About the course

Learn in your own Hindi Language. This course is taught completely in Hindi. 

Why I Created This Course

I struggled with OSPF for years. Do you know why?

Because I never learned the basics properly. Everyone told me "just learn OSPF." So I memorized LSA types. I learned DR and BDR election. I configured areas. But I never understood the fundamentals.

What is a routing table really? How does a router actually make forwarding decision? What is control plane versus data plane? Nobody explained these things. Or they explained very quickly assuming I know already.

Later when I learned BGP, same problem. Later when I tried to troubleshoot routing issues, same problem. My foundation was weak. Like building house on sand. It looks good but one strong wind and everything falls.

I wish someone had explained routing fundamentals properly when I was starting. That is why this course exists.

5000 network engineers have already taken this course. Most of them were preparing for CCNA or CCNP. They realized their basics are not clear. They came here. They built solid foundation. Then they went back to OSPF, BGP, EIGRP and suddenly everything made sense.

This is that missing piece that everyone skips.

What This Course Will Do For You

This is a 10.5 hour journey into routing fundamentals. Not OSPF. Not BGP. Just fundamentals. The building blocks that make everything else work.

And here is the best news. This course is completely FREE. Yes. Free. 10.5 hours of detailed content. Nothing hidden. No trial. No expiry. Always free.

Why free? Because fundamentals should be accessible to everyone. This is foundation knowledge. You should not need to pay for foundation.

You will learn:

• How routing actually works (not just commands, but real understanding)
• Static routing from absolute scratch
• Subnetting concepts clearly explained
• TCP/IP layering and why it matters
• ARP and how devices find each other
• Routing table and how router makes decisions
• Control plane versus data plane (this is important)
• VRF basics and Layer-2 multicast concepts
• Administrative distance and longest prefix match
• Floating static routes
• Difference between distance vector and link state protocols
• Next-hop concept (many people are confused about this)
• Proxy ARP and why it exists

These topics sound simple. But many experienced engineers have gaps in these areas. They learned routing protocols but skipped fundamentals.

After this course, when you study OSPF or BGP or any routing protocol, you will understand faster. Everything will click. Because foundation is solid.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is for you if:

• You want to learn OSPF, BGP, EIGRP but feel lost
• You know some routing but basics are not clear
• You are preparing for CCNA or CCNP
• You can configure routes but do not understand how routing works internally
• You want rock solid fundamentals before moving to complex protocols
• You are fresh in networking and want to start right way
• You learned routing before but it never really clicked
• You are experienced engineer but have gaps in fundamental concepts

This course is NOT for you if:

• You already understand routing fundamentals deeply
• You want to learn OSPF or BGP directly (take those courses instead)
• You do not have time for 10.5 hours of fundamental concepts
• You want quick overview (this goes deep into basics)

Do You Need to Learn Basic Networking First?

If you are completely new to networking and do not know what IP address is or what router does, I recommend starting with our FREE CCNA for Know-Nothing Learner course first. That course teaches absolute networking basics.

Once you understand basic networking, come to this Routing Fundamentals course. This will strengthen your routing knowledge before you study specific routing protocols.

If you already know basic networking like IP addressing, subnetting basics, what routers do, you are ready for this course. You do not need advanced knowledge. Just basic understanding is enough.

The Real Problem This Course Solves

Let me tell you about Anjali. She is preparing for CCNP. She knows OSPF commands. She can configure OSPF areas. She passed CCNA also.

One day in interview, they asked her simple question: "Explain control plane and data plane."

She knew the definition. She said "control plane builds routing table, data plane forwards packets." Interviewer said "okay, give me real example."

She could not explain properly. Why? Because she memorized the definition but never really understood it.

Another question: "You have three routes to same destination - one with AD 110, one with AD 120, one with longer prefix match but higher AD. Which route wins?"

She was confused. She knew AD means administrative distance. She knew lower AD is better. But the question mixed AD with prefix match and she could not think clearly.

These are fundamental concepts. But many engineers skip these. They jump directly to OSPF. They learn complex things without understanding basics.

Result? They struggle. They memorize but do not understand. They cannot troubleshoot. They cannot explain concepts. They fail interviews.

Can we fix this? Yes.

Spend 10.5 hours on fundamentals. Build rock solid foundation. Then when you learn OSPF or BGP, everything becomes easier. You understand faster. You retain longer. You can explain concepts confidently.

Look at building construction. If foundation is weak, building will have problems no matter how good the upper floors are. If foundation is strong, you can build tall building safely.

Same thing with routing. Strong fundamentals make everything else easier.

What You Will Actually Learn - Complete Curriculum

This course has 8 classes covering 10.5 hours. Each class builds on previous class. We start from very basics and go step by step.

Class 1: Course Introduction, Expectation and Routing Basics

Before we dive into technical concepts, we talk about what this course will cover. What you should expect. What we will learn. What we will not learn.

Then we begin routing basics. What is routing? Why do we need routing? How does router work? We build foundation slowly.

This is not just theory. I use real examples. I use simple language. I make sure you understand before moving forward.

Class 2: Subnetting, TCP/IP Layering and ARP

Subnetting is important for routing. Many students struggle with subnetting. We revisit subnetting concepts and make them crystal clear.

Then we learn TCP/IP layering model. Why layers exist? What each layer does? How layers interact with each other? This is crucial for understanding routing.

Finally, ARP. How does a device find MAC address when it only knows IP address? This is fundamental concept that many people take for granted but do not really understand.

Class 3: Concept of Next-Hop

Next-hop is heart of routing. Router receives packet. It checks destination IP. It looks in routing table. It finds next-hop. It forwards packet to next-hop.

Simple, right? But there are many details here. What if next-hop is not directly connected? What if there are multiple next-hops? How does recursive lookup work?

We cover all these questions. By end of this class, next-hop concept is absolutely clear in your mind.

Class 4: Routing Table and Control Plane vs Data Plane

Routing table is like brain of router. But how is it built? What information does it contain? How does router use it?

We explore routing table in detail. Not just "show ip route" output. But actual understanding of what each entry means.

Then we learn control plane and data plane. This is critical concept. Control plane builds routing table. Data plane forwards packets. They are different things. They work differently. They can even be on different hardware in modern routers.

Understanding this distinction helps you understand how routing protocols work. How router processes packets. How forwarding happens.

Class 5: VRF's and Layer-2 Multicast

VRF is Virtual Routing and Forwarding. It allows one router to have multiple routing tables. Like having multiple routers inside one physical router.

Why is VRF important for fundamentals? Because when you learn MPLS later, VRF is everywhere. If you do not understand VRF basics now, MPLS will be very confusing.

We also cover Layer-2 multicast basics here. Why? Because OSPF uses multicast. Many routing protocols use multicast. If you do not know how multicast works at Layer-2, you cannot fully understand how OSPF neighbors form.

Class 6: Static Routing and Concept of Proxy ARP

Static routing is manual routing. You configure routes manually. It sounds simple but there are important concepts here.

How to configure static route? What is next-hop versus exit interface? What is recursive lookup? What happens if next-hop is not reachable? All these details matter.

Proxy ARP is interesting concept. Many engineers do not know about it. Router responds to ARP request on behalf of another device. Why does this exist? When is it useful? We explain this clearly.

Class 7: AD Value and Longest Prefix Match

AD means Administrative Distance. It is used when router has multiple routes from different routing protocols.

OSPF says "go this way." EIGRP says "go that way." Both routes to same destination. Which one to choose? Router uses AD value. Lower AD wins.

But what if prefix lengths are different? What if one route is more specific? Then longest prefix match rule applies. This takes priority over AD.

These concepts sound simple but many engineers get confused when both come together. We clarify this completely with examples.

Class 8: Floating Static Routing and Introduction of Dynamic Routing

Floating static route is backup route. Primary route comes from routing protocol. If primary route fails, static route becomes active.

How to configure this? What AD value to use? How does failover work? We cover all practical aspects.

Finally, we introduce dynamic routing protocols. What is distance vector protocol? What is link state protocol? What is the difference? How do they work?

This is introduction only. Deep dive into OSPF, BGP comes in separate courses. But here we give you foundation understanding so when you learn those protocols, you already know the basics.

What Makes This Course Different

1. Focus on Fundamentals Only

This course does not try to teach everything. It focuses on fundamentals that everyone needs before learning routing protocols.

Most courses jump to OSPF immediately. They assume you know basics. This course fills that gap. We spend time on concepts that others skip.

2. Completely FREE Forever

10.5 hours of detailed content. Completely free. No hidden charges. No trial period. No credit card needed. Just free education.

Why? Because fundamentals should be accessible to everyone. Whether you can afford paid courses or not, you deserve good fundamental knowledge.

3. Available in Hindi and English

Learn in your comfortable language. Both versions have same 10.5 hours. Same 8 classes. Same content.

Hindi is my first language. In Hindi classes, we have more casual conversations. But English classes are also detailed and clear.

4. Builds Perfect Base for Advanced Courses

After this course, you are ready for:

• OSPF, BGP, MPLS from Scratch - Deep dive into routing protocols
• SD-WAN - Modern networking technology
• Any routing protocol course you want to take

Your foundation is solid. Learning advanced concepts becomes much easier.

5. Real Understanding, Not Just Commands

We do not just show commands. We explain why. Why does this command exist? What problem does it solve? How does it work internally?

When you understand why, you remember better. You can troubleshoot. You can explain to others. You can think independently.

6. Practical Examples from Real Network

Every concept is explained with real network examples. Not theoretical examples. Real scenarios that happen in actual networks.

When we explain routing table, we use real routing table output. When we explain next-hop, we use real topology. Everything is practical and applicable.

Build Complete Networking Career Path

Routing fundamentals is first step in understanding routing protocols. If you want to build complete networking knowledge, we offer many courses:

Start Your Journey:

• CCNA for Know-Nothing Learner - Free course for absolute beginners
• Routing Fundamentals from Scratch (this course) - Build solid routing base

Learn Core Routing Protocols:

• OSPF, BGP, MPLS from Scratch - Complete routing protocol mastery
• Switching Fundamentals - Essential Layer-2 knowledge

Master Network Automation:

• Network Automation from Scratch - Python, Ansible, Linux for network engineers

Modern Networking:

• SD-WAN from Scratch - Software defined WAN
• SD-Access from Scratch - Software defined campus networks
• VXLAN with BGP EVPN - Data center networking

Specialized Topics:

• IPv6 from Scratch - Next generation IP protocol
• Multicast Fundamentals - Multicast routing explained simply
• Wireless Networking - WiFi and wireless LANs
• TCP from Scratch - Understanding TCP protocol deeply

All courses available in both Hindi and English. Check all courses here.

Want lifetime access to all courses? Check our Lifetime Access plan for best value.

The BridgeWhy Approach to Teaching

At BridgeWhy, we believe in one teaching philosophy: Learn from absolute scratch with solid fundamentals.

When I teach routing fundamentals, I start with "what is routing." When I teach OSPF, BGP, MPLS, I start with "why routing protocols exist." When I teach Network Automation, I start with "why automation matters."

Same approach everywhere. We start with why. We build understanding. We go slowly. We make sure foundation is solid.

Many students take multiple courses from BridgeWhy. They know the teaching style. They trust the approach. Once you take one course, you want to take more. Because teaching quality is consistent.

This routing fundamentals course uses the same teaching approach. If you have taken my other courses, you know what to expect. If this is your first BridgeWhy course, welcome. You will enjoy the learning experience.

Technical Requirements

What you need:

• Computer with internet connection (Windows, Mac, Linux - any will work)
• Curiosity to understand concepts deeply
• Willingness to watch 10.5 hours of content
• Patience with yourself while learning

What you do NOT need:

• Any prior routing protocol knowledge
• Expensive equipment or software
• Physical routers for practice (course is theory focused)
• Advanced networking knowledge
• Any paid tools (everything is free)

This is fundamental concepts course. You do not need lab equipment. We explain concepts clearly. When you understand concepts, you can practice them later in any lab environment.

Learning Approach

How I Teach

I use conversational style. I ask questions. I say "right?" many times. I check if you understand. I repeat important concepts from different angles.

I use simple English. No complicated technical jargon. When I must use technical term, I explain it simply first.

I give examples from real networks. I use characters like Rahul and Anjali. They face real problems. We solve problems together.

I go slowly. If concept is important, we spend time on it. We do not rush to finish quickly.

What Students Need to Do

Be curious. Watch the videos with attention. Do not rush. If something is not clear in first viewing, watch again. These are fundamental concepts. They deserve your full attention.

Think about how concepts apply to networks you work with. Make connections. Ask yourself "how does this work in my network?"

Do not worry if some concepts are new. That is why this course exists. To teach concepts that others skip. Take your time. Let concepts sink in.

Student Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain how routing works to anyone without confusion
• Understand routing table entries completely
• Know difference between control plane and data plane clearly
• Configure static routes with full understanding
• Explain next-hop concept without hesitation
• Understand AD value and longest prefix match rules
• Know when distance vector or link state protocol is better
• Start learning OSPF, BGP, or any routing protocol with confidence
• Troubleshoot basic routing issues more effectively
• Answer fundamental routing questions in interviews confidently

What this course will NOT do:

• Teach you OSPF in detail (that is separate 75 hour course)
• Make you BGP expert (that is also separate course)
• Cover every routing concept in existence
• Give you hands-on lab exercises (this is concept building course)
• Make you routing protocol expert immediately

This course builds foundation. After this, you take advanced routing courses. That is the proper learning path.

CALL TO ACTION

Ready to build rock solid routing fundamentals? This course is completely FREE. No credit card needed. Just enroll and start learning.

After you finish this course, check our OSPF, BGP, MPLS from Scratch course to master routing protocols deeply.

Want to learn everything? Get Lifetime Access to all courses at BridgeWhy.

See you in the course. Let us build strong foundation together.