If I want to get into Networking, what should I learn in 2025?

/ Frequently Asked Questions / By /
Post Views: 258

I get asked this question all the time. It is indeed a great question. I previously posted an answer to this FAQ in 2017 – you can look at that here. I often point folks who ask to that post, but they claim it is ancient history. But is it? So I decided to not look at what I wrote, and try to answer the question again in 2025.

Here is my answer.

I have always felt that getting into networking is a smart move—it’s a foundational skillset for IT, cybersecurity, cloud, and telecom careers. Yes, you can go to college/university and get a degree in Networking (read more here), but the skillset can also be learned online, often at your own pace and (even though slower) mostly for free.

So what is the recipe I would suggest? Let me keep the list short and to the point:

Start with Solid Foundational Knowledge

Obviously we start here if you’re new to the field, but this is also true if you have been in the field – make sure the foundation is solid.

1. Basic Networking Concepts

  • What is a network? Types (LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN)
  • How the Internet actually works and the protocols involved
  • The Layered Model (don’t let anyone tell you it is garbage/not real/etc.)
  • TCP/IP Protocol Model
  • Binary, hexadecimal, and subnetting basics – you can find articles on all of these here – just search

2. Key Protocols & Technologies

  • IP addressing: both IPv4, IPv6
  • MAC addressing & ARP
  • TCP/UDP: Port numbers and services
  • DNS, DHCP, HTTP/S, FTP, ICMP
  • NAT & PAT

3. Network Devices

  • Routers vs. Switches vs. Hubs
  • Firewalls
  • Access Points and Wireless Controllers
  • Modems and Gateways

4. Tools

  • Wireshark: Packet analysis
  • Ping/Traceroute/NSLookup/Dig
  • Packet Tracer (Cisco simulation)
  • GNS3/EVE-NG: Emulated network labs

5. Configuration & CLI

  • Basic router/switch configuration (Cisco IOS, Juniper, etc.)
  • VLANs, trunking, STP
  • Routing protocols: static, OSPF, EIGRP (then BGP later)
  • ACLs and basic firewall rules

Develop Practical Skills

Build hands-on competence. Here are some tools I strongly recommend:

Get Certifications (Optional, but Helpful)

Choose one to structure your learning:

  • CompTIA Network+ (Beginner-friendly, vendor-neutral)
  • Cisco CCNA (Most popular industry cert for networking)
  • Juniper JNCIA
  • Microsoft SC-900 (for cloud/network security blend)
  • Security Certifications

You can read more on my thoughts on certifications here.

Advanced Topics (once you have a solid foundation)

These come later as you grow in your networking journey:

  • MPLS, BGP, and advanced routing
  • VPNs and remote access protocols
  • Network security (IDS/IPS, Zero Trust, firewalls)
  • SDN (Software-Defined Networking)
  • Network automation (Ansible, Python, RESTCONF, NETCONF)

The Internet experience that we enjoy today has evolved and continues to do so. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s easy. It can be learned quickly though. Like flying a plane – it looks easy, but in reality it isn’t, and you certainly can’t judge its simplicity by riding in one.

I’m going to head back to look at the prior answer now, and see how different my responses are after 8 years.

Comments are welcomed below from registered users.  You can also leave comments at our Discord server. 

If you would like to see more content and articles like this, please support us by clicking the patron link where you will receive free bonus access to courses and more, or simply buying us a cup of coffee!

Tags: , ,
Scroll to Top