Q: What background do I need?

<text variant="body1">A: Basic computer literacy; CompTIA A+ or equivalent recommended.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Network Foundations & Physical Layer

This course is part of CompTIA Network+ Specialization

Instructors: Mike Meyers

Included with Learn more

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models and describe how data is encapsulated and transmitted across network layers
Identify and install network cabling, including copper and fiber standards, connectors, and structured cabling components
Troubleshoot physical layer cabling problems using cable testers, visual inspection, and systematic diagnostic methods

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

OSI Models

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the CompTIA Network+ Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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 6 modules in this course

Build the foundational networking skills and physical layer knowledge that underpin all network communications. Through the industry-proven lens of the CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) exam, this course builds the vocabulary every network professional needs: the OSI and TCP/IP models, frames and MAC addresses, topologies, cabling standards, Ethernet, and structured cabling. You'll learn how data flows through networks, how physical media and connectors are selected and installed, and how to track down cabling problems. Online labs reinforce physical installation and cable identification.

Not planning to take the exam? The skills still apply on the job. Whether you support a small office network or simply want to understand how networks really work, this course gives you a practical foundation you can use right away. Clear, expert instruction makes each concept approachable, and the first module is designed as an accessible entry point, so you can start with confidence even if networking is new to you.

This chapter is a clear overview of core networking models and data flow, introducing frames, MAC addressing, ports, and essential TCP/IP protocols to build a strong foundation for understanding how networks communicate.

What's included

9 videos2 readings1 assignment

9 videosTotal 55 minutes

Network Models & the OSI Framework Introduction1 minute
Introduction to CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Exam Training2 minutes
What's on the CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Exam?3 minutes
What Can You Do with a Network+ Certification?4 minutes
The OSI Model13 minutes
Meet the Frame6 minutes
The MAC Address7 minutes
Understanding Ports and Services7 minutes
Internet Protocol (IP) Types12 minutes

2 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Network Models & the OSI Framework Slide Handout2 minutes
CompTIA Network+ Exam Objective Guide2 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Network Models & the OSI Framework Assessment15 minutes

This chapter is an introduction to essential network layouts and cabling, covering topologies, coax, twisted pair standards, fiber types, and cable fire ratings to build a solid understanding of modern network infrastructure.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment

This chapter is a practical look at core Ethernet technologies, frames, cabling, topologies, and switch behavior, showing how networks are built, connected, and expanded in real-world environments.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

This chapter is a conscice look at Ethernet standards, transceivers, and common cabling or switch issues, building the skills needed to understand speeds, media options, and real‑world troubleshooting.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

This chapter is a hands on guide to structured cabling, exploring its components, tools, testing methods, and troubleshooting techniques to ensure reliable, well‑built network installations.

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

9 videosTotal 51 minutes

Introduction to Structured Cabling4 minutes
Terminating Structured Cabling8 minutes
Equipment Room7 minutes
Alternative Distribution Panels4 minutes
Using a Toner and Probe3 minutes
Testing Cable9 minutes
Troubleshooting Cabling, Part 14 minutes
Troubleshooting Cabling, Part 24 minutes
Troubleshooting Cabling, Part 310 minutes

1 readingTotal 2 minutes

Installing a Physical Network Slide Handout2 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Installing a Physical Network Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 3 minutes

Physical Installation Components (Challenge)3 minutes

Final graded assessment

What's included

1 assignment

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Mike Meyers

Total Seminars

31 Courses4,629 learners

Lyndon Williams

Total Seminars

14 Courses3,074 learners

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Frequently asked questions

A: It covers networking fundamentals, the OSI and TCP/IP models, cabling and topologies, Ethernet, and structured cabling, with an orientation to the Network+ (N10-009) exam.

A: Basic computer literacy; CompTIA A+ or equivalent recommended.

A: The course includes about 4 hours of material: videos, quizzes, and optional assignments. How long it takes you depends on your starting knowledge and how you like to study, so here are some typical ranges. If you already have experience with these topics, you may finish in about 3 to 4 hours by skimming familiar lessons. If you have some background, plan on about 4.5 to 6 hours. If you are new to the topic, plan on about 6 to 8 hours, because you may want to rewatch lessons and review quizzes. At the recommended 4 to 5 hours per week, this works out to about 1 to 2 weeks. The course is self-paced, so you can rewatch any lesson as often as you need.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

Network Foundations & Physical Layer

Network Foundations & Physical Layer

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise

There are 6 modules in this course

Network Models & the OSI Framework

What's included

Cabling & Network Topology

What's included

Ethernet Basics

What's included

Ethernet Standards

What's included

Installing a Physical Network

What's included

Course Assessment

What's included

Earn a career certificate

Instructors

Offered by

Explore more from Networking

Switching IPv6 WAN

Network Applications and TCP/IP Security

TCP/IP Fundamentals & Routing

Wireless Virtualization and Network Infrastructure

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

What brings you to Coursera today?

Unlock access to 10,000+ courses with a subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 4,700 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

Q: What does this course cover?

Q: What background do I need?

Q: How long does the course take?

More questions