🗓️ Phase 1: Days 1–30 – Foundations of Networking
🎯 Goal: Understand how networks work, basic terms, and components.
📘 Learn
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Read:
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Network+ Guide to Networks (Ch. 1–6)
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Supplement with PracticalNetworking.net (Start with TCP/IP, OSI model, ARP)
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Watch:
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FreeCodeCamp Networking Full Course on YouTube
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🛠️ Practice
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Set up Wireshark and capture local traffic
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Use SubnettingPractice.com 10 mins/day
✅ Milestones
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Define and explain the OSI model & TCP/IP stack
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Use Wireshark to identify protocols (HTTP, DNS, etc.)
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Successfully calculate subnet masks and CIDR notations
🗓️ Phase 2: Days 31–60 – Intermediate Concepts + Simulation
🎯 Goal: Dive deeper into routing, switching, IP addressing, and DNS.
📘 Learn
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Read:
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Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (Ch. 3–6)
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Practical Networking: Routing & NAT sections
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Watch:
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Keith Barker’s Networking videos (on YouTube or CBT Nuggets)
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Labs:
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Download and use Cisco Packet Tracer
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Build a simulated LAN, assign static IPs, configure DNS & DHCP
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🛠️ Practice
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Practice subnetting daily until it's second nature
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Use Packet Tracer: set up a basic router/switch simulation
✅ Milestones
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Set up and explain a basic home network
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Explain how NAT, DNS, and DHCP work
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Complete at least 3 Packet Tracer simulations
🗓️ Phase 3: Days 61–90 – Applied Networking + Cert Prep
🎯 Goal: Apply your skills, reinforce key concepts, and prep for Network+ or CCNA if desired.
📘 Learn
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Read:
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TCP/IP Illustrated (skim or focus on ICMP, TCP, IP headers)
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Review Network+ study guide
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Watch:
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Professor Messer’s Network+ videos (free and excellent)
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🛠️ Practice
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Create a virtual lab using GNS3 or EVE-NG
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Troubleshoot simulated network problems
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Take practice Network+ exams
✅ Milestones
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Pass 2–3 Network+ practice exams with 80%+
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Explain a packet's full journey from browser to web server
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Build and document a full network topology in Packet Tracer
🧰 Optional Tools (Install Early)
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✅ Wireshark – packet analysis
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✅ Cisco Packet Tracer – simulations
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✅ VirtualBox or GNS3 – emulated routers/firewalls
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✅ Notion/Obsidian/Google Docs – notes + concept mapping
Would you like a printable or Notion-friendly version of this roadmap? I can also tailor it more to certification goals or real-world troubleshooting if that's your direction.
