🖧 Networking Basics

A beginner-friendly guide to computer networking concepts. This repository covers OSI & TCP/IP models, IP addressing, subnetting, networking protocols (HTTP, TCP, UDP, DNS, DHCP), and basic security. Ideal for students, IT enthusiasts, and aspiring network engineers. Includes hands-on exercises, troubleshooting commands, and useful resources.

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Topics Covered

1. Introduction to Networking

• What is a Network? – Communication between devices to share resources.
• Types of Networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, WLAN, VLAN.
• Networking Devices: Router, Switch, Hub, Bridge, Modem, Repeater.
• Network Topologies: Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh, Hybrid.

2. OSI & TCP/IP Models

• OSI Model (7 Layers): Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application.
• Functions of Each Layer: How data flows in a network.
• TCP/IP Model (4 Layers): Network Interface, Internet, Transport, Application.
• Comparison of OSI vs TCP/IP Models.

3. IP Addressing & Subnetting

• IPv4 Addressing: Classes (A, B, C, D, E), Private vs Public IPs.
• IPv6 Addressing: Structure, Benefits, Transition from IPv4.
• Subnetting Basics: CIDR notation, Subnet Masks, How to divide networks.
• Supernetting: Merging smaller subnets into a larger one.

4. Networking Protocols

• Application Layer Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP.
• Transport Layer Protocols: TCP vs UDP – Reliable vs Unreliable communication.
• Network Layer Protocols: ICMP (ping), ARP, DHCP (IP allocation), DNS (Domain Resolution).
• Data Link Layer Protocols: Ethernet, PPP, Frame Relay, MAC addresses.

5. Basic Network Security

• Common Threats: DDoS, MITM (Man-in-the-Middle), Phishing, Spoofing.
• Firewall & VPNs: How they protect networks.
• Encryption Methods: SSL, TLS, SSH – Secure communication.
• Access Control & Authentication: MAC filtering, Password policies.

6. Network Troubleshooting Commands

• ping – Check connectivity between devices.
• tracert / traceroute – Find the path taken by packets.
• netstat – Display network connections.
• nslookup / dig – Query DNS records.
• ipconfig / ifconfig – View IP configuration on Windows/Linux.

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Recommended Networking Resources

Books

• Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach – Kurose & Ross
• Networking All-in-One For Dummies – Doug Lowe
• TCP/IP Illustrated – W. Richard Stevens
• CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide – Wendell Odom
• Data Communication & Networking - Behrouz A. Forouzan

Video Courses

• Cisco Networking Academy – netacad.com
• Network Chuck (YouTube) – youtube.com/c/NetworkChuck
• Eli The Computer Guy (YouTube) – youtube.com/user/eliTheComputerGuy
• Udemy – Complete Networking Course – Udemy Networking Course
• Computer Networks (NesoAcademy) - youtube.com/computerNetworks/nesoAcdemy

Tools for Practice

• Cisco Packet Tracer – Network Simulation Tool.
• Wireshark – Packet Sniffing & Network Analysis.
• GNS3 – Advanced Network Emulation.
• IP Subnet Calculator – Helps with subnetting exercises.

Networking Cheatsheets

• OSI Model Layers Cheat Sheet – OSI Model Cheat Sheet
• Subnetting Cheat Sheet – Subnetting Practice
• TCP/UDP Ports Cheat Sheet – Common Ports

Contribute

• Want to improve this repo? Feel free to submit a pull request or open an issue!
• If you find this helpful, give it a star on GitHub!
• Stay connected for regular updates and hands-on exercises!