Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies (Udemy.com)

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence. Specifically, this course utilizes Udemy’s AI-Powered interactive Role Play conversation simulator to enhance your learning experience via customized scenarios to help you practice what you’re learning.

LEARN COMPUTER NETWORKING FROM ONE OF UDEMY'S TOP IT INSTRUCTORS - NO TECHNICAL BACKGROUND REQUIRED

Are you a non-techie who feels intimidated by computer networking? Do you freeze when someone mentions routers, switches, IP addresses, or subnetting? Are you a business professional who needs to understand how networks work without becoming a network engineer?

You've come to the right place.

Computer networks power everything in our connected world—from sending emails and streaming videos to running businesses and securing critical infrastructure. Yet for most people, networking remains a confusing maze of technical jargon and complexity.

This course changes that. Over 76,000 students have used this course to master networking fundamentals—many with zero technical background. And you can too.

WHY THIS COURSE IS DIFFERENT: HANDS-ON LEARNING WITH CISCO PACKET TRACER

Unlike typical networking courses that only teach theory through endless PowerPoint slides, this course gets you building actual networks using Cisco Packet Tracer—industry-standard network simulation software used by networking students and professionals worldwide.

You'll download the software for free (works on Windows and Mac) and complete 13 hands-on labs. Start simple by connecting two PCs, then progressively build complete multi-subnet networks with routers, switches, VLANs, DHCP servers, DNS servers, wireless access points, and firewalls.

Plus, you'll watch live demonstrations on Windows, Linux, and Mac systems, and reinforce your learning through 12 AI-powered study sessions where you practice explaining networking concepts out loud.

This isn't passive learning. You'll build networks and see networking principles work in real-time.

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

"I am currently studying cybersecurity at WGU. I completed Alton's course before enrolling and when I got stuck in my network foundations classes, I would refer back to this course. I learned more about networking from Alton's networking course on Udemy than in two college-level networking classes. Alton does a magnificent job delivering the material. It is slow-paced enough so even the newest of beginners can understand it. The structure and roll-out of the course flows smoothly and in perfect order. I 100% recommend this course to anyone looking to understand networking." — Jammie Williams ★★★★★

"This is a great course. I enjoyed it a great deal. I love the fact that Cisco Packet Tracer was used to allow for a better understanding of networking. I can't state enough how informative it is and it was a lot of fun also. Anyone who is struggling with networking, very highly recommend." — Christian Bell ★★★★★

"This is by far the best beginners networking course that I have come across and Alton describes and teaches networking concepts brilliantly in my opinion. Networking has always been something that I have struggled with but since taking this course I understand networking concepts a lot better and the labs help a lot as well. Money well spent." — Andrea A ★★★★★

"As someone with limited technical background, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of learning computer networking, but this course broke everything down in such a simple and engaging way. The instructor made complex concepts easy to understand, using practical examples that really helped me grasp the fundamentals. I now feel much more confident in my networking knowledge, and it has greatly enhanced my understanding of how networks function. Highly recommend this course to anyone wanting a clear, beginner-friendly introduction!" — Rustam Shahverdiyev ★★★★★

"I really enjoyed this course! The instructor explains key networking concepts clearly and concisely, without going into unnecessary technical depth that's not needed at this level. The course is well-structured and focuses on the essentials, delivering the core knowledge in a very precise and accessible way. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, especially those just starting their education or career in any area of the tech industry. This is foundational knowledge that everyone entering the field should have." — Bojan Marinkovic ★★★★★

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE IN THIS COURSE

• 18.5 Hours of On-Demand HD Video Lectures (Over 180 lectures across 28 comprehensive sections)

• 13 Cisco Packet Tracer Hands-On Labs (Build real networks in a safe simulation environment—free software, requires Cisco registration)

• 12 AI-Powered Role Play Study Sessions (Practice explaining networking concepts with your virtual study partner)

• Live Demonstrations Throughout (DNS, DHCP, ARP commands, SSH, RDP, FTP servers, Wireshark packet analysis, network cable creation, and more)

• 2 Real-World Business Case Studies (Complete network designs for a law firm and dental practice)

• 21 Section Quizzes to Reinforce Your Learning

• Complete Course Materials (Downloadable PDF versions of all lecture slides)

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM: WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Network Fundamentals & How Computer Networks Work

Understand computer networking basics, including types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN), networking protocols, the OSI Model (all 7 layers), TCP/IP Model, MAC addresses, IP addresses, Ethernet fundamentals, duplex communication, and transmission types.

Networking Devices & Infrastructure

Learn about network interface cards (NICs), hubs, switches, wireless access points, range extenders, routers, modems, all-in-one SOHO devices, media converters, firewalls, DHCP servers, and VoIP endpoints.

Network Topologies & Cabling

Master physical vs. logical topologies, wired network topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh), wireless topologies, coaxial cabling, twisted pair copper cabling, fiber optic cabling, Ethernet standards, wiring standards (568A & 568B), cable types (straight-through, crossover, rollover), and plenum-rated cabling.

The OSI Model & TCP/IP Protocol Suite