Prerequisites for Learning Linux Network Administration

Linux Network Administration is a critical and comprehensive field encompassing a range of tasks and responsibilities tied to managing and maintaining network infrastructure on Linux systems. Before embarking on the journey to master Linux Network Administration, it’s essential for prospective network administrators to acquire a solid grounding in certain areas. This document outlines the fundamental knowledge and skills individuals should possess to effectively learn and succeed in Linux Network Administration.

1. Basic Understanding of Linux Operating Systems:
   • Purpose: Familiarity with Linux operating systems forms the bedrock for any specialized learning, including network administration.
   • Key Concepts: Understanding of the Linux filesystem, command-line interface (CLI), basic commands, file permissions, and user management.
   
   
   Depth of Knowledge Required:
   • Hands-on experience with various Linux distributions.
   • Comfort navigating and performing tasks using the command line.
2. Networking Fundamentals:
   Overview:
   • Purpose: An understanding of networking principles is essential for managing network operations on Linux systems.
   • Key Concepts: OSI model, IP addressing, subnets, VLANs, and routing.
   
   
   Depth of Knowledge Required
   • Fundamental concepts of networking.
   • Basics of IP addressing, network protocols, and subnetting.
3. Understanding of Network Hardware:
   
   Overview:
   • Purpose: Familiarity with network hardware ensures efficient handling and troubleshooting of networking issues.
   • Key Concepts: Routers, switches, and other networking hardware.
   
   
   Depth of Knowledge Required
   • Working knowledge of different types of networking hardware.
   • Basic troubleshooting skills.
4. Knowledge of Network Protocols and Services:
   
   Overview
   • Purpose: Proficiency in network protocols and services underlies effective network administration.
   • Key Concepts: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/S, FTP, and SMTP.
   
   
   Depth of Knowledge Required:
   • Comprehensive understanding of various network protocols and services.
   • Ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot network services.
5. Scripting and Automation Skills:
   
   • Purpose: Automation streamlines network administration tasks.
   • Key Concepts: Bash scripting, Python, and automation tools (like Ansible or Puppet).
   
   
   Depth of Knowledge Required
   • Basic scripting skills in Bash or Python.
   • Familiarity with automation tools.

In conclusion, a foundational understanding of Linux operating systems, networking principles, network hardware, network protocols, and services, and scripting and automation skills form the core prerequisites for learning Linux Network Administration. Adequate knowledge and experience in these areas pave the way for a smooth and successful learning trajectory in the field of Linux Network Administration.

The variations between the Solaris, AIX, and HP-UX versions of Unix include their file systems, management tools, and virtualization products.

1. File Systems:
   • Solaris supports UFS, ZFS, ext2, FAT, ISO 9660, UDF, NFS, and QFS file systems.
   • AIX supports JFS, JFS2, ISO 9660, UDF, NFS, SMBFS, and GPFS file systems.
   • HP-UX supports VxFS, JFS, and HFS file systems.
2. Management Tools:
   • Solaris uses the Image Packaging System (IPS) for update management.
   • AIX uses System Management Interface Tool (SMIT) and AIX System Management Interface (ASMI) for system management.
   • HP-UX provides HP System Insight Manager (HP SIM) and Systems Insight Manager Agents for system management.
3. Virtualization:
   • Solaris offers Solaris Zones and Logical Domains (LDOMs) for virtualization.
   • AIX provides Workload Partitions (WPARs) and AIX Micro-Partitioning for virtualization.
   • HP-UX offers HP Integrity Virtual Machines (Integrity VM) and nPartitions for virtualization.

These are some of the key differences between the three Unix variants, focusing on their file systems, management tools, and virtualization products.

To benefit from this ourse, you must be familiar with basic UNIX system administration functions and must know how to:

1. Configure the system kernel
2. Start and stop the system
3. Set up user and group accounts
4. Monitor the system
5. Configure the system log

Knowledge of shell programming is helpful, but not required.
An operating system (or OS) is usually sitting between the user's application programs and the computer hardware, which exploits the computer hardware resources to provide a set of services to the computer system users. The hierarchical view of a typical computer system is shown in Figure 1.1.

You can take this course on any of the following platforms:

1. Windows 10/Windows 11
2. Ubuntu, Suse Linux
3. Mac OS X