GIOVANNI HALE

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D+ Grade, Big Lessons: My CYB-210 Journey at SNHU

Giovanni Hale
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D+ Grade, Big Lessons: My CYB-210 Journey at SNHU

As a junior pursuing a degree in cybersecurity at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), I recently completed CYB-210: Computer Networking. While the journey was challenging, it was also incredibly rewarding. Today, I want to share my experience in this course and some insights that might help current or future students.

My CYB-210 Grade: The Hard Truth

Let’s start with the elephant in the room—my grade. I earned a D+ in CYB-210, making it the first class at SNHU where I didn’t excel. Why share this? Because grades don’t always tell the whole story. With a 3.85 GPA across four years at SNHU, I’ve consistently performed well, but this class tested my limits in new ways. It was humbling, but also an incredible learning opportunity.

What is CYB-210 About?

CYB-210 introduces students to the fundamentals of networking. The course covers:

  • Network topologies, routing, and switching.

  • IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6).

  • Security concerns in network configurations.

  • The evolution of routing protocols like RIP and OSPF.

  • Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

The course combines theory with hands-on practice, which was both challenging and rewarding. Tools like Cisco Packet Tracer and uCertify Labs provided real-world simulation scenarios that helped bridge the gap between concepts and application.

My Challenges

  1. Subnetting: This was a tough nut to crack. Understanding and applying subnetting in lab activities was a steep learning curve.

  2. uCertify: While the platform was essential for assignments, its feedback system could be frustrating. It often highlighted errors without explaining why, making it harder to improve.

  3. Project Struggles: One of the major projects involved creating a network modification brief. I struggled with following the instructions precisely and lost points as a result. However, my professor’s constructive feedback helped me learn for the future.

My Favorite Part of CYB-210

The Networking Modification Brief assignment stood out. It required designing a solution to improve network security and performance. Despite the challenges, it was rewarding to apply my knowledge to a practical scenario. This project offered a glimpse into real-world networking tasks and how they connect to cybersecurity.

Tips for Success in CYB-210

  1. Start Assignments Early: Networking concepts build on each other. Staying ahead will help you grasp the material better.

  2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor or classmates. Collaboration can clarify tricky concepts.

  3. Practice, Practice, Practice: Tools like Packet Tracer require hands-on engagement. The more you use them, the more comfortable you’ll become.

  4. Embrace Mistakes: Don’t let setbacks discourage you. Every mistake is a step toward mastery.

Final Thoughts

CYB-210 gave me a solid foundation in networking, even if my grade didn’t reflect my effort. It’s a stepping stone toward more advanced topics and certifications like CompTIA Network+. For anyone considering this course, my advice is to embrace the challenges. They’ll prepare you for a career in cybersecurity and beyond.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you taken CYB-210 or a similar course? What was your experience like? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!