NETWORKING ROADMAP
Step 1: Learn computer fundamentals (how systems work, data, hardware basics)
Step 2: Understand what a network is (LAN, WAN, MAN, client-server model)
Step 3: Study OSI and TCP/IP models (how data moves in layers)
Step 4: Learn IP addressing (IPv4, IPv6, public vs private IP)
Step 5: Learn subnetting basics (CIDR, subnet masks, network segmentation)
Step 6: Understand networking devices (router, switch, hub, firewall, access point)
Step 7: Learn basic networking protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, DHCP, FTP, SSH)
Step 8: Practice network configuration (static IP, DHCP, gateway, DNS setup)
Step 9: Learn basic networking commands (ping, ipconfig/ifconfig, traceroute, nslookup, netstat)
Step 10: Understand wireless networking (Wi-Fi standards, WPA2/WPA3 security)
Step 11: Learn basic network security concepts (firewalls, VPN, IDS/IPS, common attacks)
Step 12: Start packet analysis (Wireshark, understanding packets and traffic flow)
Step 13: Practice networking labs (Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, TryHackMe)
Step 14: Move to advanced networking (VLANs, NAT, routing protocols like OSPF basics)
Step 15: Explore career paths (Network Engineer, SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Networking).