Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and IT Security
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Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and IT Security
This course is part of CompTIA A+ Certification Core 1 (220-1101) Specialization
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What you'll learn
Implement and secure WANs, VPNs, and IoT solutions for enhanced network protection
Set up and manage virtual machines and cloud-based environments effectively
Secure mobile devices and troubleshoot common networking issues with confidence
Understand and analyze cloud service models and their practical applications in real-world scenarios
Skills you'll gain
- Cloud Computing
- Network Security
- General Networking
- Network Protocols
- Virtualization
- Peripheral Devices
- Augmented Reality
- Virtualization and Virtual Machines
- Network Infrastructure
- Network Architecture
- Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
- Cloud Security
- Security Controls
- Network Administration
- Cloud Computing Architecture
- Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
- Cloud Services
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
4 assignments
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There are 6 modules in this course
Updated in May 2025.
This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course empowers IT professionals with advanced knowledge on critical infrastructure. Covering everything from the tiers of the internet to VPNs and IoT, to setting up virtual environments and securing cloud assets, this curriculum equips learners with the tools they need to manage, troubleshoot, and enhance both physical and virtual IT systems. In this course, learners begin with an exploration of internet architecture, diving into LANs, WANs, broadband connections, and firewalls. You'll also understand how application-layer protocols and VPNs enable secure communications across networks. The journey continues with a comprehensive understanding of virtualization, walking through the setup and management of virtual machines and cloud environments. Finally, the course transitions into IT security fundamentals, from protecting mobile devices to advanced cloud security measures, ensuring participants can safeguard modern tech ecosystems. Ideal for IT professionals, network administrators, and CompTIA Network+ candidates. A basic understanding of networking concepts is required, and familiarity with virtualization is helpful but not essential.
In this module, we will explore the vast architecture of the Internet, examining different network types, broadband connections, and the role of firewalls and servers. You'll also learn about VPNs, the Internet of Things (IoT), and effective methods for troubleshooting Internet connections.
What's included
9 videos2 readings
9 videosβ’Total 57 minutes
- Beyond the LANβ’3 minutes
- Internet Tiersβ’6 minutes
- Broadband Connectionsβ’11 minutes
- Firewalls and Serversβ’6 minutes
- E-Mailβ’7 minutes
- Proxy Serversβ’6 minutes
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)β’8 minutes
- Internet of Things (IoT)β’4 minutes
- Troubleshooting Internet Connections, Part 1β’7 minutes
2 readingsβ’Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and IT Security'β’10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resourcesβ’10 minutes
In this module, we will delve into virtualization, starting with the fundamentals of virtual machines and hypervisors. Youβll set up virtual machines, explore advanced configurations, and learn the key concepts of cloud computing and its ownership models, including public, private, and hybrid clouds.
What's included
6 videos
6 videosβ’Total 49 minutes
- Understanding Virtualizationβ’10 minutes
- Your First Virtual Machineβ’11 minutes
- Advanced Virtualization Setupβ’12 minutes
- Cloud Computingβ’8 minutes
- Cloud Ownershipβ’2 minutes
- Cloud-Based Applicationsβ’6 minutes
In this module, we will examine the key components of laptops, focusing on hardware features, disassembly, and troubleshooting. You will learn to handle laptop CPU and motherboard replacements, and understand the intricacies of laptop displays, including built-in features like Wi-Fi antennas and webcams.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videosβ’Total 27 minutes
- Laptop Featuresβ’8 minutes
- Laptop Hardware Troubleshooting - The Toolsβ’5 minutes
- Laptop Hardware - Core Hardwareβ’3 minutes
- Laptop Hardware - CPU and Motherboardβ’7 minutes
- Touring Your Laptop Displayβ’4 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 1β’15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the world of mobile devices, covering smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Youβll learn about their operating systems, connection methods, and the immersive possibilities of augmented and virtual reality, all while gaining hands-on experience with Android customization.
What's included
4 videos
4 videosβ’Total 30 minutes
- What Is a Mobile Device?β’9 minutes
- Mobile Connectionsβ’9 minutes
- Touring Androidβ’10 minutes
- Virtual Realityβ’2 minutes
In this module, we will cover the maintenance and security of mobile devices, with a focus on common security threats, troubleshooting methods, and email configurations. Youβll also explore mobile device management (MDM) and the tools needed to secure data, as well as methods for synchronizing mobile data across devices.
What's included
6 videos
6 videosβ’Total 50 minutes
- Maintaining Mobile Devicesβ’11 minutes
- Mobile Devices and E-Mailβ’9 minutes
- Mobile Synchronizationβ’7 minutes
- Mobile Device Securityβ’8 minutes
- Mobile Security Troubleshootingβ’6 minutes
- Mobile Device Troubleshootingβ’9 minutes
In this module, we will dive into the world of printing technologies, from laser and inkjet printers to advanced 3D printing. Youβll learn about installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for various printer types, as well as how to share printers across networks and set up wireless and cloud-based printing solutions.
What's included
9 videos1 reading3 assignments
9 videosβ’Total 73 minutes
- Laser Printersβ’12 minutes
- Inkjet Printersβ’8 minutes
- Impact Printersβ’4 minutes
- Thermal Printersβ’3 minutes
- Installing a Local Printerβ’14 minutes
- Sharing Printersβ’6 minutes
- Installing Wireless and Cloud Printersβ’9 minutes
- Troubleshooting Printersβ’10 minutes
- 3D Printingβ’6 minutes
1 readingβ’Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and IT Security'β’10 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Assessment 2β’15 minutes
- Full Course Assessmentβ’60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessmentβ’15 minutes
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Reviewed on May 25, 2025
The instructors are great, I learned a ton of stuff that I never knew, which is refreshing, and refreshed on a lot of stuff that I forgot about . Great course. Most enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. Youβll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. Youβll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
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