How to learn networking from the complete beginning

[stamatiou]

Hey guys, I would like to start learning networking and then penetration testing but I do not have idea! Does anyone know how can I start?
Thank you very much

[haqking]

Hey guys, I would like to start learning networking and then penetration testing but I do not have idea! Does anyone know how can I start?
Thank you very much

use google or buy a book on networking (there are many) set up and play with networks.

Learn protocols inside and out, mainly TCP/IP, do lots of network monitoring to see what really goes on.

Download and install wireshark and start looking what goes on, if you arent too scared by it carry on reading

IF you know nothing about networks then Pen Testing is a long way off in my opinion.

[stamatiou]

use google or buy a book on networking (there are many) set up and play with networks.

Learn protocols inside and out, mainly TCP/IP, do lots of network monitoring to see what really goes on.

Download and install wireshark and start looking what goes on, if you arent too scared by it carry on reading

IF you know nothing about networks then Pen Testing is a long way off in my opinion.

Thank you for your fast reply but can you be more specific? A particular book for example?

[haqking]

Thank you for your fast reply but can you be more specific? A particular book for example?

there are thousands of books on networking and protocols.

Go to amazon and search for neworking books and pick one or 2 with good reviews.

as for protocols i would recommend reading the RFC's for TCP/IP

http://www.ietf.org/rfc.html

this contains everything about TCP/IP

also http://www.amazon.com/TCP-Illustrate.../dp/0201633469 for TCP/IP

http://www.amazon.com/Internet-Core-...0640241&sr=1-1

and though this is a bit ahead of the game right now then for DNS i recommend
http://www.amazon.com/DNS-BIND-5th-C...0640269&sr=1-1

but first of all get yourself some generic networking books where all that will be introduced anyways.

[spynappels]

Some of the Networking for Dummies books are a good general introduction.

[Drenriza]

Hi Stamatiou.

I'm not 100% this is what your looking for, but here i go
I have been studying network technologies since mid 2008. And the CCNA books will help you get to the next leven in networking. I have read all four CCNA books, twise and ofc i cannot remember on the fly what they are called.... doh.

Edited: Found it! http://www.ciscopress.com/bookstore/...sbn=1587132087

Also, if buying a book is not a option i found this. I have not read it, and cannot say if it is good or not from personal experience. But from what i can read, it is recommended for learning Cisco / network. I myself use the network fundamentals and find it. Two thumps up.
http://www.cisco.com/E-Learning/prod...ish/index.html

Now i'm reading CCNP, which is the next level, sort of speech. If you have any questions, leave a reply or PM me.

Kind regards.

Edit. Also with these books, you get the options to do some simulation tests with Cisco routers and switches along with hosts. To make a complete virtual setup. With packed tracer, follows with the book. And if you get to the higher levels GNS3, which emulates the Cisco routers and switches instead.

[stamatiou]

there are thousands of books on networking and protocols.

Go to amazon and search for neworking books and pick one or 2 with good reviews.

as for protocols i would recommend reading the RFC's for TCP/IP

http://www.ietf.org/rfc.html

this contains everything about TCP/IP

also http://www.amazon.com/TCP-Illustrate.../dp/0201633469 for TCP/IP

http://www.amazon.com/Internet-Core-...0640241&sr=1-1

and though this is a bit ahead of the game right now then for DNS i recommend
http://www.amazon.com/DNS-BIND-5th-C...0640269&sr=1-1

but first of all get yourself some generic networking books where all that will be introduced anyways.

What is this exactly http://www.ietf.org/rfc.htm? Is it an online book?

[haqking]

What is this exactly http://www.ietf.org/rfc.htm? Is it an online book?

RFC's are documents detailing the specs/requirements and operating parameters of network standards and protocols.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Request_for_Comments

for example if you read rfc 1034 http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1034.txt you would get an intro in DNS and DNS operates to this RFC.

You can also use RFC's to change or modify how things works though it is not a case of saying DNS dont work can you fix it

[Brad55]

WOW was not really looking to learn networking to much even tho I need to learn a lot of it, but thanks for the links and information.

[Drenriza]

I would not recommend reading a RFC, if you know nothing about networking. A RFC is a technical detail of a protocol. And can be very hard to read and harder to understand, if you don't know at least the basics.

It's like, instead of sending your car to the mechanic to get fixed. You take apart the engine yourself and hope you "know" how to put it back together, in a working condition.

But sure, go to war with
http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc793.html
mpls is a good protocol
http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3032.txt