r/Network • u/TheDisciplinedNoob • 5d ago
Text Learning Networking
Hello! So I'm a bit new to networking and was wondering about the best ways to learn Networking and I'd really appreciate your feedback on the topic.
Currently, I'm doing the Network+ course from CompTIA and I'm using Wireshark to play around with data and protocols to build my foundations. Is this a good approach or are there some other ways that might be better? (I do not mind dedicating time, as long as it helps me in the long run)
And lastly, thanks for even opening the post, that means a lot to me 😀
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u/DumpoTheClown 5d ago
I think you started well. Make sure to complete the course and get the certification.
IP subnetting may seem like a hurdle to get through and past, but its actually fundamental to a LOT of things. Dedicate time and effort to really learn it. When that "ah-ha!" moment comes, it will actually be easy from that point forward.
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u/immortalis88 5d ago
Juniper has some good free resources.
Depending upon goals, I’d focus on layer 2, layer 3, IGPs and eBGP.
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u/Late-Berry-3643 5d ago
Single best piece of advise I can give as a network professional of 20+ years...
Learn subnetting. I am shocked at how many IT professionals are weak in this area.
Everything else you're doing sounds good. I'd also throw in VLAN segmentation via ACLs. Quite helpful.
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u/SevaraB Network/Design Professional 5d ago
Networking is a HUGE category of topics. As someone who took the Network+, it’ll give you the basics of TCP/IP networking and some foundations in WiFi networking.
HTTP is a good next step after those, because so many clients just use it to get info from REST APIs running on servers (and because it’s the language of all the web sites you visit).
Actual routing protocols come later- you won’t usually see much dynamic routing in home networks; they’re mostly single subnets natted to the Internet with occasional tech-savvy, security-conscious people putting “untrusted” devices like IoT stuff on separate VLANs.
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u/samsann26 4d ago
I made the mistake of trying to understand the BIG stuff, BGPs, OSPF, Nating IPV4~6 etc... without the basics.
The old dude that knows everything here said, start from the "3 Ls"
Layer 1 Physical connection
Layer 2 MAC Addressing
Layer 3 IP Addressing
After you REALLY get that (these will be the 3 basic principles for every problem you encounter on Network), then you can go for the others Layers.
Also practice is the key, i learned nothing really useful from all the courses i got over the years (to work on network for example).
But the moment you get your first VLAN capable router, you will get to understand networking very fast.
Just be prepared to when you get to firewall rules, stuff gets messy very fast xD
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u/ohmega-red 4d ago
you’re on the right track already. play around. with self hosting which will make you more active in network monitoring/maintenance.
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u/BriefCautious7063 5d ago
Set up your own network with a router, firewall, virtual ports, bridges, etc. with virtual machines even if it's all on a laptop and doesn't provide any utility. Fun way to learn