Skill Path

Network Fundamentals

Skill Path

Learn the basics of communications and networking. This skill path will provide you with a general understanding of Network Fundamentals in the context of IT & Cybersecurity Foundations.

Path Releasing Q2 2025
Full access included with 
Cybrary Insider Pro
 and 
Teams

11

H

30

M
Time

Beginner

i
Designed for learners who have no prior work experience in IT or Cybersecurity, but are interested in starting a career in this exciting field.
Experience Level

9

i

Earn qualifying credits for certification renewal with completion certificates provided for submission.
CEU's

Enrollees

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About this Path

Network Fundamentals is a beginner-level skill path designed to introduce you to basic networking concepts and skills, including OSI and TCP/IP reference models, IP addressing, network devices, Wireshark, Nmap, VPNs, and network troubleshooting.

Upon completing this skill path, you are encouraged to enroll in the complete IT and Cybersecurity Foundations career path.

Read More

Skills you'll gain

Path Outline

Collection Outline

Coming Soon

The Leadership and Management Career Path is expected to release in Q2 of 2025. Sign up now to explore our other leadership courses and content.

Start Learning for Free
1

Learn

Learn core concepts and get hands-on with key skills.

COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
Network Basics
1
H
0
M

This brief course is designed to introduce you to fundamental networking and network security concepts. You will learn basic networking terminology and topics like the CIA triad, networking models, common ports and protocols, common network-based threats, and network infrastructure security.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Network Reference Models
1
H
0
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn about the OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models and how they are used to organize the communications standards used by computer networks. You will then explore the different layers of the two models using Wireshark and a PCAP file containing wireless network traffic.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
IP Addressing Basics
1
H
20
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of IP addressing. You will practice analyzing a TCP/IP network topology in the GNS3 network simulator using basic Linux commands.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Network Device Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of network devices. You will practice assessing and configuring a simple network topology in the GNS3 network simulator.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Wireshark Basics
1
H
15
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of Wireshark, including basic functionality and practical applications. You will practice packet capture and analysis using a range of different protocols and Wireshark features, including display filters, streams, and conversation filters.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Nmap Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of Nmap, including basic functionality and practical applications. You will practice scanning and enumeration using a range of different Nmap options.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VPN Basics
1
H
25
M

In this lab, you will learn the basics of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). You will practice configuring a site-to-site IPsec VPN implementation using two pfSense firewall appliances.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Network Troubleshooting Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of network troubleshooting. You will practice using common network troubleshooting tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve various network connectivity issues.

2

Practice

Exercise your problem-solving and creative thinking skills with security-centric puzzles

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Jumping the Wireshark
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will have the opportunity to put your Wireshark skills to the test.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Troubleshooting in Paradise
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice troubleshooting issues in a simulated network using GNS3.

3

Prove

Assess your knowledge and skills to identify areas for improvement and measure your growth

ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
Network Fundamentals
1
H
26
M
This course will go over fundamental concepts of installing and configuring various network devices and the skills needed to recognize and understand network topologies and give the student the knowledge to provide feedback on network requirements.
4

Train Your Team

Cybrary’s expert-led cybersecurity courses help your team remediate skill gaps and get up-to-date on certifications. Utilize Cybrary to stay ahead of emerging threats and provide team members with clarity on how to learn, grow, and advance their careers within your organization.

Instructors

Get Hands-on Learning

Put your skills to the test in virtual labs, challenges, and simulated environments.

Measure Your Progress

Track your skills development from lesson to lesson using the Cybrary Skills Tracker.

Connect with the Community

Connect with peers and mentors through our supportive community of cybersecurity professionals.

Success from Our Learners

"Cybrary really helped me get up to speed and acquire a baseline level of technical knowledge. It offers a far more comprehensive approach than just learning from a book. It actually shows you how to apply cybersecurity processes in a hands-on way"

Don Gates

Principal Systems Engineer/SAIC

"Cybrary’s SOC Analyst career path was the difference maker, and was instrumental in me landing my new job. I was able to show the employer that I had the right knowledge and the hands-on skills to execute the role."

Cory

Cybersecurity analyst/

"I was able to earn my CISSP certification within 60 days of signing up for Cybrary Insider Pro and got hired as a Security Analyst conducting security assessments and penetration testing within 120 days. This certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Cybrary mentor community."

Mike

Security Engineer and Pentester/

"Cybrary really helped me get up to speed and acquire a baseline level of technical knowledge. It offers a far more comprehensive approach than just learning from a book. It actually shows you how to apply cybersecurity processes in a hands-on way"

Don Gates

Principal Systems Engineer/SAIC

"Cybrary’s SOC Analyst career path was the difference maker, and was instrumental in me landing my new job. I was able to show the employer that I had the right knowledge and the hands-on skills to execute the role."

Cory

Cybersecurity analyst/

"I was able to earn my CISSP certification within 60 days of signing up for Cybrary Insider Pro and got hired as a Security Analyst conducting security assessments and penetration testing within 120 days. This certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Cybrary mentor community."

Mike

Security Engineer and Pentester/

"Becoming a Cybrary Insider Pro was a total game changer. Cybrary was instrumental in helping me break into cybersecurity, despite having no prior IT experience or security-related degree. Their career paths gave me clear direction, the instructors had real-world experience, and the virtual labs let me gain hands-on skills I could confidently put on my resume and speak to in interviews."

Cassandra

Information Security Analyst/Cisco Systems

"I was able to earn both my Security+ and CySA+ in two months. I give all the credit to Cybrary. I’m also proud to announce I recently accepted a job as a Cyber Systems Engineer at BDO... I always try to debunk the idea that you can't get a job without experience or a degree."

Casey

Cyber Systems Engineer/BDO

"Cybrary has helped me improve my hands-on skills and pass my toughest certification exams, enabling me to achieve 13 advanced certifications and successfully launch my own business. I love the practice tests for certification exams, especially, and appreciate the wide-ranging training options that let me find the best fit for my goals"

Angel

Founder,/ IntellChromatics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

Network Fundamentals is a self-paced, hands-on skill path, ideal for individuals pursuing a career in IT support, network administration, or cybersecurity. This path has no prerequisites, but learners should have a working knowledge of modern technology, basic analytical skills, and a strong desire to learn.

What does this Network Fundamentals skill path cover?

This path covers basic networking concepts, terminology, and skills essential to working in IT and cybersecurity. Topics include:

  • Network Basics
  • Network Reference Models
  • IP Addressing Basics
  • Network Device Basics
  • Wireshark Basics

Learners will get hands-on with virtual labs and challenges designed to test your skills and prepare you for success in real-world scenarios.

Why should I learn Network Fundamentals?

A solid understanding of networking is foundational to nearly every IT and cybersecurity role. No matter where your cybersecurity career takes you, you’ll need to understand how data moves through networks, how devices communicate, and how to protect that communication from unauthorized access. Learning these fundamentals provides a solid foundation on which to build your IT and cybersecurity expertise.

What cybersecurity jobs involve networking skills?

Networking knowledge is critical in many cybersecurity positions. Roles that rely heavily on networking skills include:

  • Network Security Analyst
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
  • Penetration Tester
  • Incident Responder