Networking with TCP/IP: An Introduction to the Internet Protocol Suite

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About Course

In today’s hyperconnected world, understanding how devices communicate over the internet is essential for anyone entering the fields of technology, cybersecurity, or systems engineering. This course offers a beginner-friendly yet technically grounded introduction to the fundamental concepts behind computer networking and the Internet Protocol Suite—commonly known as TCP/IP. By starting from the basic principles of communication systems and moving through the key layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models, students will gain a solid understanding of how data travels across the globe.

Each section demystifies networking jargon and protocols, explaining their roles through real-world analogies and practical examples. Whether you’re curious about how your computer connects to a website, how streaming services deliver content so quickly, or how email is reliably transmitted across vast distances, this course will help you understand the “invisible” highways of the digital world. Perfect for students, career switchers, or professionals brushing up on foundational knowledge, this course is your gateway into the heart of modern communication technology.

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What Will You Learn?

  • Understand the basic concepts of computer networks and communication systems
  • Define what protocols are and why they are critical for networking
  • Describe the OSI and TCP/IP models and their respective layers
  • Explain the functions of key protocols like IP, TCP, and UDP
  • Understand the purpose and role of physical and data link layers
  • Learn how applications interact with the network through the application layer
  • Identify the differences and use cases of TCP vs. UDP
  • Gain clarity on how the internet functions as a global network

Course Content

Fundamentals
Fundamentals This section introduces the basic principles of computer networking, highlighting how communication occurs between devices and the importance of structured data exchange. Students will learn foundational concepts like hosts, nodes, data transmission, and the relevance of protocols in creating a shared language for digital communication. Computer Networks Here, students explore different types of computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and the internet. The section explains the roles of routers, switches, and network topologies, offering insights into how devices are physically and logically connected to form functional systems. What is Protocol? This section defines protocols as the formal rules that govern data communication in a network. It covers how protocols ensure interoperability, consistency, and reliability across different systems and layers, enabling smooth interaction between hardware and software. What are the Layers of the OSI Model? Students are introduced to the 7-layer OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, a conceptual framework that standardizes network communication functions. Each layer’s role is described—from the Physical Layer up to the Application Layer—providing a structured way to understand how data flows. Internet This section explores the global network of networks—the internet. Students learn how millions of devices interact to deliver data, the role of ISPs, IP addresses, DNS, and how the infrastructure supports massive data exchange in real-time across the globe.

  • Computer Networks
    00:00
  • What is Protocol?
    00:00
  • What are the layers of the OSI model?
    00:00
  • Internet
    00:00

Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP)
Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) An overview of the TCP/IP model—the backbone of the internet—is provided here. Students will compare it to the OSI model, understand its four layers, and learn why it is preferred for practical implementation in real-world networking. TCP/IP Architecture Diving deeper, this section discusses the architecture of the TCP/IP stack, explaining how each layer—from the Link Layer to the Application Layer—interacts to support seamless communication. Key protocol examples are also covered. Physical Layer This section explains the Physical Layer’s role in transmitting raw bits over physical mediums such as cables, fiber optics, and wireless signals. It covers transmission rates, signaling methods, and the hardware involved in actual data movement. Data Link Layer Students learn how the Data Link Layer manages node-to-node communication and error detection. The section introduces MAC addresses, switches, and protocols like Ethernet that ensure data frames are delivered reliably on local networks. The Network Layer: IP Focusing on the Internet Protocol (IP), this section details how data packets are routed from source to destination across multiple networks. Topics include IP addressing, subnetting, routing tables, and ICMP (used for tools like ping). Transport Layer: TCP and UDP Students compare Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP), learning when and why each is used. The section covers flow control, reliability, and real-time communication needs like streaming and gaming. Application Layer This final layer connects users to the network through protocols like HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and DNS. Students will understand how web browsers, email clients, and other applications initiate and manage network interactions using well-defined services.

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