Computer Networks course syllabus
Follow the lessons in order — each one builds on the last. Tick them off as you go.
- Computer Networks Introduction: OSI & TCP/IP Models How data travels across networks, the OSI and TCP/IP layer models, packets, encapsulation and the role of each layer. 4 min
- TCP vs UDP: Handshakes, Reliability & Sockets The TCP three-way handshake, reliability and flow control, when UDP is the better choice, and socket programming in Python. 5 min
- IP Addressing, Subnetting & Routing IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, CIDR subnetting with worked examples, private addresses, NAT and how routers forward packets. 5 min
- DNS & What Happens When You Type a URL How DNS resolution works step by step, record types, caching and TTLs, and the full journey from URL to rendered page. 6 min
- HTTP, HTTPS, TLS & HTTP/2/3 How HTTP requests and responses work, how TLS secures HTTPS, and what HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 (QUIC) improve. 6 min
- Computer Networks Interview Questions Common networking interview questions on OSI, TCP/UDP, DNS, HTTP, TLS, subnetting and load balancers, with answers. 5 min
Computer Networks FAQ
Is this Computer Networks tutorial free?
Yes. All 6 Computer Networks lessons are free to read online with no sign-up. Each one includes working code examples you can copy and run.
Is Computer Networks good for beginners?
Yes. The tutorial starts with "Computer Networks Introduction: OSI & TCP/IP Models" and builds up one concept at a time, so you don't need any prior Computer Networks experience — just follow the lessons in order.
How long does it take to learn Computer Networks?
Reading all 6 lessons takes about 1 hour. Most learners need a few weeks of hands-on practice alongside the lessons to feel confident using Computer Networks on real projects.
What should I learn after Computer Networks?
Good next topics are Algorithms, Data Structures, Design Patterns, Operating Systems. The Backend Developer Roadmap shows the full order.