Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and Security
Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.
Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and Security
This course is part of CompTIA Network+ Certification (N10-008): The Total Course Specialization
1,519 already enrolled
Included with
Ask Coursera
11 reviews
Recommended experience
11 reviews
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Master IPv6, WAN technologies, and wireless standards to modernize your network infrastructure
Implement advanced security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and defense in depth
Deploy virtual machines, manage cloud services, and optimize enterprise data centers
Integrate IoT, VoIP, and SCADA systems, while ensuring robust monitoring and troubleshooting
Skills you'll gain
- Network Infrastructure
- Network Administration
- Wireless Networks
- Data Centers
- Network Troubleshooting
- Virtualization
- Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
- Network Security
- Information Technology Operations
- TCP/IP
- IT Security Architecture
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Cloud Computing
- Wide Area Networks
- Virtualization and Virtual Machines
- Network Monitoring
- Event Monitoring
- Hardening
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 10 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. Take your networking expertise to the next level with this in-depth course on advanced networking, virtualization, and security. Gain mastery over IPv6, WAN technologies, wireless networking, and virtualization, ensuring you're equipped to meet the challenges of modern IT infrastructures. Explore critical topics like IPv6 deployment, tunneling, and network operations while diving into cutting-edge wireless standards, virtualization basics, and enterprise-level cloud computing. The course begins with foundational concepts, such as IPv6 addressing and WAN connectivity, progressing into practical tools like VPNs and remote desktop solutions. Wireless networking modules explore PoE, wireless threats, and enterprise configurations, while virtualization and cloud computing lessons introduce essential skills for deploying virtual machines and managing cloud services. Further, you'll develop expertise in protecting networks, mastering defense in depth, password security, malware prevention, and firewall configuration. Modules on data centers and IoT integration expand your understanding of modern IT environments, while network operations and monitoring ensure you're ready to manage complex systems efficiently. Perfect for network administrators, IT professionals, and aspiring cybersecurity specialists, this course balances theory and hands-on application. A solid understanding of networking fundamentals is recommended, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced learners.
In this module, we will explore the world of IPv6, understanding its simplicity and scalability. You'll learn the fundamentals of IPv6 addressing, discover how it is configured and deployed, and grasp the importance of tunneling protocols for bridging IPv4 and IPv6 environments.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment
4 videos•Total 46 minutes
- Introduction to IPv6•13 minutes
- IPv6 Addressing•15 minutes
- IPv6 in Action•13 minutes
- IPv4 and IPv6 Tunneling•5 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and Security'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- IPv6 - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies, including DSL, cable, satellite, and cellular connections. We’ll also cover remote desktop solutions, VPNs, and strategies for troubleshooting WAN issues effectively.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
9 videos•Total 44 minutes
- Understanding IP Tunneling•6 minutes
- WAN Technologies•6 minutes
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)•4 minutes
- Connecting with Cable Modems•4 minutes
- Connecting with Satellites•2 minutes
- Cellular Technologies•4 minutes
- Remote Desktop Connectivity•4 minutes
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)•9 minutes
- WAN Troubleshooting Scenarios•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- WAN Connectivity - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover wireless networking standards, security protocols, and implementation techniques. From setting up secure networks to managing enterprise wireless systems, you'll gain insights into creating and maintaining reliable wireless environments.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
11 videos•Total 91 minutes
- Introduction to 802.11•12 minutes
- 802.11 Standards•12 minutes
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE)•4 minutes
- Antennas•9 minutes
- Wireless Security Standards•6 minutes
- Implementing Wireless Security•7 minutes
- Threats to Your Wireless Network•7 minutes
- Enterprise Wireless•6 minutes
- Installing a Wireless Network•15 minutes
- Wireless Scenarios•6 minutes
- More Wireless Scenarios•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Wireless Networking - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will delve into virtualization basics, cloud computing concepts, and enterprise-level implementations. You'll explore creating virtual machines, leveraging cloud services, and understanding Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and public/private cloud dynamics.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
9 videos•Total 55 minutes
- Virtualization Basics•7 minutes
- Your First Virtual Machine•7 minutes
- Cloud Basics•3 minutes
- Cloud Services•7 minutes
- Cloud Ownership•2 minutes
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC)•3 minutes
- Heroku Demo•9 minutes
- Enterprise Virtualization•5 minutes
- Cloud Implementation•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will uncover the design and operations of data centers, including classic and modern architectures. Topics include NAS/SAN storage solutions, high availability strategies, and the importance of thorough documentation.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videos•Total 56 minutes
- Classic Data Center Architecture•12 minutes
- NAS and SAN•16 minutes
- The Modern Data Center•9 minutes
- High Availability•11 minutes
- Documenting the Data Center•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Data Centers - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will examine networked devices, from IoT innovations to VoIP technologies and industrial control systems. You'll learn how these devices integrate into networks and contribute to operational efficiency.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
4 videos•Total 31 minutes
- Network Types•4 minutes
- Internet of Things (IoT)•7 minutes
- Voice Over IP (VoIP)•11 minutes
- Industrial Control Systems and SCADA•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Integrating Networked Devices - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on the operational aspects of networking, including security policies, change management, and disaster recovery. You'll also explore documentation and troubleshooting methods to ensure seamless operations.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
11 videos•Total 74 minutes
- What are Network Operations?•3 minutes
- Hardening and Security Policies•8 minutes
- Change Management•7 minutes
- Patching and Updating•7 minutes
- Security Risk Management•5 minutes
- Points of Failure•4 minutes
- Standard Business Documentation•5 minutes
- Incident Response and Forensics•5 minutes
- Disaster Recovery and Backups•12 minutes
- Business Continuity•12 minutes
- Deployment Models•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Network Operations - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover comprehensive strategies for securing networks against threats. From understanding attacks like DoS and on-path attacks to configuring firewalls and DMZs, you'll gain skills to protect your network infrastructure.
What's included
16 videos1 assignment
16 videos•Total 122 minutes
- Security Concepts•6 minutes
- Defense in Depth•5 minutes
- Rogue DHCP Servers•4 minutes
- Denial of Service (DoS)•10 minutes
- On-Path and Spoofing Attacks•23 minutes
- Password Attacks•6 minutes
- VLAN Hopping•6 minutes
- System Life Cycle•4 minutes
- Malware•6 minutes
- Social Engineering•8 minutes
- Common Vulnerabilities•3 minutes
- Physical Security•13 minutes
- Network Hardening•8 minutes
- Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)•5 minutes
- Introduction to Firewalls•4 minutes
- Firewalls•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Protecting Networks - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore tools and techniques for monitoring networks. You'll learn how to manage devices, analyze logs, and use SIEM systems to ensure optimal performance and security.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videos•Total 45 minutes
- Network Monitoring•8 minutes
- SNMP•15 minutes
- Documenting Logs•7 minutes
- System Monitoring•8 minutes
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Network Monitoring - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will conclude the course by focusing on the theory and practice of network troubleshooting. You'll gain practical insights into creating and executing efficient troubleshooting strategies.
What's included
1 video1 reading2 assignments
1 video•Total 5 minutes
- Network Troubleshooting Theory•5 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Advanced Networking, Virtualization, and Security'•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 75 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Explore more from Networking
- Status: Free Trial
- Status: Free Trial
- Status: Free Trial
Course
- Status: Free Trial
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Learner reviews
- 5 stars
90.90%
- 4 stars
9.09%
- 3 stars
0%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 11
Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025
Loved doing this course. A bit repetitive but it has information that I've never heard before especially about Network issues and security
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. You’ll 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. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,