Network
Nerd
Welcome to Network Nerd
IT Education Done Right
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With over 25 years of experience in data networking, Network Nerd specializes in hands-on, engaging education for network troubleshooting and protocol analysis.
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Let’s be honest, network protocols aren’t exactly page-turners. That’s why we skip the bloated textbooks and long-winded video lectures. Network Nerd delivers practical, lab-driven learning built for minds who learn best by doing.
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Hi, I'm Ross Bagurdes, your Network Nerd.
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My specialty? Hands-on protocol analysis with Wireshark.
Every course combines real-world labs with clear, focused tutorials. So instead of getting lost in jargon, you’ll build confidence by analyzing real packets and have fun with treasure hunt style learning.
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Network Nerd education is built with the Wireshark Foundation's 'Wireshark Certified Analyst' Certification Objectives in mind, so you leave with the education needed to pass the exam!
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Ready to learn?
Contact me to schedule on-site or virtual training for your team.
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Self Paced online option coming soon!
NEWS
Wireshark Foundation announces Wireshark Certified Analyst Certification
June 2, 2025
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The Wireshark Foundation, the nonprofit steward of WIRESHARK, the world’s most widely used network protocol analyzer, proudly announces the launch of the Wireshark Certified Analyst (WCA-101) certification. This rigorous new exam is designed to formally recognize engineers who demonstrate professional-level proficiency in network protocol analysis and advanced troubleshooting using Wireshark.
Targeted toward IT Operations, Security Operations, and Development teams, the WCA-101 certification is ideal for individuals who already use Wireshark in their environment, or those ready to integrate it to elevate operational visibility and incident response capabilities.
The WCA-101 is a challenging engineering exam. Designed by Wireshark developers, protocol experts, and senior network engineers, it evaluates a candidate’s ability to:
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Analyze packet flows across network infrastructure.
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Troubleshoot complex issues across Ethernet, IP, TCP, UDP, DNS, DHCP, and more.
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Effectively use Wireshark features such as display filters, capture strategies, and TCP stream analysis.
Passing candidates will demonstrate skills above the level of a typical CCNA-certified engineer, validating their ability to conduct root-cause analysis and support enterprise-level network diagnostics.
“Wireshark has long been the go-to tool for network engineers,” said Gerald Combs, Wireshark creator. “This certification creates a formal pathway for professionals to prove and advance their expertise with the application and is right in line with the Wireshark Foundation’s mission to help people understand their networks.”
The Wireshark Foundation continues to support the open-source community and improve network analysis education worldwide. The WCA-101 certification complements this mission by giving employers a meaningful way to assess technical capability in a critical tool that remains free thanks to the support of generous donors and sponsors.
For more information, exam registration, and a complete list of learning objectives, visit: https://www.wireshark.org/certifications
