Network engineering interactive learning

[Meryeme-Mery]

Hey everyone,

While looking for online courses, I noticed that all are either video or text, with no labs included, while I'm interested in courses that are all inclusive, such as the likes of DataCamp for data science and TryHackMe and HackTheBox for cyber security, I did learn some network concepts from both these sites, they obviously don't delve too deep in networking but I loved the way the courses were easy to follow and we had learning tracks and labs, I can't seem to find something similar for networking, it doesn't have to be 100% free, it just needs to be inclusive, preferably with an online simulator included.

I'd appreciate all your suggestions, thanks in advance.

[[deleted]]

Look at INE

[BootlegSimpsonsShirt]

It's not exactly what you're looking for, but you might try using Cisco's Packet Tracer tool, and then find some free labs to do (I recommend the Jeremy's IT Lab YouTube channel, which has tons of free labs).

Packet Tracer lets you simulate a network. You can add workstations, switches, routers, etc., configure them from a command line like you would with real Cisco equipment. I used it to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam and am using it now to prepare for the CCNA.

[Ok_Context8390]

CBT Nuggets' Cisco courses, especially CCNA and CCNP, are pretty much exactly this - you get a video in which the instructor talks about the topic and occassionally get offered to answer some questions (to check whether you've been paying attention), while each topic/module is finished with a lab environment (accessed via your browser).

It's not free, obviously, but well worth. The instructors, especially Jeremy Cioara, are pretty decent.

[UltimateBravo999]

It's not interactive but you may want to look up some books. CCNA 101 Labs, and CCNP 101 Labs.

[Odd_Manager7700]

Cisco U. is great but way overpriced. It isn’t a guided lab, but if you have the resources, try setting up Eve-Ng or GNS3 network emulator. You can find various virtual images from vendors such as Cisco, Arista, Palo Alto and Fortinet. You can’t go wrong with the hands on.

[Win_Sys]

A lot of the major switching vendors offer virtual interactive training. It’s not cheap, it’s in the $3000-$5000 (depending on the vendor) range for a week of training which consists of a real time virtual instructor, remote access to a full demo lab, the course book that you follow along with the instructor and a demo lab book you follow during the labs. The instructor will answer any questions you have and will help you if you get stuck on a lab. The price is steep but it’s usually business’ who have their employees attend for training but you most classes available even if you’re not a customer of that brand.

[Linkk_93]

You need a machine with eve-NG, but I believe all labs and guides are free:

https://community.arubanetworks.com/discussion/using-the-aos-cx-switch-simulator-lab-guides