Hello,
Currently I have pretty basic knowledge about networking - I think it lacks a lot 
I known networking more from higher level - I write network applications on daily basis.
I wish to extend my knowledge in terms of creating networks more advanced than my home office one. Currently I know how to:
- Create basic NAT router w/ DHCP C/S, DNS etc.
- Adjust firewall rules for basic filtering
- Configure OpenVPN gateway
- Create basic access point with RADIUS server
Could you recommend a good way to extend my knowledge? I thought about some books but most of them are either too simple and intended for complete beginners or too advanced talking about complex structures of multiple interconnected corporate networks in first chapter
Maybe Mikrotik Academy is a reasonable choice? If so could you advise me which program will be best for me?
Thank you in advanced.
Hello. I will share my view on this topic. First, you need to get straight on what is that you want. From my perspective, getting your CCNA’s on routing&switching and security would be great starting point. MIkrotik offer MTCNA and you should check this too. You have several great authors out there and my favorites are Todd Lammle and Jeremy Cioara.
Great way of explaining and great passion they are showing through teaching. You should tackle all of the protocols that are underlying in IP\TCP stack, and, after all this, you should practice. GNS3 is a free network emulator and its a great place to test all those topics learned from books. Great book for learning about RouterOS is “ROuterOS by Example” by Steve DIscher. Get couple of Mtiks, RB750 is great and cheap model for you to lab.
Networking in general is a HUGE field. You should be familiar with field that you like the most. Is it wireless, security, voice, or routing in general? Choose, and be ready to struggle. Thats the way…
@TomosRider First of all thank you for your very kind reply.
Networking always interested me - at first it seems like magic, but after experimenting I learn a lot. I considered CCNA before, but it was little overwhelming (plus I dislike Cisco hardware for it’s failure rate and price).
Could you recommend any specific titles wrote by Todd Lammle and Jeremy Cioara?
I’ll definitely try GNS3, but practicing on real hardware is also fun for me
I know networking is so widespread, but I’m looking forward at HA & high performance networks.