The Only Networking Course Beginners Need: A Deep Dive into David Bombal’s CCNA Starter
Are you starting your journey into computer networking and wondering which course to trust? Whether you’re prepping for the CCNA 200-301 or trying to understand IP addresses for your homelab, David Bombal’s The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course on Udemy might just be the best $15 you ever spend.
In this review, I break down why this course consistently ranks as one of the best online networking courses for beginners. You’ll learn who it’s for, what’s inside, how it compares to alternatives, and how it can turn your career around—without breaking the bank.
Let’s get into it.
What Is The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course?
Created by David Bombal, a seasoned Cisco Certified Network Engineer and instructor with global credentials, this course is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to computer networking. Tailored toward absolute beginners and future CCNA exam takers, it replaces expensive bootcamps and dry textbooks with hands-on labs, visual lessons, and straightforward teaching.
This course is available on Udemy and regularly goes on sale for $13–15, making it one of the most budget-friendly networking bootcamps online.
Key Highlights of the Course
What do you actually learn in this course? A lot more than basic networking terms. Here’s what you can expect inside:
🧠 Networking Essentials Covered:
- IP addressing and IP subnetting explained plainly
- The OSI Model and networking layers using visual breakdowns
- Switching, routing, VLANs and NAT concepts with demos
- TCP, UDP, DNS, DHCP and packet flows
- Network devices like hubs, switches, and routers
🛠️ Real Hands-On Practice:
- Virtual labs using Cisco packet tracer and simulation tools
- Topology configuration using real-world examples
- Binary math and subnetting drills
- Practical projects to reinforce learning
🎯 Designed for CCNA Aspirants:
- Aligned with Cisco’s 200-301 CCNA outline
- Labs suitable for entry-level Cisco certification prep
- A stepping stone toward Cisco, HPE, and CompTIA certifications
Who Is This Course Best For?
Let’s be honest—no one wants to waste their time or money on a course that doesn’t fit their goals. So who is this course really made for?
✔️ This course is perfect if:
- You’re a total beginner in networking and need a rock-solid foundation
- You’re studying for the CCNA 200-301 exam and want real guidance
- You’re an IT hobbyist building a home lab
- You learn better through guided video explanations than dense textbooks
❌ This course may not be for you if:
- You’re already a CCNA or higher—content may be too basic
- You want official Cisco exam vouchers included (this is a prep course)
- You’re looking for live coaching or 1-on-1 mentoring
Why It’s So Highly Rated (According to Real Students)
Across Reddit, Quora, and hundreds of online reviews, students rave about this course not just for content—but clarity. One Reddit user noted it was “by far the best purchase I made” for networking prep. Another wrote, “Clear explanations, helpful graphics, and actual packet tracer labs made this better than expensive bootcamps.”
The course maintains a 4.7+ rating from thousands of learners on Udemy, which is a huge deal when you’re filtering through hundreds of options with inconsistent quality.
What Makes It Stand Out from Other CCNA and Networking Courses?
If you’ve already browsed Udemy, YouTube, or training platforms like CBT Nuggets, you know the options are endless. Here’s how Bombal’s course compares:
- Priced around $13–15 during sales, it’s a no-brainer cost-wise.
- Offers lifetime access, which means you can revisit lessons forever.
- Includes real-world labs and activities—not just theory or slides.
- Comes from a trusted expert. David Bombal has taught Fortune 100 engineers and has a CCIE.
How It Compares to Competitors
Alternative options like CBT Nuggets and Cisco Academy are great—but often come with steep costs or require ongoing monthly subscriptions. Sites like Professor Messer’s YouTube channel are free but lack a structured, beginning-to-end curriculum.
Neil Anderson’s CCNA Complete (~$15 on Udemy) is a strong competitor, focusing heavily on CCNA exam prep, while David Bombal’s course better balances foundational theory and practical skills. Choose Bombal’s course if you want to understand networking deeply in addition to exam prep.
💰 Massive Value at a Micro Price
Most bootcamps and IT classrooms charge hundreds, sometimes thousands, for a networking course. This Udemy course, regularly priced at around $100, is almost always on sale for $13–15—and includes lifetime access with constant curriculum updates.
For that price, you’re getting:
- Over 20 hours of learning
- Downloadable resources, quizzes, and diagrams
- Support through Q&A with a student community
- Compatibility with your own lab setups or simulations
That price-to-value ratio is kind of unheard of.
Room for Improvement?
Sure, no course is perfect. Here’s some honest feedback:
- Advanced learners may fly through the basics too quickly
- It doesn’t include official Cisco exam vouchers or live mentoring
- Some found pacing a bit slow, especially if they already grasp basic IP networking
But for 99% of its ideal audience—beginners and aspiring network engineers—these are minor trade-offs.
Final Verdict: Is This Course Worth It?
Absolutely. Based on both technical depth and real-world user feedback, The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course by David Bombal is among the best online networking courses for beginners right now.
If you’re aiming to pass the CCNA or just want to build a deep understanding of modern networking at your own pace, this course nails it. It’s engaging, visual, extremely affordable, and led by one of the most trusted voices in IT education.
When Reddit threads, Quora recommendations, and Udemy reviews all agree on one course—you listen. And when it happens to be under $20? You jump on it.
- ✅ Learn the skills.
- ✅ Build real-world labs.
- ✅ Take your first step toward a tech career.
Ready to start?
🔍 Reference: Based on user reviews from Reddit threads (r/ccna, r/homelab) and course page reviews at Udemy.com.
📚 Research Source: “The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course: In-Depth Review & User Insights”