It has been a while since my last post. Life happens, school and work are busy, but I am back. Today, I wanted to compile a list of different resources that can help an independent learner with networking skills. Going through schooling for a networking & cybersecurity degree has shown me how much independent work can be done. I wanted to help those who are not able to attend a university, who wish to save money, or similar. I’ll be updating this with resources on the topic. I want to add my thoughts later, but also to create an initial post where I can note some resources.
Learning Platforms and Courses
- Cisco Netacad (Free)
- Network Technician Course
- Introduction To Cybersecurity
- Includes usage of Packet Tracer (Free)
- Comptia Certmaster Platform ($$$)
Tools
- Design & Simulators
- Cisco Packet Tracer [pdf] (Free)
- GNS3 (Free, Open Source)
- Various Wireless
- Ekahau Heatmapper (Free, legacy, 3rd party dowload)
- inSSIDER (Free for personal use)
- NetSurveyor (Freeware)
- Net Stumbler (Free)
- Misc
- Nmap (Free, Open Source)
- Wireshark (Free, Open Source)
- Nirsoft Tools (Freeware)
- Various free tools ranging from OS related to Network Scanners
Videos and Study Materials
- Powercert [youtube]
- CompTIA exam series
- Comprehensive exam study videos
- ExamCompass (Free)
- Study materials for CompTIA Exams
- Network+, A+, Security+
- Study materials for CompTIA Exams
- Pocket Prep ($$)
- Exam prep material for CompTIA and other exams
- Professor Messer (Free & $$)