• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    University of Colorado System
    Computer Communications Specialization
    • About
    • Outcomes
    • Courses
    • Testimonials
    1. Browse
    2. Computer Science
    3. Computer Security and Networks
    University of Colorado System

    Computer Communications Specialization

    Launch your career in computer network & security. Provide an introduction to fundamental network architecture concepts and network design alternatives

    Xiaobo Zhou

    Instructor: Xiaobo Zhou

    59,871 already enrolled

    Included with Coursera Plus

    •Learn more
    4 course series
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
    4.7

    (2,058 reviews)

    Intermediate level
    Some related experience required
    2 months
    at 10 hours a week
    Flexible schedule
    Learn at your own pace

    4 course series
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
    4.7

    (2,058 reviews)

    Intermediate level
    Some related experience required
    2 months
    at 10 hours a week
    Flexible schedule
    Learn at your own pace
    • About
    • Outcomes
    • Courses
    • Testimonials

    Skills you'll gain

    • Computer Networking
    • Network Security
    • Software-Defined Networking
    • OSI Models
    • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
    • Network Protocols
    • Wireless Networks
    • Routing Protocols
    • Network Planning And Design
    • Network Performance Management
    • Local Area Networks
    • Digital Communications

    Details to know

    Shareable certificate

    Add to your LinkedIn profile

    Taught in English

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

    Learn more about Coursera for Business
     logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

    Advance your subject-matter expertise

    • Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
    • Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
    • Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
    • Earn a career certificate from University of Colorado System
    Coursera Career Certificate

    Earn a career certificate

    Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

    Share it on social media and in your performance review

    Coursera Career Certificate

    Specialization - 4 course series

    This specialization is developed for seniors and fresh graduate students to understand fundamental network architecture concepts and their impacts on cyber security, to develop skills and techniques required for network protocol design, and prepare for a future of constant change through exposure to network design alternatives. Students will require a prior knowledge of C programming, an understanding of math probability and a computer science background is a plus.

    Applied Learning Project

    The assessments covers fundamental computer networking concepts and principles which will guide the learner to apply the networking theory and design principles, verify their understandings, and build a solid foundation for creating innovations in today's Internet. It lays foundations of network architectures, protocol design principles, and TCP/IP programming skills, which are necessary to take more advanced courses in graduate study and/or technical training in the industry. It covers basic networking knowledge and in-depth understanding of the inner-workings of computer networks and their evolution. Communication systems, from simple to asynchronous point-to-point links, to those based on complex network architectures will be assessed.

    Fundamentals of Network Communication

    Course 1•15 hours•4.6 (2,363 ratings)

    What you'll learn

    In this course, we trace the evolution of networks and identify the key concepts and functions that form the basis for layered architecture. We introduce examples of protocols and services that are familiar to the students, and we explain how these services are supported by networks. Further, we explain fundamental concepts in digital communication, and focus on error control techniques that include parity check, polynomial code, and Internet checksum. Students will be required to have some previous programming experience in C-programming (C++/Java), some fundamental knowledge of computer organization and IT architecture and a background in computer science is a plus.

    Skills you'll gain

    Category: Software Architecture
    Software Architecture
    Category: Network Security
    Network Security
    Category: Computer Architecture
    Computer Architecture
    Category: Computer Networking
    Computer Networking
    Category: Communication
    Communication
    Category: Network Architecture
    Network Architecture

    Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks

    Course 2•15 hours•4.7 (531 ratings)

    What you'll learn

    In this course, we discuss peer-to-peer protocols and local area networks. Part one in this course is to answer the question of how does a peer-to-peer protocol deliver reliable data transfer service across unreliable transmission lines or networks. We focus on several medium access control protocols and their performance analysis. In the second part, we discuss how medium access control protocols coordinate the access to the communication channel so that information gets through from a source to a destination in the same broadcast local area network. We further discuss local area network and wireless LAN.

    Skills you'll gain

    Category: Computer Graphics
    Computer Graphics
    Category: Network Security
    Network Security
    Category: Network Model
    Network Model
    Category: Computer Architecture
    Computer Architecture
    Category: Computer Networking
    Computer Networking
    Category: Communication
    Communication

    Packet Switching Networks and Algorithms

    Course 3•17 hours•4.7 (448 ratings)

    What you'll learn

    In this course, we deal with the general issues regarding packet switching networks. We discuss packet networks from two perspectives. One perspective involves external view of the network, and is concerned with services that the network provides to the transport layer that operates above it at the end systems. The second perspective is concerned with the internal operation of a network, including approaches directing information across the network, addressing and routing procedures, as well as congestion control inside the network.

    Skills you'll gain

    Category: Algorithms
    Algorithms
    Category: Computer Graphics
    Computer Graphics
    Category: Theoretical Computer Science
    Theoretical Computer Science
    Category: Network Security
    Network Security
    Category: Network Model
    Network Model
    Category: Leadership and Management
    Leadership and Management
    Category: Computer Networking
    Computer Networking
    Category: Network Architecture
    Network Architecture

    TCP/IP and Advanced Topics

    Course 4•16 hours•4.7 (744 ratings)

    What you'll learn

    In this course, we give an in-depth study of the TCP/IP protocols. We examine the details of how IP enables communications across a collection of networks. We pay particular attention to the hierarchical structure of IP addresses and explain their role in ensuring scalability of the Internet. The role of address prefixes and the uses of masks are explained in details. We review in details about TCP three-way handshake, flow control, and congestion control. Furthermore, we provide an introduction to some advanced topics, including Multicast, SDN and security

    Skills you'll gain

    Category: Theoretical Computer Science
    Theoretical Computer Science
    Category: Network Security
    Network Security
    Category: Network Model
    Network Model
    Category: Computer Networking
    Computer Networking
    Category: Communication
    Communication
    Category: Network Architecture
    Network Architecture
    Category: Organizational Development
    Organizational Development

    Instructor

    Xiaobo Zhou
    Xiaobo Zhou
    University of Colorado System
    4 Courses•148,002 learners

    Offered by

    University of Colorado System

    Offered by

    University of Colorado System

    The University of Colorado is a recognized leader in higher education on the national and global stage. We collaborate to meet the diverse needs of our students and communities. We promote innovation, encourage discovery and support the extension of knowledge in ways unique to the state of Colorado and beyond.

    Why people choose Coursera for their career

    Felipe M.
    Learner since 2018
    "To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
    Jennifer J.
    Learner since 2020
    "I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
    Larry W.
    Learner since 2021
    "When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
    Chaitanya A.
    "Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

    New to Computer Security and Networks? Start here.

    Understanding the Application Layer of the OSI Model

    October 4, 2024

    Article

    What Is CAD? A Beginners Guide

    November 25, 2024

    Article

    Understanding the Presentation Layer: A Beginner’s Guide

    October 21, 2024

    Article

    Essential Computer Engineering Skills

    May 20, 2025

    Article

    Coursera Plus

    Open new doors with Coursera Plus

    Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

    Learn more

    Advance your career with an online degree

    Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

    Explore degrees

    Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

    Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

    Learn more

    Frequently asked questions

    Unix operating system, C/C++/java, Discreet Math, Probability

    The first course and others (preferred)

    No

    This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

    If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policyOpens in a new tab.

    Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

    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.

    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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aidOpens in a new tab.

    More questions

    Visit the learner help center

    Financial aid available,

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok
    Coursera

    Welcome back

    ​
    Your password is hidden
    ​

    or

    New to Coursera?


    Having trouble logging in? Learner help center

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.