Computer Networks
Our Computer Networks course covers the OSI and TCP/IP models, physical and data link layers, error detection and correction, MAC protocols, IP addressing and subnetting, routing algorithms, TCP and UDP, congestion control, application-layer protocols such as DNS and HTTP, and network security basics. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified subject expert, who explains each concept with worked examples, solves problems from your own module and helps you prepare for exams and coursework. Suitable for computer science and engineering students, following university syllabi in the UK, US, Australia and India (including AKTU, VTU and Anna University style courses).
Reviewed by V. Jaiswal, Computer science, AI and software development specialistLast updated
$14 – $40
per hour
Free demo class · pay only if you continue
What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Understand computer networking fundamentals
- Explain OSI and TCP/IP models
- Understand network topologies and architectures
- Apply IP addressing and subnetting
- Understand switching and routing concepts
- Explain TCP and UDP protocols
- Understand application-layer protocols
- Analyze network communication
- Understand wireless networking
- Apply basic network security concepts
Prerequisites
- Computer fundamentals
- Basic operating systems knowledge
- Basic binary number system
- Basic computer architecture
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(6 modules)
- Uses of computer networks
- Network hardware
- Network software
- Layering
- OSI and TCP/IP reference models
What is Computer Networks?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring in computer networks for computer science and engineering students. A verified tutor explains the OSI and TCP/IP models, addressing and subnetting, routing, transport protocols and network security, with numerical problems and lab help.
Computer networks are interconnected devices that exchange data using agreed protocols, from local networks to the internet. A computer networks course explains how data moves through the layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models, covering transmission, error control, medium access, IP addressing and routing, reliable transport with TCP, and application protocols such as HTTP and DNS.
This online course teaches Computer Networks one to one with a verified tutor who has studied or taught it at university level, at your pace and aligned with your own module.
Related subject: Computer networks help.
What does the Computer Networks course cover?
| Layer | Key content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Uses of networks, network hardware and software, OSI and TCP/IP reference models |
| Physical layer | Data communication basics, transmission media, switching |
| Data link layer | Framing, error detection (CRC) and correction, stop-and-wait, go-back-N and selective repeat |
| MAC sublayer | Channel allocation, ALOHA, CSMA/CD, Ethernet, switching |
| Network layer | IPv4 and IPv6, subnetting and CIDR, routing algorithms (distance vector, link state), congestion control |
| Transport layer | UDP, TCP, flow control, congestion control |
| Application layer | DNS, HTTP, email protocols |
How do you subnet an IPv4 network?
- Write the network address and prefix, for example 192.168.10.0/24.
- Decide how many subnets or hosts per subnet you need.
- Borrow host bits: each borrowed bit doubles the number of subnets.
- Compute the new prefix and subnet mask.
- List each subnet's network address, first and last usable host and broadcast address.
- Check usable hosts per subnet = 2^(host bits) − 2.
How do you solve sliding window protocol problems?
- Find the transmission time and propagation delay.
- Compute a = propagation delay ÷ transmission time.
- For stop-and-wait, efficiency = 1 ÷ (1 + 2a).
- For a window of size W, efficiency = W ÷ (1 + 2a), capped at 1.
- Find the sequence number bits needed for go-back-N or selective repeat.
- Calculate throughput = efficiency × bandwidth.
What does a worked subnetting problem look like?
Here is a typical question: divide 192.168.1.0/24 into four equal subnets.
| Step | Working |
|---|---|
| Bits to borrow | 2 bits give 4 subnets, so /26 |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.192 |
| Block size | 256 − 192 = 64 |
| Subnets | .0, .64, .128, .192 |
| Hosts per subnet | 2⁶ − 2 = 62 |
| First subnet | Hosts .1 to .62, broadcast .63 |
Where do students lose marks in Computer Networks?
Students most often lose marks with subnetting arithmetic, mixing up OSI layers, forgetting propagation delay in efficiency questions, and describing protocols without explaining why they work.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Subnet arithmetic errors | Work in binary and check block sizes |
| OSI layers mixed up | Link each protocol to its layer |
| Delay terms missing | Include transmission and propagation delay |
| Protocol description only | Explain the problem each mechanism solves |
| Routing tables misread | Trace the longest prefix match |
How is it assessed, and how can a tutor help?
Computer networks modules are usually assessed by written exams with numericals on subnetting, sliding window efficiency and CRC, plus labs using tools such as Wireshark or Cisco Packet Tracer and socket programming.
Tutors explain concepts, work through practice problems with you and give feedback on your approach. Graded work you submit must be your own, as set out in our academic integrity policy. For deadline-driven guidance, see assignment help.
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video with screen sharing and a shared whiteboard. You can follow a full course or book sessions on the topics you find hardest before exams. See also Operating Systems, Parallel and Distributed Algorithms and our Computer Science subject page.
Computer networks tutor online: who this course is for, prerequisites and study plan
A computer networks tutor online gives you live 1-to-1 lessons on the OSI and TCP/IP models, working through subnetting, routing and protocol numericals step by step.
This course suits computer science and IT students preparing for university exams and placement interviews.
Prerequisites: computer fundamentals, the binary number system, and basic operating systems and architecture.
Course length: 36 one-hour lessons across 6 modules.
| Stage | Topics | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to computer networks; physical layer | Explain network models and signals |
| 2 | Data link layer; medium access control | Solve framing, error detection and access problems |
| 3 | Network layer | Subnet addresses and trace routing |
| 4 | Transport layer | Explain TCP, UDP and congestion control |
Where it leads: see the Operating Systems course or the Data Structures and Algorithms course.
Computer Networks: frequently asked questions
What are the 7 layers of the OSI model?
The seven OSI layers, from bottom to top, are Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation and Application. Each layer provides services to the layer above it, for example the Network layer handles routing and the Transport layer handles end-to-end delivery. Your tutor links each layer to real protocols such as IP and TCP.
What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
TCP is connection-oriented and reliable; UDP is connectionless and faster but unreliable.
What is subnetting?
Dividing an IP network into smaller networks by borrowing host bits.
What is CSMA/CD?
A medium access method used in classic Ethernet that detects collisions and retransmits.
What is the difference between distance vector and link state routing?
Distance vector shares routing tables with neighbours; link state floods link information so each router computes shortest paths.
How does TCP congestion control work?
Using slow start, congestion avoidance, fast retransmit and fast recovery to adjust the sending rate.
Can you help with networking labs?
Yes. Tutors explain Wireshark captures, Packet Tracer setups and socket code.
Can you help me prepare for my networks exam?
Yes. Tutors practise subnetting, protocol and efficiency numericals.
How much does a Computer Networks tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Can a tutor do my assignment for me?
No. Tutors explain, guide and give feedback so you can complete your own work, in line with our academic integrity policy.
How do I calculate hosts per subnet?
Use 2ⁿ − 2, where n is the number of host bits; a /26 has 62 usable hosts.
What is a subnet mask?
A mask showing which bits of an IP address are the network part; /26 is 255.255.255.192.
What is longest prefix match?
Routers forward a packet using the most specific matching route in the table.
What is the difference between a hub, switch and router?
A hub repeats signals, a switch forwards frames by MAC address and a router forwards packets between networks by IP address.
What is the three-way handshake?
TCP connection setup with SYN, SYN-ACK and ACK.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses; IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses and a simpler header.
What does DNS do?
It translates domain names into IP addresses.
How do I calculate transmission delay?
Divide the packet size in bits by the link bandwidth in bits per second.
What is the difference between the OSI and TCP/IP models?
The OSI model is a seven-layer reference model used to explain networking, while the TCP/IP model is the practical model the internet uses, usually shown with four layers. TCP/IP combines OSI's top three layers into one Application layer and its bottom two into a Link layer. Exams often ask you to compare them.
Do you offer lessons in my time zone?
Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone.
Can I get a computer networks tutor online?
Yes. You can learn with a 1-to-1 computer networks tutor online through live lessons with a shared whiteboard. Your tutor works through subnetting, routing and protocol numericals step by step, explains each layer clearly and practises past-paper questions before your exam.
Keep learning
Related courses
Student reviews
What students say about Computer Networks
Used FLN Tutors? Be one of the first to share how it went, in writing or in a short video.
Money-Back Guarantee
Full refund if we miss the agreed deadline, can't find a suitable expert, or major errors can't be fixed by revision.
Learn more →100% Confidential
Your identity, order details and institution are never shared with any third party.
Learn more →Deadline-Backed Delivery
Every order has an agreed deadline. If we don't deliver by it, you can claim a full refund.
Learn more →Get started today
Ready to get expert help?
Tell us what you need and get matched with a tutor who teaches your subject. Delivered on time, every time.