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Md Mehedi Hasan
Md Mehedi Hasan

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Computer Networking Learning Path

Here's a roadmap to help you learn computer networking from the ground up.

Phase 1: Networking Basics

This phase is all about understanding the foundational concepts.

  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:


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.

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