Complete Networking Learning Roadmap
Phase 1: Introduction to Networking
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)
Complete Networking Learning Roadmap
Resources:
- CompTIA Network+ Certification Guide
- FreeCodeCamp: Introduction to Networking
- Networking Basics by Cisco Networking Academy
Phase 2: Intermediate Networking
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)
Complete Networking Learning Roadmap
- 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
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:
Complete Networking Learning Roadmap
- 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
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)
