Networking
Most attacks and defenses happen at the network layer. This roadmap gives you a deep understanding of how data flows across networks — from physical cables to application-layer protocols — and the tools to capture and analyze it.
📋 Lessons (10 total)
Understand what a network is, how LAN differs from WAN, key components, topologies, and the ARP protocol.
Deep dive into LAN topologies, Ethernet frames, WiFi standards, and LAN security threats.
Learn 802.11 standards, 2.4GHz vs 5GHz tradeoffs, SSID/BSSID, WPA2/WPA3, and channel planning — the non-attack foundation for the Ethical Hacking roadmap's wireless attacks.
Master IPv4 address structure, subnet masks, CIDR notation, and how to calculate network ranges.
Read IPv6 address notation, learn its address types, and understand NDP/SLAAC and dual-stack deployment — the modern counterpart to the IPv4 lesson right before this one.
Understand how the OSI and TCP/IP models layer network functions, how data travels from app to wire.
Understand how DNS resolves domain names, how DHCP assigns IPs automatically, and troubleshoot both.
Common network attacks, how firewalls work, IDS vs IPS, and using nmap for reconnaissance.
How switches learn MAC addresses, how routers forward packets, VLANs, and reading a routing table.
Compare leased lines, MPLS, and internet-based VPN, understand why SD-WAN emerged, and weigh the security tradeoffs of local breakout versus centralized backhauling.
Networking is Key
Most attacks and defenses happen at the network layer. Understanding how data flows is essential for any security role.
What You'll Learn
- ✓ Master the OSI and TCP/IP models layer by layer
- ✓ Understand IP addressing and subnetting
- ✓ Capture and analyze network traffic with Wireshark
- ✓ Configure and understand firewalls
- ✓ Identify common network attacks