About this Course

After more than 5 000 learners participated in the first two course runs in 2019 and 2020, we made this computer networking course even better! Do not miss your chance to become an Internet master! The Internet is the world's biggest computer network. It connects everything, from people to machines, in all areas, from the art world to the stock exchange, everywhere on this planet and beyond. It has become one of our most important infrastructures. But how does this Internet that enables so many things in our daily lives actually work? After taking part in iLabX, you will not only understand the mechanisms behind modern computer networks, but you will create the Internet yourself on your own computer! iLabX uses an award-winning methodology to teach you how the Internet works. Starting with the physical cables, you will learn, in six parts: what exactly happens when you open a website in your browser or send a chat message to a friend, how to set up a webserver yourself, how the ongoing transition between the “old” Internet version and its current successor can be so seamless, and key security concepts. Each module first introduces the background of the relevant mechanisms and tools. After learning the concepts through videos, texts, and diverse interactive learning elements, you will build your own fully-functional Internet. Within our special vLab virtual Internet laboratory, you will use the same tools that also power the big Internet. Under our close guidance, each module brings you closer to having a fully-functional Internet running on your computer. As we use the real Internet mechanisms, we will even connect your creation to the real Internet at the end. Consequently, you can call yourself a true Internet master after completing this course! When designing this course, we focused on making it exciting and continuously motivating for you. No matter what kind of learner you are, you will find the right learning experience! Our videos explain everything in detail. If you prefer reading instead, go ahead. You can read the texts instead of or in addition to the videos. We have many practical exercises and of course the virtual laboratory that allows you to configure the real Internet on your computer! Last but not least, we have an engaging story that continues through all parts: Help the iLabees scale their honey sales up, taking their business to the summit of the Internet mountains!

Created by: Technische Universität München

Level: Introductory