Hey everyone! I've been in web development for about six years now, and I've come to realize that my grasp on networking concepts is pretty basic. I've never actually read any books on networking or protocols; I've only learned what I needed to get the job done. This leaves me feeling a bit insecure when discussing networking aspects of the services I create or explaining how certain protocols function. I'm looking for recommendations on resources that can help me understand networking better without turning me into a networking expert who could build the internet from scratch. I'm hoping for something practical that explains how protocols work and introduces the technologies built on them. Preferably, I'm looking for books since I'd like to have something to refer back to, but online courses would work too. Thanks for any suggestions!
2 Answers
To be honest, you probably won't rely on that knowledge much. I have two IT degrees and studied web development extensively, yet I've only really needed to recall basic networking concepts like HTTP codes. For most web development projects, a deep understanding of the OSI model isn't really required.
As a web developer, it’s really helpful to have a grip on the OSI model for networking. There are tons of resources available, but I’d recommend Forouzan's networking book. Sure, it’s a hefty book, but you don’t have to read it all. Focus on getting a solid understanding of the OSI and TCP/IP models, as well as the popular protocols and standards at each layer. The introduction is fantastic for a broad overview, and you can dive into specific sections that interest you.
I've never found the OSI model necessary for my web projects though. It seems like a lot for what we really use!
Thanks a lot, I’ll check this book out!
I get that, but I want to learn more! I feel like I've grasped many concepts but lack the theoretical framework to connect them all.