Cloud Networking
Offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Cloud Networking is an online course from Coursera in Networking. It is structured in 6 modules, over PT22H50M45.32S. Learners rate it 4.4/5 from 305 ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Networking courses collection, where we compare it against 11 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | PT22H50M45.32S |
| Level | All Levels |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.4★ (305 reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
Cloud networking connects the infrastructure that runs cloud applications to the users who access them. This beginner-level course from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, offered on Coursera, introduces the core concepts that make cloud services reachable and reliable.
The syllabus moves from basic orientation through five weeks of focused topics. Week one covers wide area networks and how they link distant sites. Week two introduces software-defined networking, which lets administrators control traffic through software rather than physical cables. Week three builds on virtualization, showing how virtual machines run on shared hardware. Week four explores cloud computing architecture, mapping how storage and compute resources are allocated on demand. Week five concludes with a programming assignment that lets learners apply what they have built.
By the end of the course, a learner can describe how virtual networks operate inside a cloud environment, explain the role of TCP/IP in moving data between services, and configure basic network settings for a cloud workload. These are concrete skills that match entry-level cloud operations or junior DevOps expectations.
The course is self-paced and takes approximately 22 hours 50 minutes to complete. English is the only language offered, and a certificate is available for those who complete the graded work. The provider does not publish a price, but enrollment includes a free audit track that lets learners watch all videos and submit assessments without paying.
This course is best for someone who is new to cloud concepts and wants a structured introduction without needing prior networking experience. Learners who already manage production networks may find the pace too slow. Those who prefer a fully free option with a certificate can look at the Introduction to IT course on Codecademy, which is free, takes three hours, and also offers a certificate. For a broader, free alternative with lifetime access, the Computer Networking Course: Master Computer Networking on Scaler is free, self-paced, and includes a certificate, though its duration is not quantified.
Free options include the Introduction to IT course on Codecademy and the Computer Networking Course: Master Computer Networking on Scaler. The Coursera course provides a university-backed syllabus and graded assignments, which some learners prefer for structure.
Level and time commitment
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
6 modulesThe 6-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across PT22H50M45.32S.
Module 1 · Orientation
Module 2 · Week 1
Module 3 · Week 2
Module 4 · Week 3
Module 5 · Week 4
Module 6 · Week 5 - Programming Assignment Submission
What learners rate it
Rated 4.4/5 by 305 learners on Coursera (checked 7 Nov 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 7 November 2026.
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Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Networking This |
 Coursera
|
4.4★ | Check price | PT22H50M45.32S | All Levels · PT22H50M45.32S · certificate | |
| Networking (CCNA) In Tamil - Online Course | Market Tutorialspoint | 4.7★ | $18 | 26h | Cheapest paid option ($18) | View ↗ |
| How does the Internet work & Networking Crash Course |
 Udemy
|
4.7★ | Free | Free — and still gives a certificate | Start free ↗ | |
| The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking |
Coursera
|
4.7★ | Check price | 21h 49m | Highest rated (4.7★ from 52.7K reviews) | View ↗ |
Common questions
How much does Cloud Networking cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Cloud Networking come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Cloud Networking take?
Coursera lists it at PT22H50M45.32S. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Cloud Networking suitable for beginners?
Coursera lists it as suitable for all levels, so beginners and people brushing up work through the same material.
What does Cloud Networking cover?
It is organised into 6 modules, starting with Orientation and going on to Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, among others. The full outline is on this page.