NetForge-AI
Networking CourseAI-ledLessonsCommunityFeaturesProtocolsPricing
Sign inSign up
A complete networking curriculum, beginner to advanced (May 2026)

The hands-on networking course

Eight modules. 47 chapters. 104+ practice questions. A final assessment. Every concept demonstrated in a browser-based lab so you build muscle memory while you read.

8Modules
47Chapters
18hReading time
104+Quiz questions
Module 1Free
Start with chapter 1.1Skip to mock exam
AI-led learning · meet your tutor

Meet ARIA — your AI tutor for networking

I'm ARIA — your AI tutor for the whole networking course. I'll walk you through every chapter, point out the parts that matter most, and tell you when to stop reading and go build. Type any question into the chat — I'll answer.

  • Live LLM-powered Q&A — 10/day with a free account, 500/day on Pro
  • Streaming responses — answers appear as ARIA thinks
  • Reactions to your quiz scores — with study advice
  • Bring your own key (Groq, OpenRouter, Ollama) anytime
Start with ARIAHow it works
Curriculum

Eight modules, mapped to the curriculum

Each module covers a core networking domain. Chapters build on each other — start at the top and work down, or jump to the topic you need.

Module 1 is included on the free plan · modules 2–8 unlock with Pro

Module 1 · 20%

Network Fundamentals

How packets travel — from cables to the OSI model.

  • What is a network?
  • The OSI and TCP/IP models
  • Network components & topology architectures
  • Cabling, interfaces, and the physical layer
  • + 4 more chapters
8 chapters · 2hOpen module
Pro
Module 2 · Foundational for 1.0 + 2.0

IPv4 Addressing & Subnetting

Prefix length, the magic number, VLSM, and IPv6.

  • IPv4 address structure
  • Subnet masks and prefix length
  • Subnetting in your head — the 5-step method
  • VLSM and address planning
  • + 2 more chapters
6 chapters · 2hPreview module
Pro
Module 3 · 20%

Network Access — Switching, VLANs, STP, Wireless

Everything that happens at Layer 2 inside a building.

  • Ethernet, MAC tables, and switching
  • VLANs and access ports
  • 802.1Q trunking
  • Inter-VLAN routing
  • + 4 more chapters
8 chapters · 3hPreview module
Pro
Module 4 · 25%

IP Connectivity — Routing

Static, default, and OSPFv2 — plus FHRP for redundancy.

  • How a router forwards a packet
  • Static, default, host, and floating routes (IPv4 + IPv6)
  • Administrative distance and metrics
  • OSPFv2 single-area
  • + 1 more chapter
5 chapters · 2hPreview module
Pro
Module 5 · 10%

IP Services

DHCP, DNS, NAT, NTP, SNMP, syslog, QoS, SSH.

  • DHCP — server, relay, and client
  • DNS, NTP, SNMP, and Syslog
  • NAT and PAT
  • QoS fundamentals
  • + 2 more chapters
6 chapters · 2hPreview module
Pro
Module 6 · 15%

Security Fundamentals

Threats, AAA, ACLs, port security, VPNs, wireless security.

  • Threats, AAA, and 802.1X
  • Port security and DHCP snooping
  • Standard and Extended ACLs
  • VPN basics — site-to-site and remote access
  • + 1 more chapter
5 chapters · 2hPreview module
Pro
Module 7 · 10%

Automation & Programmability

REST APIs, JSON/YAML, controllers, Ansible.

  • Why automate networks?
  • Controllers, SDN, and intent-based networking
  • REST APIs, JSON, and YAML
  • Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Terraform
  • + 1 more chapter
5 chapters · 2hPreview module
Pro
Module 8 · Synthesis

Exam Readiness

Cheat sheets, drills, and the test-day plan.

  • The 50-command cheat sheet
  • Subnetting drills with worked answers
  • Full enterprise lab walkthrough
  • Test-day strategy
4 chapters · 2hPreview module

Final mock exam

Pro

100 questions sampled from across the curriculum, scored against a demanding pass mark (~82.5%). Take it once you've finished modules 1–7.

Preview
How it works

Read · Build · Quiz · Repeat

01

ARIA introduces

Your AI tutor opens every chapter with the goal in plain language and points out the parts that matter most.

02

Read & build

Short, focused explanation. Every concept has a matching lab so you build the topology while you read.

03

ARIA reacts

Quiz scores get personalized commentary — celebration on a pass, study advice when there's a gap.

04

Final assessment

A final 100-question assessment at the end of the curriculum, scored against a demanding pass mark (~82.5%).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is this course really enough to learn networking from scratch?+
The course covers every core networking domain with the depth a first-time learner needs to go from beginner to advanced. We recommend pairing it with at least 20 hours of hands-on lab time in NetForge-AI to make the concepts stick.
How long does the course take?+
Reading time is roughly 30 hours across all 8 modules. With labs and quizzes, plan for 60–80 hours of study spread over 6–10 weeks. Cramming is possible but not recommended for retention.
Do I need to install desktop simulator software?+
No desktop install is required — NetForge-AI runs entirely in the browser and covers the core protocols you'll use in real networks.
Is there a certificate of completion?+
No. NetForge-AI focuses on building real, hands-on networking skills rather than issuing credentials. The knowledge you gain here transfers directly to real equipment and to any networking certification you choose to pursue.
Are quiz scores stored?+
No. Quiz state is in-memory only — refresh the page and you can retake any quiz from scratch. We don't track student data.
NetForge-AI

A browser-native network lab and networking course, beginner to advanced. Free account opens Module 1 + a 3-device lab; Pro unlocks the rest.

Product

  • Lab
  • Networking Course
  • Lessons
  • Community
  • Features

Course modules

  • 1 · Fundamentals
  • 2 · Addressing
  • 3 · Access (L2)
  • 4 · Connectivity
  • Mock exam

Resources

  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

NetForge-AI is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any networking vendor or certification body. All product names, protocols, and standards referenced are the property of their respective owners and are used for descriptive, educational purposes only.

© 2026 NetForge-AI. All rights reserved.Built for networking learners worldwide.
NetForge-AI
Networking CourseAI-ledLessonsCommunityFeaturesProtocolsPricing
Sign inSign up