1.
Introduction to Networking:
What is networking?
Types of networks (LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN)
Client-Server vs Peer-to-Peer networks
Network topologies (star, bus, mesh, etc.)
2. Networking Devices:
Routers
Switches
Hubs
Access Points
Modems
3. OSI and TCP/IP Models:
OSI Model (7 Layers: Physical to Application)
TCP/IP Model (4 Layers: Network Interface to Application)
Understand encapsulation and de-encapsulation.
4. IP Addressing:
What is an IP address?
IPv4 vs IPv6
Private vs Public IP addresses
Subnetting basics
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing)
5. MAC Addressing:
What is a MAC address?
MAC vs IP address
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
Resources:
CompTIA Network+ Certification Guide
FreeCodeCamp: Introduction to Networking
Networking Basics by Cisco Networking Academy
Phase 2: Intermediate Networking
This phase focuses on deeper concepts that are essential to configuring
and troubleshooting networks.
1. Subnetting:
Subnet masks
Calculate network, broadcast, and host addresses
Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM)
2. Routing:
Static vs Dynamic routing
Routing protocols: RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP
Default gateway
3. Switching:
VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
Link Aggregation
4. DNS (Domain Name System):
How DNS works (DNS records, lookup process)
Common DNS servers (Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS)
5. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol):
DHCP process and how it works
Lease times and IP pools
6. Firewalls and NAT:
Types of firewalls (hardware/software, stateless/stateful)
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Port forwarding
7. Wireless Networking:
Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
Wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
Access Points and Wireless Controllers
Resources:
Cisco Packet Tracer (for practice)
SubnettingPractice.com (for subnetting exercises)
Udemy: Cisco CCNA course
Professor Messer's Network+ videos
Phase 3: Advanced Networking & Protocols
In this phase, you'll dive into the more complex protocols, network design,
and security measures.
1. Advanced IP Addressing and Subnetting:
Advanced VLSM, Supernetting
Subnetting large networks
2. Advanced Routing Protocols:
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
3. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks):
Types: SSL VPN, IPSec VPN
How VPNs work
Site-to-Site VPN vs Remote Access VPN
4. QoS (Quality of Service):
Traffic shaping
Packet prioritization
5. Network Security:
Encryption basics (Symmetric vs Asymmetric)
Firewalls, IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems)
Zero Trust Architecture
Network Security Protocols (SSL/TLS, IPsec, HTTPS)
6. Load Balancing and High Availability:
Types of Load Balancing (Round Robin, Least Connections)
Failover, Redundancy, and High Availability (HA) Concepts
Resources:
Cisco CCNP Guidebooks
O'Reilly: Network Security with OpenSSL
Networking for Dummies (Advanced Edition)
Phase 4: Hands-On Practice and Certifications
Applying what you’ve learned is key to becoming proficient. Start working
with networking tools, labs, and practice exams.
1. Tools & Labs:
Cisco Packet Tracer (simulated networking environment)
GNS3 (network emulation software)
Wireshark (network packet analyzer)
Set up home networking lab (Routers, Switches)
2. Certifications (Optional but helpful for careers):
CompTIA Network+ (Foundational level)
Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) (Intermediate)
Cisco CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) (Advanced)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (Security focus)
By following this roadmap, you'll gain a solid understanding of computer
networking, which is crucial for many areas in IT including cybersecurity,
cloud computing, and DevOps.
