Day 3: Building Strong Foundations in Computer Networks - My HackOps Journey

Hello, fellow cybersecurity enthusiasts! Welcome back to my HackOps journey. Today marks Day 3, and it was all about solidifying my understanding of computer networks – the very backbone of the digital world we operate in. I spent the day diving into several crucial modules that covered everything from fundamental concepts to specific protocols.

It feels great to have completed the "Network Foundations" module, marking a significant milestone in this learning path! This foundational knowledge is absolutely critical for anyone looking to get into cybersecurity or IT operations.

Here's a breakdown of what I covered today:

1. Introductory Networking

I kicked off with "Introductory Networking". This module was an excellent starting point, laying down the groundwork for understanding how networks communicate. Key takeaways included:

• The OSI Model: An Overview: Understanding the 7 layers of the OSI model is like learning the alphabet of networking. It helps categorize and understand the different functions happening at each stage of network communication.

• Encapsulation: Grasping how data is wrapped and unwrapped as it travels through the layers was a crucial concept.

• The TCP/IP Model: This practical model is what modern networks predominantly use, and understanding its four layers in comparison to OSI provided a clearer picture.

• Basic Networking Tools: Getting hands-on with some fundamental tools for network analysis was a great practical addition.

2. Networking Concepts

Building on the introduction, the "Networking Concepts" module went deeper. This is where the theoretical knowledge started to really click with practical application:

• The OSI Model and TCP/IP Protocol Suite: A more in-depth exploration of these models, cementing their importance in network architecture.

• IP Addresses and Subnets: This was a significant part of the module. Learning about IPv4 addressing, different classes, and how subnetting works is essential for network design and troubleshooting. Understanding network masks, broadcast addresses, and host ranges became much clearer.

3. HTTP in Detail

Moving up the stack to the application layer, I spent time on "HTTP in Detail". As a web-centric world, understanding the Hypertext Transfer Protocol is non-negotiable:

• Learned about how HTTP requests and responses work, including different methods (GET, POST, etc.) and status codes.

• Understood the client-server model in the context of web Browse and how browsers communicate with web servers.

4. DNS in Detail

Another critical application layer protocol covered was "DNS in Detail". The Domain Name System is what translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses:

• Explored how DNS works, including the hierarchical structure of DNS servers (root, TLD, authoritative).

• Understood the process of name resolution and why DNS is fundamental to accessing internet services.

5. How Websites Work

Finally, the "How Websites Work" module tied many of these concepts together, providing a holistic view:

• This session explained the underlying technologies and protocols involved in rendering a website in your browser, from DNS resolution to HTTP communication and the role of various web components.

6. Network Foundations

Kicked off Day 3 by tackling the "Network Foundations" module “ https://academy.hackthebox.com/achievement/1927633/289 ”. This was the absolute starting point, ensuring I had a solid grip on the very basics of how networks operate before diving into more complex topics. Key concepts covered included:

• Defining a Network: Understanding what constitutes a network, including different types like LANs and WANs.

• Basic Network Devices: Getting familiar with the fundamental hardware elements that make up a network, such as cables, Network Interface Cards (NICs), and the core functions of devices like hubs and switches.

• Network Topologies: An introduction to common network layouts (e.g., star, bus, ring).

• Data Communication Basics: Grasping the high-level process of how information travels across a network.

This module ensured the bedrock was firm for everything that followed!

Wrapping Up Day 3

Today was a comprehensive dive into the fundamentals of computer networking. From the layered models that govern communication to the specific protocols like HTTP and DNS that enable our daily internet usage, I feel much more confident in my foundational knowledge. We covered essential elements like ports, IP addressing, network models (OSI and TCP/IP), and crucial concepts like subnetting. This understanding is absolutely vital for any offensive or defensive security operations, as most attacks and defenses rely on manipulating or understanding network traffic.

Feeling great about the progress made! Looking forward to what Day 4 brings in this exciting HackOps journey.

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By Sathwika Mamidipalli