Networking Roadmap: Basic to Advanced
1. BASIC NETWORKING (Weeks 1-2)
Goal: Build strong foundation
Topics:
- What is Networking?
- Types of Networks (LAN, MAN, WAN)
- IP Address & MAC Address
- Public vs Private IP
- IPv4 vs IPv6
- DNS, DHCP, NAT (intro)
- OSI Model (7 Layers)
- TCP/IP Model (4 Layers)
- Ports & Protocols (HTTP, FTP, SSH, DNS, etc.)
Tools:
- Cisco Packet Tracer (simple simulations)
- IP Calculator (Subnetting basics)
YouTube Channels:
- NetworkChuck: "Networking for Beginners"
- PowerCert: "OSI vs TCP/IP Explained"
2. INTERMEDIATE NETWORKING (Weeks 3-5)
Goal: Understand how devices talk inside real networks
Topics:
- Subnetting in detail
- DHCP, DNS, NAT, ARP
Networking Roadmap: Basic to Advanced
- VLANs (Virtual LAN)
- Switching & Routing
- Static vs Dynamic IP
- Wireless Networking Concepts
- Firewall Basics
- Introduction to Wireshark
Tools:
- Wireshark (packet analysis)
- Packet Tracer (configure devices)
- GNS3 (for better simulation, optional)
YouTube Channels:
- David Bombal (Wireshark, VLANs)
- Jeremy's IT Lab (CCNA Series)
3. ADVANCED NETWORKING (Weeks 6-9)
Goal: Learn real-world, enterprise-level networking skills
Topics:
- OSPF, EIGRP, RIP (Dynamic Routing Protocols)
- BGP (used on the internet)
- VPN (SSL, IPSec)
- ACLs (Access Control Lists)
- Load Balancing
- IPv6 (Advanced Usage)
- SDN (Software Defined Networking)
- IDS / IPS Systems (Snort)
Networking Roadmap: Basic to Advanced
Tools:
- GNS3 / EVE-NG (for dynamic routing)
- pfSense (open-source firewall)
- AWS Free Tier (Cloud networking VPC, Subnet, etc.)
Certifications:
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
- Network+ (CompTIA)
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking (optional)