Network Foundations and Addressing
Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.
Network Foundations and Addressing
This course is part of CCNA v1.1 (200-301) Video Training Series Specialization
2,522 already enrolled
Included with
Learn more
Ask Coursera
17 reviews
Recommended experience
17 reviews
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Apply configuration techniques to manage various network devices and components.
Execute and analyze IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes to diagnose and resolve network issues.
Create efficient network architectures tailored for both small and large-scale environments, evaluating their effectiveness in various scenarios.
Utilize subnetting techniques to organize and manage IP address allocation effectively.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
6 assignments
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 13 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 provides a robust foundation in networking technologies and IP addressing, covering essential concepts that are critical for any networking professional. It begins by introducing the core components and technologies that underpin modern networks, including routers, switches, security appliances, and wireless access points. You will also delve into different network architectures, learning how various designs such as three-tier, collapsed core, and spine-leaf are implemented in enterprise environments. As the course progresses, youβll gain an in-depth understanding of IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes. You will learn how to configure, assign, and troubleshoot IPv4 addresses, as well as explore binary numbering, subnetting, and address resolution. The transition to IPv6 is covered comprehensively, addressing the need for this new protocol and detailing its format, types, and the practicalities of implementation. Through a series of exercises and real-world scenarios, you will become proficient in both manual and dynamic address assignment. The final section of the course focuses on advanced IP addressing concepts, such as Network Address Translation (NAT), IPv4 and IPv6 traffic flows, and subnetting strategies. Youβll also practice techniques for optimizing and managing network address spaces, preparing you for real-world networking challenges. By the end of this course, you will have the skills needed to design and implement efficient, scalable network infrastructures. This course is ideal for beginners and professionals looking to solidify their understanding of networking fundamentals. No prior experience in networking is required, but a basic familiarity with computers and the internet is helpful. It is also suitable for those preparing for networking certifications, such as the CCNA.
In this module, we will set the stage for the CCNA course by outlining its structure and objectives. You will learn how to navigate the course content and understand the importance of lab exercises for reinforcing theoretical knowledge.
What's included
2 videos2 readings
2 videosβ’Total 11 minutes
- Introduction to the Specializationβ’6 minutes
- Performing Lab Exercisesβ’5 minutes
2 readingsβ’Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Network Foundations and Addressing'β’10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resourcesβ’10 minutes
In this module, we will introduce the essential networking technologies that serve as the backbone of modern network infrastructure. You will gain insights into the basic building blocks of networking and their relevance to enterprise environments.
What's included
1 video
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Module 1 Introduction - Foundational Networking Technologiesβ’1 minute
In this module, we will explore the fundamental components that make up a network, such as routers, switches, and security appliances. You will learn how each component contributes to the overall functionality and security of a network.
What's included
9 videos
9 videosβ’Total 44 minutes
- Common Network Componentsβ’2 minutes
- Routersβ’3 minutes
- Switchesβ’5 minutes
- Security Appliancesβ’8 minutes
- Wireless Access Pointsβ’6 minutes
- Endpoints and Serversβ’3 minutes
- Cisco Catalyst Centerβ’6 minutes
- Virtualized Devicesβ’4 minutes
- TCP vs UDPβ’8 minutes
In this module, we will delve into various network architectures and designs used in different environments. You will gain an understanding of how network design choices impact performance, scalability, and security.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
6 videosβ’Total 28 minutes
- Common Network Architectures and Designsβ’2 minutes
- Three-Tier vs Collapsed Core Architecturesβ’5 minutes
- Spine-Leaf Design for Data Centersβ’3 minutes
- Wide Area Network (WAN) Topologiesβ’11 minutes
- Small Office - Home Office (SOHO) Architectureβ’2 minutes
- Cloud Deployment Modelsβ’4 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 1β’15 minutes
In this module, we will cover the fundamentals of network cabling, including the different types of cables and their appropriate use cases. You will also learn how to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to network cabling.
What's included
10 videos
10 videosβ’Total 45 minutes
- Network Cablingβ’2 minutes
- Coax Cables and Connectorsβ’4 minutes
- Twisted Pair Cables and Connectorsβ’6 minutes
- Ethernet Standards for Twisted Pair Cablesβ’4 minutes
- Straight Through vs Crossover Cablesβ’5 minutes
- Fiber Optic Cablesβ’4 minutes
- Fiber Optic Connectorsβ’3 minutes
- Ethernet Standards for Fiber Optic Cablesβ’4 minutes
- Power over Ethernet (PoE)β’6 minutes
- Troubleshooting Common Cabling Issuesβ’6 minutes
In this module, we will introduce the concept of IPv4 addressing, which is crucial for network communication. You will learn about the structure and organization of IP addresses and their significance in ensuring efficient data routing.
What's included
1 video
1 videoβ’Total 3 minutes
- Module 1 Introduction - IPv4 Addressingβ’3 minutes
In this module, we will explore the binary numbering system, a foundational concept in networking. You will learn how to perform binary conversions and apply this knowledge to understanding IP addressing.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
4 videosβ’Total 11 minutes
- Binary Numberingβ’1 minute
- Binary Numberingβ’6 minutes
- Binary Practice Exercise #1β’1 minute
- Binary Practice Exercise #2β’3 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 2β’15 minutes
In this module, we will examine the characteristics of IPv4 addresses, focusing on their structure, types, and uses. You will also learn about NAT and its role in managing IP address allocation.
What's included
5 videos
5 videosβ’Total 33 minutes
- IPv4 Address Characteristicsβ’3 minutes
- IPv4 Address Formatβ’9 minutes
- Public vs. Private IPv4 Addressesβ’5 minutes
- Network Address Translationβ’12 minutes
- IPv4 Traffic Flowsβ’4 minutes
In this module, we will cover the methods of assigning, verifying, and resolving IPv4 addresses. You will learn how to configure IP settings and use DNS for name resolution, ensuring accurate and reliable network communication.
What's included
4 videos
4 videosβ’Total 22 minutes
- IPv4 Address Assignment, Verification, and Name Resolutionβ’1 minute
- Manual IPv4 Address Assignmentβ’6 minutes
- Dynamic IPv4 Address Assignmentβ’5 minutes
- Domain Name System (DNS)β’10 minutes
In this module, we will dive into subnetting, a key technique for dividing networks into smaller segments. You will learn how to perform subnet calculations and understand the benefits of subnetting for efficient network management.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videosβ’Total 34 minutes
- Subnettingβ’2 minutes
- The Need for Subnettingβ’7 minutes
- Calculating Available Subnetsβ’4 minutes
- Calculating Available Hostsβ’4 minutes
- Subnetting Practice Exercise #1β’4 minutes
- Subnetting Practice Exercise #2β’4 minutes
- Calculating Usable Ranges of IPv4 Addressesβ’6 minutes
- Subnetting Practice Exercise #3β’4 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 3β’15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce IPv6 addressing, a necessary evolution from IPv4. You will gain insights into the structure of IPv6 addresses and how they address the limitations of IPv4.
What's included
1 video
1 videoβ’Total 2 minutes
- Module 3 Introduction - IPv6 Addressingβ’2 minutes
In this module, we will explore the format of IPv6 addresses and how they facilitate communication. You will learn how to interpret and shorten IPv6 addresses, making them easier to manage.
What's included
5 videos
5 videosβ’Total 19 minutes
- IPv6 Address Format and Communicationβ’2 minutes
- Hexadecimal Numberingβ’8 minutes
- IPv6 Address Formatβ’4 minutes
- Shortening an IPv6 Addressβ’3 minutes
- IPv6 Address Shortening Exerciseβ’2 minutes
In this module, we will introduce the various types of IPv6 addresses, focusing on their roles and applications. You will learn how different address types facilitate efficient and secure network communication.
What's included
11 videos1 reading3 assignments
11 videosβ’Total 42 minutes
- IPv6 Address Typesβ’3 minutes
- IPv6 Global Unicastβ’3 minutes
- IPv6 Link Localβ’3 minutes
- IPv6 Unique Localβ’2 minutes
- IPv6 Traffic Flowsβ’3 minutes
- IPv6 Loopbackβ’2 minutes
- IPv6 Unspecifiedβ’3 minutes
- IPv6 Solicited-Node Multicastβ’4 minutes
- Manual IPv6 Address Assignmentβ’7 minutes
- EUI-64β’3 minutes
- Dynamic IPv6 Address Assignmentβ’11 minutes
1 readingβ’Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Network Foundations and Addressing'β’10 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessmentβ’15 minutes
- Assessment 4β’15 minutes
- Full Course Assessmentβ’60 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
Offered by
Explore more from Networking
Why people choose Coursera for their career
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.
More questions
Financial aid available,
