How do you train and update your skills on IP forwarding technologies and standards?

1 Learn the basics

Before you dive into the advanced topics, make sure you have a solid understanding of the basic concepts and principles of IP forwarding. You should know how IP addresses are assigned, how subnetting and masking work, how routing tables are built and updated, and how different routing protocols operate. You should also be familiar with the common tools and commands for troubleshooting and testing IP forwarding, such as ping, traceroute, ipconfig, and route. You can find many online courses, books, and tutorials that cover these fundamentals.

2 Follow the trends

IP forwarding is not a static field. It is constantly evolving with new technologies and standards that aim to improve performance, security, and scalability. For example, IPv6, the latest version of the IP protocol, introduces a larger address space, a simplified header format, and enhanced security features. Another example is Software Defined Networking (SDN), which decouples the control and data planes of network devices, allowing for more flexible and dynamic configuration and management of IP forwarding. To stay on top of these trends, you should follow the news and blogs of reputable sources, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Network World.

3 Practice your skills

The best way to learn and update your skills on IP forwarding is to practice them in real or simulated scenarios. You can use various tools and platforms to create and test your own IP forwarding configurations and solutions. For example, you can use Packet Tracer, a network simulation software developed by Cisco, to design and troubleshoot IP forwarding scenarios using different devices, protocols, and features. You can also use GNS3, an open-source network emulator, to run and interact with real network operating systems and devices in a virtual environment.

4 Join the community

Another way to train and update your skills on IP forwarding is to join the community of network professionals and enthusiasts who share their knowledge, experience, and feedback. You can participate in online forums, groups, and discussions, such as the Network Engineering Stack Exchange, the Reddit Networking subreddit, and the Cisco Learning Network. You can also attend webinars, workshops, and conferences, such as the NANOG meetings, the RIPE NCC events, and the Cisco Live sessions. By joining the community, you can learn from the experts, ask questions, and exchange ideas.

5 Keep track of your progress

Finally, you should keep track of your progress and achievements on IP forwarding. You can use various methods and tools to measure and document your skills, such as online quizzes, tests, and certifications. For example, you can take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam, which covers the fundamentals of IP forwarding and other network topics. You can also use online portfolios, such as LinkedIn or GitHub, to showcase your projects, solutions, and contributions on IP forwarding. By keeping track of your progress, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, set your goals, and plan your next steps.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?