The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course Review: Is It Worth It for CCNA Prep in 2024?

If you’re getting serious about a career in IT or network engineering, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Cisco’s CCNA certification. It’s one of the most recognized networking certifications globally—and a powerful resume booster.

But CCNA isn’t just something you cram for overnight. You need a solid foundation in areas like routing, subnetting, IP addressing, and switching. That’s where The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course by David Bombal comes in.

In this review, we’re going to look at everything you need to know before enrolling—including whether this course lives up to the hype, how it compares to competitors like Neil Anderson’s CCNA course, and if it’s really the best choice for beginners aiming for certification.

Let’s dive in.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for those who:

• Are just starting out with networking
• Want step-by-step CCNA certification prep
• Learn best through hands-on labs and visual learning
• Prefer a clear, structured curriculum

Many who take this course are homelab builders, entry-level IT professionals, or bootcamp students looking for accessible, affordable learning.

What You’ll Learn: Real-World Networking from the Ground Up

David Bombal, the course instructor, is a Cisco Certified Network Engineer (CCIE) with over 15 years of experience in both enterprise training and teaching online. His expertise is obvious—this isn’t just a lecture series; it’s a full-blown journey into networking.

Here are some of the key topics included:

• IP Addressing and Subnetting from Scratch
• Router and Switch Configuration Commands (e.g., enable, router ospf)
• Routing Protocols like OSPF and BGP
• Networking Models: OSI vs. TCP/IP
• Wireshark and Packet Analysis Tools

But it’s not just theory. According to many Redditors from r/ccna and r/homelab, what sets this course apart is the depth of the practical labs. You actually get guided through real-world simulations of configuring Cisco devices—something many courses gloss over or skip entirely.

Why It Works: A Structured Path for Beginners

If networking seems intimidating, this course strips away the fluff and complexity. Bombal’s teaching style is logical and easy to follow. You’re not expected to memorize commands out of context.

Each lesson builds on the next—bringing you from zero to a fully functioning Cisco lab, often using free or accessible tools like Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3.

Course Format Includes:

• 160+ high-quality video lectures (12–18 hours total)
• Downloadable resources and diagrams
• Access to a discussion board with active Q&A support
• Frequent updates in line with CCNA 200-301 changes

Plus, you get lifetime access. So even if you don’t finish right away, everything’s still there when you’re ready to continue.

So… Is It Actually Worth the Price?

Here’s the kicker—this course retails at over $100, but is almost always on sale on Udemy for around $13 to $20. That’s not a typo.

Compare that with CBT Nuggets or Pluralsight, which charge monthly subscription fees around $29+. For a one-time payment and lifetime access, Bombal’s course is hard to beat in value.

Let’s put that into a simple pro/con roundup.

Pros:

• Extremely comprehensive—great for building a real knowledge base
• Hands-on Cisco labs that simulate test-like scenarios
• Strong instructor credibility (CCIE, 15+ years teaching)
• Trusted by homelab communities and Redditors
• Lifetime access with regular updates
• Incredible value during Udemy’s frequent sales

Cons:

• Can feel overwhelming to casual learners or those with limited time
• Strong focus on certifications like CCNA—less useful for general overviews
• No live or cohort-based learning—it’s entirely self-paced

What Real Students Are Saying

If you check communities like r/ccna or CertForums, you’ll find tons of users calling this course a “game changer” or their “best investment” in prepping for CCNA. One Reddit user even said,

“For $13 during the last Udemy sale, this course gave me more confidence setting up a homelab than anything else. Honestly, it should cost double.”

It’s also frequently discussed alongside Neil Anderson’s CCNA course. While some prefer Anderson’s concise style, those who want a more thorough, immersive dive lean toward Bombal’s version.

That said, this course may not be your best choice if you’re looking for a quick crash course. Think of it more as a full networking curriculum rather than a weekend binge.

How Does This Course Compare to Other CCNA Prep Resources?

Neil Anderson vs. David Bombal (Udemy)

Neil Anderson’s CCNA course is popular for its clarity and slightly faster pace. However, Bombal’s course wins when it comes to depth and lab work. If you need a foundational course that goes deep, go Bombal. But if you’re short on time, Anderson might be a better fit.

CBT Nuggets / Pluralsight

These subscription-based platforms offer very polished video tutorials with professional studios and animations, but they come at a much higher long-term cost. Also, access ends once you stop paying.

Unlike Bombal’s course, they don’t typically include lifetime access or downloadable content, making them less attractive for long-term learners or hobbyists.

Final Verdict: Should You Enroll?

If you’re planning to take the CCNA exam—or even just build your own homelab and understand networking in a real-world context—The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course is arguably one of the best learning tools out there.

With its low entry cost, expert instructor, and legit hands-on labs, it’s an investment that pays for itself many times over. For beginners who want the most complete, guided path to CCNA or networking fundamentals, this course stands out above the rest.

Just be prepared to commit the time—it’s not a shortcut, but it is a smart one.

Ready to Start Learning Networking the Right Way?

If you’re serious about building your IT knowledge, this is the best first step—especially at the current sale price.

Reference:

• Reddit Networking Subreddits: r/ccna, r/homelab, & course reviews from Udemy.com
• Bombal, David. The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course. Udemy, Accessed 2024. https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-networking-fundamentals-course-ccna-start/

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