A Beginner’s Guide Series

Network engineering can feel overwhelming at first. However, once you understand the fundamentals, everything else starts to make sense. For that reason, this beginner series on Relay Rack 1 is designed to explain networking concepts in a clear, practical, and easy-to-follow way.

Instead of jumping straight into advanced configurations, this series focuses on the core building blocks that every network engineer should understand. As a result, beginners can learn confidently while building a strong technical foundation.

Who This Series Is For

This series is ideal if you are:

• New to networking or IT
• Studying for entry-level certifications
• Transitioning into a network engineering role
• Looking to strengthen your fundamentals

Even if you already work in IT, reviewing the basics often helps clarify how networks actually function in real environments.

What You’ll Learn in This Series

Throughout this series, we will break networking into manageable topics. Each article builds on the previous one, making it easier to follow along over time.

More importantly, each lesson focuses on real-world understanding, not just theory.

Network Engineering Basics Series Roadmap

Part 1: What Is a Network?

Learn what a network is, why networks exist, and how devices communicate with each other.

Part 2: Modems, Routers, and Switches Explained

Understand the difference between modems, routers, and switches, and how they work together.

Part 3: IP Addresses and Subnets (Made Simple)

Learn what IP addresses are, why subnets exist, and how devices find each other.

Part 4: LAN vs WAN vs Internet

Understand local networks, wide-area networks, and how the internet fits into everything.

Part 5: What Is a Firewall?

Learn how firewalls protect networks and where they sit in real-world environments.

Part 6: What Is DNS and Why It Matters

Understand how domain names turn into IP addresses behind the scenes.

Part 7: What Is DHCP?

Learn how devices automatically get IP addresses when they join a network.

Part 8: Wired vs Wireless Networking

Compare Ethernet and Wi-Fi, including performance, reliability, and use cases.

Part 9: Basic Network Security Concepts

Explore core security ideas like segmentation, least privilege, and secure access.

Part 10: Entry-Level Network Engineering Tools

Get familiar with common tools such as terminal emulators, ping, traceroute, and SSH.

How to Use This Series

First, start with the earlier articles if you are new. They introduce concepts that appear again later.

Next, take your time with each topic. Networking is easier to learn when concepts connect gradually.

Finally, revisit articles as needed. Repetition helps reinforce understanding.

Each post is written to stand on its own, but together they form a complete beginner learning path.

Why Relay Rack 1 Created This Series

Many networking resources assume too much prior knowledge. As a result, beginners often feel lost early on.

Relay Rack 1 takes a different approach. This series focuses on:

• Clear explanations
• Real-world examples
• Simple diagrams
• Practical understanding

The goal is to help readers understand networking, not just memorize terms.

What’s Coming Next

The next article in this series will cover:

It will explain how networks work at a high level and why every modern system depends on them.

Final Thoughts

Learning network engineering does not have to be confusing. By starting with the basics and building step by step, anyone can develop a solid understanding of how networks operate.

This beginner series is your starting point.

Welcome to Network Engineering Basics on Relay Rack 1.