Why Learning Computer Networking is the Biggest Eye-opener in Tech

And how I tricked my procrastination into looking the other way

AI generated image: Lexica

I’ve got a laundry list of bad habits. Fear of failure? Check. A master in procrastination? Double check. And don’t even get me started on my deep, committed relationship with my comfort zone.

Call me lazy, but if you’re a self-learning tech enthusiast like me, you might just nod in agreement.

We all get haunted by our periodic laxity when pursuing our dream careers. It is very normal.

But guess what? There is always that one thing that can flip the script and yank you out of your cozy couch.

For me, that game-changer is diving head first into computer networking. Or, at least, taking it more seriously.

Being a cybersecurity enthusiast, I believe in the mantra that continuous learning is the fuel that keeps up one’s dream.

So, I’ve been soaking up knowledge like a sponge, especially from the technological haven; that is, Coursera. A platform so great, I won’t dive into the details here — for that, I already penned a love letter in the form of an article.

I have taken numerous cybersecurity courses and conquered various labs and workshops for hands-on experience.

But there was a gap. A mysterious void, preventing me from venturing into the intricate realm of computer networking. Maybe it was the universe conspiring against me, or maybe it just took Einstein’s brain to decode the mysteries of IPV6, the OSI model, or DHCP.

Because let’s be honest, networking is one of the hardest fields in IT, and a cyber bro needs to get the hang of how computers communicate with one another.

All this was the period I was in the university before this holiday. It is as though there is a rope pulling me back anytime I get up to throw myself into the realm of computer networking.

This period of struggle coincided with my academic studies in the university. It felt like an invisible force was pulling me back every time I tried to immerse myself in the learning process.

Yet, I didn’t throw in the towel. I redirected my once-in-a-while energy into refining my Python programming skills and cloud computing.

But I knew it was one of my bad traits pulling me back.

Towards the end of 2023, we went on holiday for the second semester, which meant I would have more time to focus on non-academic pursuits.

Then I caught the culprit red-handed.

Ah, Procrastination!

the sneakiest saboteur of productivity. It’s either the Voldemort of productivity or an identity-shifting ninja, but whatever it is, it had a stronger force than the petty energy to fire up my productivity.

Perhaps it is not my fault. Perhaps understanding IPV6, the OSI model, or how DHCP works takes Einstein’s brain to decipher them.

There was this online course I stumbled upon offered by Google — the “Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking.” It consisted of six modules, seeming like an endless journey to me.

I started to slack off just as I reached the end of the first module, feeling guilty each time I glanced at the abandoned course on my Coursera platform.

Which brings us to learning.

Two lessons I’ve discovered about learning new things:

• You don’t have to get a grasp of everything on the first try
• You learn even more by teaching the little you know

To overcome procrastination, I cleverly chose the latter lesson.

I rallied some coursemates, created a WhatsApp group (because who meets in person during the holidays?), and named it “Networking Fundamentals (CSS).” CSS, of course, stands for cybersecurity science — our department.

I knew teaching my mates the things I already knew about networking using the course materials as syllabus would not just bolster my understanding but also force me to complete the course.

Hard things are hard because they’re meant to be done

And oh, what a revelation it was! Networking opened my eyes to dive more into the complexities of tech, particularly cybersecurity.

I could feel the knowledge solidify every time I spent time preparing the materials to be treated with my colleagues. IP subnetting, Domain Name System (DNS), Transport layer of TCP/IP, Wireless connections, and more started making sense.

I started to connect the dots.

Studying and teaching networking became my daily routine until I proudly completed the course a few days ago.

It’s a significant achievement, worthy of celebration, but I know my journey doesn’t end here. The road to mastery unfolds with a crafted learning path.

My path to mastery

So I crafted a learning path to follow from here:

Step 1: hands-on practice with labs on Tryhackme/HackTheBox. And CTF !

Step2: Take the CISCO Networking Essentials

Step 3: Studying CCNA.

Conclusion

As I stand at the crossroads of my tech journey, I can’t help but marvel at the transformative power of learning.

The journey, marked by challenges and revelations, has not only opened my eyes to the complexities of technology but also fortified my resolve to continuously explore its wonders.

This article is merely not about computer networking. It is an invitation to my fellow tech enthusiasts. Let’s embark on this ever-evolving journey together, embracing the challenges, savoring the victories, and never forgetting the joy of sharing knowledge.

The magic of networking has illuminated my path, and I am eager to unravel more mysteries, manipulate more digital universes, and continue evolving in this dynamic landscape.

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