Here is a quick checklist of some things that I think you should become familiar with when learning networking. My rationale for these links is that I believe very much in putting things into context. I do not think you can get a true picture of networking by looking at only the configurations themselves. Some history and contextual information is necessary.
1.Learn Binary & Hexadecimal
2. Learn about the history of the internet
http://www.historyofcomputercommunications.info/index.html – in depth beginnings
3. Learn about the legacy of Cisco
-here-
4. Learn about the physical components of a business network
-here-
5. Learn OSI Reference Model
-here-
6. Learn TCP/IP
-here-
7. Learn IP Addressing and Subnetting
-here-
8. Learn how packets travel through a network
-here-
9. Learn about switching and routing
-here-
10. Learn about common network services (NHRPs, DNS, TFTP, FTP, SFTP, SSH, DHCP, AAA, TACACS, RADIUS)
-here-
11. Start labbing.
network*for*respect 