Network Fundamentals
Core Networking Concepts for IT, System Administration, and Security
What's Included:
Key Highlights
- Clear explanations of OSI and TCP/IP models
- IP addressing and subnetting explained step by step
- Protocols and ports covered with practical context
- DNS/DHCP fundamentals for real environments
- Troubleshooting methodology and essential tools
- Security fundamentals: segmentation, encryption, and secure communication
- Cloud networking introduction and modern use cases
Overview
Build rock-solid networking fundamentals: OSI/TCP-IP, IP addressing, subnetting, protocols, devices, DNS/DHCP, troubleshooting, and security essentials—explained clearly with real-world examples.
The Problem
Networking often feels overwhelming because many resources either oversimplify key concepts or jump into advanced topics too quickly. Without a clear foundation, IT professionals struggle with troubleshooting, security, and infrastructure planning.
The Solution
This book teaches networking fundamentals in a structured, beginner-friendly way—focused on real-world understanding, practical examples, and the concepts used daily in IT, sysadmin, and security roles.
About This Book
Master the Core Networking Concepts Every IT Professional Needs
Network Fundamentals gives you a clear, structured foundation in modern networking—without unnecessary complexity or confusing jargon.
Whether you work in IT support, system administration, cybersecurity, or cloud infrastructure, networking knowledge is not optional. Every service you deploy, every system you secure, and every incident you troubleshoot depends on how well you understand networks.
What You’ll Learn
- How computer networks work and how data moves across them
- The OSI model and TCP/IP model explained in a practical way
- IP addressing and subnetting basics (with real examples)
- TCP vs UDP and why protocol choice matters
- Common application protocols and how they behave on networks
- Network devices explained: switches, routers, firewalls, and more
- Wired vs wireless fundamentals and real-world considerations
- DNS and DHCP essentials for real networks
- Network troubleshooting methodology and tools
- Core security concepts: segmentation, firewalls, encryption basics
- How networking connects to cloud computing and modern infrastructure
Practical, Career-Relevant Learning
This book is built for real work. You’ll learn the concepts that remain stable even as technology changes—so you can confidently adapt to new platforms, environments, and job roles.
By the end, you’ll be able to understand network diagrams, communicate clearly with networking teams, troubleshoot connectivity problems, and build the knowledge required for more advanced topics like Linux networking, VPNs, routing, and security engineering.
Ethan Marshall
Who Is This Book For?
- IT support and helpdesk professionals who want stronger fundamentals
- System administrators and junior engineers
- Cybersecurity beginners who need networking basics
- Cloud and DevOps learners building infrastructure knowledge
- Students preparing for networking interviews or certifications
Who Is This Book NOT For?
- Experienced network engineers seeking advanced routing and BGP topics
- Readers looking for vendor-specific deep dives (Cisco/Juniper only)
- Advanced Wireshark/packet analysis specialists
Table of Contents
- What Computer Networks Are
- How Data Moves Across a Network
- OSI Model Explained Simply
- TCP/IP Model
- IP Addresses Explained
- Subnetting Basics
- TCP and UDP
- Common Application Protocols
- Network Devices Explained
- Wired and Wireless Networking
- Basic Network Security Concepts
- Encryption and Secure Communication
- DNS Fundamentals
- DHCP Fundamentals
- Network Troubleshooting Methodology
- Basic Network Troubleshooting Tools
- Networking and Cloud Computing
- Networking Learning Path
Requirements
- No prior networking experience required
- Basic computer literacy and curiosity
- Optional: access to a PC for hands-on testing (recommended)
