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10 Essential Networking Topics

1. The document outlines 10 essential networking topics including understanding the OSI model, TCP/IP concepts like subnetting, how the network stack is implemented on hosts, layer 2 technologies like switches and VLANs, routing protocols like RIP, common network services like DNS and DHCP, obtaining networking reference materials, basic network security topics, using output commands on networking devices, and tracing how data travels from an application through segmentation, packetization, framing, and routing between devices.

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56 views1 page

10 Essential Networking Topics

1. The document outlines 10 essential networking topics including understanding the OSI model, TCP/IP concepts like subnetting, how the network stack is implemented on hosts, layer 2 technologies like switches and VLANs, routing protocols like RIP, common network services like DNS and DHCP, obtaining networking reference materials, basic network security topics, using output commands on networking devices, and tracing how data travels from an application through segmentation, packetization, framing, and routing between devices.

Uploaded by

ashy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

10 ESSENTIAL NETWORKING TOPICS

1. The OSI model


Memorize it. It's almost a clich, but understanding it is critical.

2. TCP/IP concepts
Learn to think in binary and get a firm grasp on bitmasks, subnetting,
gateways (like the "default gateway") and how addresses are constructed (the
network portion, the host portion, etc.).

3. Stacks
Read about how the network stack is implemented on hosts. Get a good
feel for what each component (the NIC, firmware, device drivers, the OS, etc.) is
responsible for. Once you understand this, troubleshooting is easy.

4. Layer 2
Learn how switches operate and how they're different from hubs and
routers. Understand bridging, and get a general idea of what Spanning Tree
Protocol does. Learn the difference between a collision domain and a
broadcast domain, and then study VLANs.

5. Routing
Learn a routing protocol. Start with RIP, because it's easy. You don't need
to be a guru, just get a general idea about how routers can exchange
information about the network.

6. Services
Understand the role of DNS and DHCP and WINS and know their
alternatives, like the host and lmhost files and static addressing.
7. Find yourself some good networking reference material.

8. Security
Read a little about how firewalls operate and other security technologies
like VPNs. Understand the difference between authentication, authorization and
accounting

9. Output
Learn how to get status and information out of your networking devices. A
good place to start is with the "show" commands (which will be featured in next
week's tip).

10. Finally, do a walkthrough: follow data as it goes from one application to


another. How does it get from the application, to being segmented, packetized,
framed, and routed? How does your computer know what IP address to send
the packet to? (DNS) How does it know what MAC address to send it to? (ARP)
How does it know how big to make the frame? (MTU) How does a switch know
which port to forward your packet out on? (FDB) How does a router know which
interface to use? (Routing table) If you can answer these questions, you're well
on your way to being competent and productive.

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