and Wait, Random Access Protocols, Sliding window protocols, CSMA, CSMA-CD, CSMA-CA, SONET-SDH -1, SONET-SDH -2, Controlled Access, Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless LANs -1, Wireless LANs -2, Ethernet, IPv4 Addressing, Subnetting, NAT(Network Address Translation), Classful addressing, Internetworking, Address Mapping, Tunneling, TCP and UDP, SCTP, Process to Process Delivery, Closed loop congestion control, Congestion control in TCP, etc.

Key points:

• Learn the fundamentals of computer networks.
• Beginner-friendly course.
• The duration of the course is 3 hours and 12 minutes.
• Learn from industry professionals.
• Unlimited access to videos.

6. Cisco Networking Foundations (Available on LinkedIn)

This course is offered online by LinkedIn. The instructor of this course is Kevin Wallace. The instructor explained every concept easily and understandably.

Topics covered in this course are Computer Network Fundamentals, OSI Model, TCP/IP Model, TCP Three-Way Handshake, Common Network Layer Protocol, Common Transport Layer Protocol, Application Layer Protocol, Firewall, Wireless Access Point, Collision and Broadcast Domains, Hubs, Switches, Routers, Mesh Topologies, Copper Cables, Fiber Cables, Transceivers, Cisco Routers and Catalyst Witch Ports, Secure Cisco devices with passwords, Work with configuration files, Cisco Internetwork Operating System (iOS), Basic Cisco iOS commands, Configure a router interface, and more.

If you are a complete newbie and want to know about computer networks, then this course will be a good option for you.

Key points:

• A free trial is available.
• Includes practice exercises.
• Build your skills in computer networks.
• Only a 1-hour 50-minute course.
• Learn each concept efficiently.
• Receive certification upon completion of the course.

7. Computer Networking (Available on Udacity)

This course is available online on Udacity. Computer Networking is offered by Georgia Tech. This is a networking course that permits you to learn advanced networking topics such as data center networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and content delivery.

This computer networking course is separated into three parts:

1. Understand design principles, implementation, different routing algorithms, and goals.
2. Resource control and content delivery.
3. Computer network operation and management.

In this program, you will understand the methods that will assist you in solving networking issues. You will learn topics such as scaling networks and packet forwarding.

This course covers Switching and Routing, Router Design Basics, Architecture & Principles, Addressing & Forwarding, Traffic Engineering, Naming, Congestion Control, Domain Name System, Rate Limiting, Content Distribution, Traffic Shaping, Defined Networking, Software, Network Security, Internet Worms, and much more.

If you want to become a successful network administrator, then you can choose this course to start taking knowledge in computer networks.

Key points:

• Rich learning material taught by industry experts.
• Supports the student community to clear doubts and exchange ideas.
• Provides complete study material free of cost.
• The course will be completed in approximately three months.
• Provides certificate after completion.
• Learn all the concepts easily.

8. Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization (Available on Coursera)

The Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization is available online on Coursera. This specialization consists of four courses that are very helpful for those who wish to develop computer network security skills. Edward Chow teaches this specialization.

Following are the four courses of this specialization:

1. Design and Analyze Secure Networked Systems: This course covers basic concepts of Cyber Security, Threats, Risk Management, Deep Defense, Cyber Resilience, Principles of Adequate Data Security, Public Key Infrastructure, Sign Software with GPG, setup client certificate, etc.
2. Basic Cryptography and Programming with Crypto API: In this course, you will learn the basic concepts and principles of cryptography, Symmetric Key Cryptography, Use of Crypto API to Encrypt and Decrypt, etc.
3. Hacking and Patching: In this course, you will learn Command Injection, SQL Injection Attacks, Hacking Methodology, Memory Attacks and Defense, Vulnerability Scanning with Nessus, Metasploit Framework, etc.
4. Secure Networked System with Firewall and IDS: This course covers Network Defense, Implementing Firewalls with Linux IPTable, Intrusion Detection Systems, Host IDS, etc.

Key points:

• The overall rating for this specialization is 4 out of 5.
• Course offered by the University of Colorado.
• Earn shareable certificates after completion.
• The specialization will take approximately four months to complete.
• Learn the fundamentals of cyber security.
• Quizzes are included to test your knowledge.
• Includes graded assignments.

9. Networking in Google Cloud Specialization (Available on Coursera)

The Networking in Google Cloud Specialization is available online on Coursera. This specialization is intended for network engineers using or planning to use the Google Cloud Platform.

This specialization has three courses as follows:

1. Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure: In this course, you will attain knowledge regarding Google Cloud, Google Cloud Resource Hierarchy, Cloud Identity, Interacting with Google Cloud, etc.
2. Networking in Google Cloud: Defining and Implementing Networks: This course covers Introduction to Networking in Google Cloud, Router and Firewall Rules, Loud, Virtual Private Cloud, IP Addresses, Multiple Network Interfaces, VPC Peering, etc.
3. Networking in Google Cloud: Hybrid Connectivity, Networking Pricing and Billing, Network Management, Network Design and Deployment, Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting, etc.

Key points:

• It has a rating of 4.8 out of 8.
• This specialization is offered by Google Cloud.
• This specialization will be completed in about four months.
• Includes quizzes and graded assignments to test your knowledge.
• Shareable certificate after completion.
• Hands-on project.

10. Networking Foundations: Networking Basics (Available on LinkedIn)

The Networking Foundations-Networking Basics course is available on LinkedIn. This course help you to learn the foundations of networking. The instructor of this course is Kevin Wallace.

This course covers the Benefits of a network, MAC addresses, IP version 4 addresses, IP version 6 addresses, Switches, Copper Cabling, Wireless Access Points, Routers, Fiber-Optic Cabling, OSI Model, Comparison to the TCP/IP model, DHCP overview, NTP overview, NAT overview, DNS overview, QoS overview, Types of wireless LANs, Wireless network antenna types, Software Defined Networking (SDN), Cloud Technologies, Virtualization, 5G and Wi-Fi 6.

Key points:

• It has a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
• Includes shareable certificate.
• Gain networking skills.
• Become a network administrator.
• Downloadable resources.
• Quizzes are included to check your knowledge.

11. Introduction to Networking (Available on Edx)

An introduction to Networking course is available on Edx. The instructors for this course are Aspen Olmsted and Rafail Portnoy.

If you are a beginner and want to get good knowledge in networking, then you can learn it from Introduction to Networking course. You can learn it for free or upgrade it to get more benefits like assignments, certificates, etc.

You will learn the basics of Computer Networks, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, Peer to Peer Networks, Multiplexing, Demultiplexing, Flow Control, Congestion Control, Reliable Data Transfer, TCP, UDP, Application Layer, Transport Layer, Network Layer, Link Layer. Network Security, Routing Algorithms, Routing Protocols, Broadcast, Multicast, Multiple Access Protocols, Cryptography, Local Area Networks (LANs), Ethernet, VLANs, Message Integrity, Firewalls, and more.

Key points:

• Learn the basics of networking.
• Learn at your own time and pace.
• Beginner-friendly course.
• Both free and paid versions of this program are available.
• You can earn certificates only for the paid Version.

12. MTA: Networking Fundamentals - Exam: Microsoft 98-366 (Available on Udemy)

This course is available online at Udemy. Marius Kurita is the course instructor who will teach about computer networking.

If you want to make a career in IT Support, then you have to understand the concepts of networking.

This course is designed for beginners. Once you understand the concepts of computer networking, you must pass an exam and then you can earn a certificate. The certificate will show your skills based on your exam result. You can show the certificate to the interviewer and get a good job in a renowned company.

This course covers Network Infrastructure, Network Hardware, Protocols and Services, Network Topology, Wireless and Access Points, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Subnetting, Security, Remote Support, and more.

Key points:

• The course has a rating of 4.3 out of 5.
• Learn computer networking fundamentals.
• The duration of the course is 5 hours and 26 minutes.
• Pass the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exam after learning the course.
• Earn a valuable certificate for your career.
• Bonus videos are available to give you additional information.

13. Computer Communications Specialization (Available on Coursera)

The Computer Communications Specialization course is offered online by the University of Colorado at Coursera. If you want to acquire skills in computer communications and want to start your career in it, then this course is ideal for you. The instructor of this specialization is Xiaobo Zhou.

This specialization consists of four courses as follows:

1. Fundamentals of Network Communication: This is a four weeks course; you will learn the Evolution of Communication Networks, Examples of Protocols and Services, OSI Model, TCP/IP, Berkeley Sockets API - I & II, Digital Transmission Fundamentals, Error Control, etc.
2. Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks: This is also a four weeks course. You will understand Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Services, TCP Reliable Stream and Flow Control, Framing and PPP, Stop-and-Wait ARQ, HDLC, Multiplexing, Local Area Networks (LAN), CSMA and CSMA/CD, Medium Access Control, MAC Random Access: Aloha, Scheduling Approaches, Wireless LANs: CSMA-CA, and much more.
3. Packet Switching Networks and Algorithms: This is a four weeks course that covers Bridges and Data Link Layer Switching, Packet Switching: Datagrams, Network Layer Services and Topology, Packet Switching: Virtual Circuits, Shortest Path Routing- Distance Vector, Routing in Packet Networks, Shortest Path Routing- Link State, Link State Routing, ATM Networks, Dijkstra Algorithm, RIP and OSPF, Packet level - Scheduling and QoS, Packet level - Fair Queueing and RED, etc.
4. TCP/IP and Advanced Topics: This is a four weeks course that covers TCP/IP Architecture and IP Packet, Subnetting, IP Addressing, Classless Interdomain Routing (CIDR), DHCP, IPv6, NAT, ARP, Fragmentation and Reassembly, UDP and TCP, TCP Flow Control and Data Transfer, TCP Three-way Handshake, TCP Congestion Control, Mobile IP, Network Security Threats, Multicast Routing, etc.

Key points:

• This specialization has a rating of is 4.7 out of 5.
• Learn the fundamentals of computer communication.
• Start your career in computer networks.
• Includes shareable certificate.
• The duration of this course is approximately four months.
• Contains quizzes and graded assignments to check your knowledge.
• Provides downloadable resources.

14. Introduction to TCP/ IP (Available on Coursera)

Introduction to TCP/IP is a course available on Coursera. The instructor of this course is Jong-Moon Chung. You access the Internet daily through your PC, tablet, laptop, and smartphone for most of your work. You will learn about the Internet and TCP/IP in an easy way through this course. You will learn about Internet technologies' operational functions and the fundamentals of securing your PC/Laptop.

It is a five-week course that covers My PC's Internet Setup, Automatic Internet Setup using DHCP, IP Routing Table, IP Gateway Router Configuration, OSI versus TCP/IP, TCP/IP Network Operations, TCP/IP Networking Functions, TCP/IP Layers, IPv4, IPv6, TCP, Internet Routing & Functions, Top Ranking Internet Attacks, Internet & Cyber Attacks, Growing Security & Threat Issues, Internet Security & Protection, How to Install Wireshark, Internet Packet Analysis using Wireshark, How to Check your IP Configuration, etc.

Key points:

• This course has a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
• The course will take approximately 8 hours to complete.
• Includes quiz.
• Includes graded assignment.

15. Introduction to Networking and Storage (Available on Coursera)

IBM offers the Introduction to Networking and Storage course at Coursera. It is for newbies who want to know how to create connections between devices and learn to diagnose network and security issues.

In this program, you will learn Types and Topologies of Computer Networks, IP Addressing, DHCP, NAT, Models, Ports, Protocols, Cables, Wireless Networks and Standards, Mobile Configurations, Network Storage Types, Cloud-Based Storage Devices, and much more.

Key points:

• This course has a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
• This course will be completed in 4 weeks.
• Learn Computer Networks, Cloud Storage, Wireless Networks, etc.
• Includes quizzes and graded assignments.

In this article, you read about several computer networking courses available online. If you are willing to learn, you can choose any course as per your requirement and start learning.