🚀 Why Networking Matters for Cloud Engineers

Networking is the foundation of cloud computing. Every service you deploy in the cloud—whether it's a virtual machine, a containerized app, or a serverless function—relies on networking. Without a strong grasp of networking fundamentals, troubleshooting, optimizing performance, and securing cloud environments will be difficult.

This guide provides a structured approach to mastering networking, from concepts to hands-on labs, so you can confidently build and troubleshoot cloud networks.

📖 Step 1: Build Your Foundation

**📌 Book – Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (Kurose & Ross)**

Why? The best book for understanding networking fundamentals—OSI model, TCP/IP, routing, DNS, and security.
Link: (Find this book on Amazon or your local library!)

📌 AWS Networking by Travis Medis (Video)

Why? A step-by-step walkthrough of AWS networking concepts like VPCs, subnets, and NAT gateways, with a real-world example.
Link: Watch here

🎓 Step 2: Structured Learning Path

📌 AWS Networking Learning Path (SkillBuilder)

Why? Covers core networking services like VPCs, routing, security groups, and load balancers. Start with the first five courses, then go deeper as needed.
Prerequisite: You will need to create a AWS SkillBuilder Account first
Link: Start Learning

📌 AWS Networking Foundational Workshop

Why? Hands-on AWS workshop that walks you through setting up and managing cloud networks step by step.
Link: Try it here