Master PacketFence: Beginner to Expert Learning Tracker

✅ Master PacketFence: Beginner to Expert Learning Tracker

I'll break it into 6 levels, with tasks, video links, and tools to practice. This way, you can track progress like a syllabus.

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📘 LEVEL 1: Networking Basics (Week 1)

Goal: Understand how devices talk in a network.

Topic	Task
What is IP, Subnet, Gateway	Learn using ip a / ipconfig
What is MAC address	Use ip link in Linux or getmac in Windows
What is DHCP/DNS	Watch: DHCP Explained
NAT vs Bridge vs Internal	Practice in VirtualBox
VLAN Basics	Watch: VLAN Simplified

🔧 Tools: ping, ip a, traceroute, nmap

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📗 LEVEL 2: Linux Skills (Week 2)

Goal: Get comfortable using Linux (Rocky Linux / Kali)

Topic	Task
Linux File System	Learn cd, ls, nano, mkdir, chmod
Network Commands	Use ifconfig, ip, nmcli, ping, curl
Service Management	Practice systemctl and journalctl
SSH & Scripting	Learn ssh, scp, and basic shell scripting

📹 Video: Linux Full Course

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📙 LEVEL 3: VirtualBox + PacketFence Lab Setup (Week 3)

Goal: Install PacketFence and set up test environment.

Task	Steps
Install PacketFence OVA	Follow official steps: https://packetfence.org/download.html
Enable 2 Adapters (Bridge + Internal)	Use Bridged for internet, Internal for client connection
Install Kali/Windows VM	Connect to PacketFence’s internal network
Access Admin Panel	https://<IP>:1443/admin

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📒 LEVEL 4: PacketFence Core Features (Week 4–5)

Goal: Master the control panel and core features

Feature	Task
DHCP/DNS	Enable and test IP assignment from PacketFence
Captive Portal	Customize login screen for client device
Registration Process	Test device registration from Kali or Windows VM
Nodes Control	Move devices to quarantine or production
Fingerbank	Identify OS type (Linux, Android, etc.) based on MAC/DHCP

📹 Watch: PacketFence Setup

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📕 LEVEL 5: Advanced PacketFence (Week 6+)

Feature	Task
VLAN Assignment	Learn dynamic VLAN based on device status
802.1X Authentication	Integrate RADIUS / AD for user-based access
Switch Configuration	Learn SNMP and port security on real or emulated switches
Logs & Troubleshooting	Check /var/log/packetfence/ and use tcpdump, wireshark
High Availability (HA)	Learn to cluster 2+ PacketFence nodes (advanced setup)

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📓 LEVEL 6: Real-World Use Cases + Certification

Task	Outcome
Simulate school/campus guest login portal	You understand real NAC workflow
Try integrating with Wazuh or SIEM	Understand full security pipeline
Document your setup	Helps in interviews and VAPT report writing
Create a GitHub repo / presentation	Show off your skills to employers/mentors

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