What networking fundamentals should I learn before moving into cloud?

Start with the fundamentals covered by Network+ or an equivalent course: TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, switching, firewalls, NAT, VPNs, ports, and troubleshooting. After that, AZ-104 is a useful Azure starting point because it introduces virtual networks alongside broader administration topics. Set up inexpensive labs and practice as you go, but remember to stop or delete virtual machines and other resources when you’re finished.

If your main goal is cloud networking, AZ-700 is more focused than AZ-104. It goes deeper into Azure virtual networks, routing, private endpoints, load balancing, VPN connections, and hybrid networking. You don’t need to master every advanced topic immediately, but understanding how on-premises networks connect to cloud networks is important.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, learn how routing works at a larger scale, including BGP. It’s commonly used to exchange routes between enterprise networks and cloud environments. For study material, structured Azure administration and networking courses can help, but hands-on labs are just as important as watching lessons. Build a small virtual network, add subnets and security rules, test DNS, and connect networks with a VPN.

Make DNS a priority. A surprising number of cloud connectivity problems eventually come down to name resolution. Learn public and private DNS zones, private DNS resolvers, conditional forwarding, split-horizon DNS, and how DNS works across hybrid networks.