Why I'm Starting a Networking & Cybersecurity Journey From Absolute Zero.

Hi everyone,

My name is Nick, and I am a complete beginner in the world of networking and cybersecurity. I have recently decided to submerge myself into the Networking and Cybersecurity, after being introduced while I was at work. I have no formal IT experience, I am currently in a different field but my field is crossing the line and is demanding me to understand more about the world of Networking and Cybersecurity.

Why I'm Doing This?

I was introduced the Networking and Cybersecurity through a current job that i was doing. Watching the guys that I was working with using the Command Prompt and problem solving in the racks really interested me. Watching them doing their jobs was like magic. What happens when you send a massage? and how do people protect all that data?

I want to:

1. Understand the fundamentals so I can build things myself.

2. Eventually explore Cybersecurity.

3. Document everything here to stay accountable and hopefully help other beginners.

That's why I started blogging this journey right from day one.

My First Steps: Cisco Networking Basic Course.

I'm currently working through the free Cisco Networking Basic course on Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad). It's self -paced and designed for people with zero experience, perfect for me!

So far I have completed Modules 1 - 9

some of the things that have stood out to me along the the way:

1. Learning what a "Network" really is, that fact that the network is made up from devices, cables, rules and protocols all working to together for the Network to work.

2. The difference between clients and servers.

3. Basic concepts of how data moves across the Network.

4. IPv4 addressing, Private, Loopback, Public.

5. Subnet masking. Splitting the network up.

One big "aha" moment for me was understanding the differences between devices like a Switch, Hub and Router an the way they are used to forward packets through the Network .

The course includes shorts videos , readings and quizzes that make sense even if you've never touched this stuff before.

Tools I'm Using Right Now.

1. Cisco NetAcad Account (free)

2. My Laptop

3. Packet Tracer.

Challenges I'm facing.

Being brand new, some of the terminology feels overwhelming at first. There are a lot of new words! But in the course, it is all explained and it is done step - by - step with quizzes at the end of the modules to check you knowledge. I am having to slow down and look for things in a methodically manner to see and find the problems. My memory isn't the best either so sometimes I have to go over what i have learned to remember it all.

Why I'm blogging this.

1. Reinforce what I'm learning by explaining it.

2. Create a record of my progress.

3. Connect with other beginners ( and maybe more experienced people who remember what starting out what felt like)

4. and most important to keep me consistent, my life can be busy but progression going forward is a must in my life.

What's Next?

1. Finish the rest of the Networking Basics course.

2. Start experimenting with simple home networking concepts.

I'll be posting regular updates as I go. Follow along fi you want to learn with me and watch me stumble through.

Thanks for reading,

Nick

Beginner Network Explorer.