search

dwyl / learn-computer-networking

Learn the essentials of computer networking from IP/MAC Addresses to Ports, Device Discovery and LAN/Wifi Configuration.
GNU General Public License v2.0
13 stars 0 forks source link

Why? #1

Open nelsonic opened 5 years ago

nelsonic commented 5 years ago

Why?

90%1 of my computer networking knowledge is self-taught through debugging while trying to solve a specific problem. I did not formally study to be a "networking engineer" and as a result I defer to anyone who does have more knowledge/experience. I feel that learning by hitting my head against the "brick wall" (_having to figure things out because they are "blockers") has been good in some respects because my knowledge is highly practical. The downside, however_, of my knowledge is that I feel it is inadequate to the task I am about to undertake: managing a home network where physical access security will be "crackable" if insufficient safeguards are in place.

The need to rapidly refresh my networking knowledge in a systematic way (documenting everything I know and highlighting any gaps that require further learning) is very real.

I have approximately 2 months until the @home network goes "live" at which point we will be invite our "trusted" friends to visit (both in person and remotely) to test it.

One of the biggest advantages we have going for us @home is that we are doing everything 100% Open Source. This means that anyone can scrutinise our code/configuration and remotely pen-test our network. (combined with a "bug bounty" program, or just the "warm and fuzzy" feeling of helping to make the world better, we expect our network to be hardened over time)

1 I say 90% of my knowledge is self-taught because the other 10% which feel is more "theoretical" I acquired while studying for the CIW certification where I had to rote-learn several areas that I've never had to use in practice and just take up space in my brain. 😉

What?

Learn the essentials of computer networking from TCPI-IP, to Addressing, packets, switches, firewalls etc. How to protect (harden) a network against intrusion while still having a public facing interface.

Who?

People who are curious and want to learn about how to secure their network.

How?

2color commented 5 years ago

Personally I was very curious about networking. I attended an intensive Cisco CCNA course which was a great way to learn about the foundations of modern networking.

I'd highly recommend searching for some of the CCNA material because most of it is not Cisco specific (only configuring their routers and the EIGRP routing protocol).