How to learn about computer networking?

Question

I've read KOZIEROK's the tcp/ip guide(okay,almost.nearly 1100 pages outof 1500).but i found after reading this book,i only grasp how IP,TCP,DNS,BGP,OSPF,NAT(OSI layer 3-4,without 5-7,i.e,TCP.IP application layer) protocol works at the conceptual level,which i thought wasn't that helpful.

So,in order to know the bolts and nuts of networking,where shold I go.My goals include :

1. learning how web servers,say Apache works in detail.
2. being able to write my own,simple yet functional web server(okay,just for learning purpose)
3. being able to set up family/commercial networks.

any suggestions?thanks alot!!

Answer 1

1. Read the HTTP RFC http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc2616/rfc2616.html

2. Read About Programing Sockets http://beej.us/guide/bgnet/output/html/multipage/index.html and try it yourself. A simple HTTP Server is very easy to implement.

3. I have no resouce for that one but you should be able after reading any TCP/IP related book.

Answer 2

I learned more than I ever thought I would from my CCNA (Cisco) training. Check out some of the resources aimed at preparing inviduals for the exams.

Cisco also had a really interesting tool that simulated computer networks for us. We were able to create networks, with different setups of physical devices (bridges, switches, computers, etc) and had to set them up properly. We could even create multiple WANs and link them together. We laid out the network(It's a GUI program), then clicked on the individual devices to configure them. (It emulated telnet for the cisco routers & switches, and the ipconfig for the pc's). I used the program in my class in '05 or '06, hopefully they kept developing it, I'd love to see what it's like now! Sorry I can't remember the name.

Answer 3

how many conenction cable ?