Full course description
This fully online course covers converging computer and communications technologies and is designed to serve the needs of those interested in understanding the field of data communications and how it relates to other areas of information technology (IT) and cybersecurity.
The course content covers both the technical concepts and organizational and human issues related to the secure networking of systems, including their design, implementation, and administration. The course also provides the broad-based knowledge and skills necessary to prepare students for further study in other specialized networking and cybersecurity courses/fields (e.g., Network Security).
Course content:
- Network Designs and Architectures
- Communications of Networked Systems
- Components of Network Systems
- Addressing of Enterprise Systems
- Organizational and Technical Implementation of Protocols
- Switching and Routing of Modern Systems
- Organizational, Human, and Technical Aspects of Network Security
What You’ll Learn:
- Implement, administer, and troubleshoot common network architectures, addressing schemes, and protocols.
- Design, build, and maintain wired or wireless internetworks, and troubleshoot them using standard utilities.
- Implement authentication, access control, and basic hardening on network devices and services.
- Contextualize networking decisions within broader “cyber-social” landscapes (how human/organizational factors affect technical networks).
Who Should Enroll:
Ideal for learners beginning their cybersecurity journey or professionals in IT/engineering looking to deepen their understanding of how networking and secure communications form the backbone of cyber-defense. No prior deep security expertise required - some familiarity with networks is beneficial but not required.
Why It Matters:
Networking + secure communications are fundamental to nearly every cybersecurity role. Mastering these concepts prepares you for later coursework in systems protection, security operations, and real-world defense of corporate and infrastructure networks.
This course is part of the University of Illinois Cybersecurity Certificate, developed by the Information Trust Institute (ITI), a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. Learners may enroll in courses individually or complete all three to earn the full certificate.