Wanting to learn networking in depth

[zenlakin]

I understand the basics of networking but I am wanting to get a firm handle on enterprise and company level networking. Any reading materials you guys would suggest a person in my position to read? Thanks guys. Also I am concerned with network security also.

[Elbatrop1]

Here's a really good stepping stone in getting knowledge in networking:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078...books&v=glance

Depending on what you want to learn about, you could also get books on servers, whether its for Windows, Linux, or Novell, etc is up to you

[zenlakin]

I was thinking about cisco stuff but wasn't sure if that would encompass a broad area of networking or if it would just be proprietary to cisco. CCNA just prepares you to work on cisco equipment right?

[office politics]

they teach you networking concepts and teach you how to implement with cisco equiptment.

same thing if you picked up a MS book. They teach you concepts and teach how to implement using MS software.

cisco holds a majority of the market share for networking equiptment

[Obtruse_Man4]

Books on TCP/IP and DNS are also great starters. Windows Server and domains are also great things to learn about. I turned my network into a domain mostly for learning purposes, and it has really payed off. I've learned a lot about domains, workgroups, and DNS in the process. Those are all things companies like you to know about.

[zenlakin]

Any books that you would recommend about tcp/ip and dns?

[Osiris]

http://www.tech-forums.net/forumdisplay.php?forumid=52

do a search for networking...ive posted a lot

[urnotfast]

In addition to reading you may want to get your hands on some simulation software ( mainly for routers and managed switches). If you have enough pcs you can test out different server os, configurations, setting up domains, and different server roles. You can read a all the books there are but you still need to know hoe to apply that knowledge.

[DJ-CHRIS]

Originally posted by zenlakin
I was thinking about cisco stuff but wasn't sure if that would encompass a broad area of networking or if it would just be proprietary to cisco. CCNA just prepares you to work on cisco equipment right?

Cisco holds 80% of the non consumer network market.

However I would recomend upgrading and repairing networks 4th edition as a starter. Covers how stuff works in depth and will really help you understand future things.

The best way to learn cisco is when you crash someone elses router and need to fix it.

I have now *skilfully aqquired* (Note: I cannot condone stealing other people's networks) 2x Cisco routers which are the real way to learn. I also am *skillfully aqquiring* a managed cisco switch.

[Obtruse_Man4]

Originally posted by DJ-CHRIS
I have now *skilfully aqquired* (Note: I cannot condone stealing other people's networks) 2x Cisco routers which are the real way to learn. I also am *skillfully aqquiring* a managed cisco switch.

I wish I had some cisco routers and switches to play around with It's the one thing I can't get my hands on. They're very hard to come by cheaply.