Network Fundamentals and Architecture – Gained a solid understanding of networking basics, including the role of networks in communication, various network topologies, and the OSI and TCP/IP models.

IP Addressing and Subnetting – Developed the ability to efficiently work with IP addresses and subnetting, enabling you to design and implement network configurations.

Routing and Switching Protocols – Mastered key routing protocols (like OSPF and RIP) and switching techniques, including VLAN configuration and inter-VLAN routing, essential for scalable network management.

Network Security Practices – Learned to implement security measures such as ACLs, VPNs, and device hardening to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data across a network.

Practical Networking Tools – Gained hands-on experience with network simulation tools like Packet Tracer, configuring devices, troubleshooting network issues, and testing different protocols in real-world scenarios.

Advanced Network Configuration – Explored complex networking topics, including DHCP, DNS, and advanced routing concepts, to configure large, resilient, and fault-tolerant networks suitable for businesses and enterprises.

Data Integration & Storage – Gained an understanding of how data is created, stored, and integrated into business operations, with a focus on key data center components.

Storage Systems & RAID – Analyzed different storage architectures such as SAN, NAS, and DAS, while studying RAID configurations for data protection and performance optimization.

VMware Virtualization – Managed VMware ESXi, vSphere, and vCenter, covering installation, licensing, VM creation, and deployment of vCenter to streamline virtualization processes.

Virtual Networking – Configured VMware virtual switches, port groups, VMkernel adapters, and software-defined networking to ensure optimal virtual network performance.

Storage Virtualization & SAN – Implemented storage area networks (SAN) using Fibre Channel and IP storage protocols, applying VMware storage virtualization techniques for efficient storage management.

Linux Overview & History – Gained a solid understanding of the history, evolution, and components of Linux, along with its relationship to Unix and the Open Software movement.

Linux Installation & Configuration – Learned how to install and configure Linux, including hardware requirements, software packages, and system partitions, while understanding device nomenclature.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) – Explored the GNOME GUI and the X Window system, customizing graphical environments and navigating the Linux OS using graphical utilities.

File System Management – Gained hands-on experience with Linux file systems, including creating, deleting, and managing files and directories using command-line tools, along with file system hierarchy and path conventions.

User & Group Management – Mastered the creation and management of user and group accounts on Linux, including utilizing command-line utilities and understanding file permissions and ownership.

Basic Unix Commands & Networking – Learned the basics of Unix commands like grep, ps, and tar, as well as using Linux networking tools for secure shell utilities and network management.

Windows Server Installation & Setup – Learned how to install Windows Server using different methods (DVD, network boot, unattended), configure it for performance, and manage updates and patches.

Active Directory & User Management – Gained experience setting up AD, promoting domain controllers, configuring OUs, creating user accounts, and managing security groups.

Networking Services (DNS, DHCP, NAT) – Set up and managed DNS zones and records, configured DHCP scopes and failover, and worked with NAT for address translation.

File & Storage Management – Configured NTFS permissions, mapped network drives, managed disk partitions (MBR/GPT), and set up RAID for fault tolerance.

Group Policy & Security – Used Group Policy to enforce security settings, mapped network drives, and configured role-based access control (RBAC) with AAA.

Cloud & Virtualization – Compared on-prem vs. cloud infrastructure, learned about cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and worked with virtual machine deployments.

Routing Protocols – Configured and optimized OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP for efficient routing, focusing on route redistribution, load balancing, and failover strategies to enhance network performance and resilience.

Network Design – Studied 3-tier and Spine-Leaf architectures, applying best practices for scalability, redundancy, and performance to build networks that support high traffic and long-term growth.

Security & Access Control – Implemented AAA, role-based access control (RBAC), and multi-factor authentication (2FA) to secure network access and protect sensitive data and resources.

Redundancy & High Availability – Configured FHRPs like HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP for failover capabilities, ensuring minimal downtime and high availability of critical network services.

Network Monitoring & Management – Used Syslog, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), and Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN) for real-time network monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

Emerging Technologies & Automation – Explored SDN, network automation with tools like Ansible and Python, and modern networking trends to streamline network management and improve efficiency.