Network engineering involves designing, implementing, and maintaining networks to ensure their optimal performance and security. This roadmap outlines the steps, skills, certifications, and resources to excel in this field.
Before diving into advanced topics, you must understand foundational concepts.
- Networking Fundamentals:
- What is a network? Types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN).
- OSI and TCP/IP Models: Understand the 7 layers of OSI and how they relate to TCP/IP.
- IP Addressing and Subnetting: IPv4 and IPv6.
- Ports and Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, DNS, DHCP, etc.
- Devices and Hardware:
- Routers, switches, firewalls, access points.
- Understanding cables (fiber optics, Ethernet) and connectors.
- Basic Command Line Skills:
- Use of
ping,tracert, andipconfigorifconfig. - Familiarity with basic Linux commands.
- Use of
Networking protocols form the backbone of communication between devices.
- Routing Protocols: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP.
- Switching Protocols: STP, VLANs, VTP, LACP.
- Transport Protocols: TCP, UDP.
- Application Protocols: DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP.
- Set up and configure a basic network with VLANs and routing using tools like:
- Packet Tracer (Cisco)
- GNS3
- EVE-NG
Network engineers must ensure the network is secure.
- Firewalls and their types (stateful, stateless).
- VPNs (site-to-site and remote access).
- Access Control Lists (ACLs).
- Wireless security protocols (WPA3, WPA2).
- DDoS prevention techniques and intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS).
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNP Security
Routing and switching are core to network engineering.
- Routing:
- Dynamic vs Static Routing.
- Advanced routing protocols like BGP for large-scale networks.
- Switching:
- VLAN Trunking.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
- Port Security and QoS (Quality of Service).
- Build a topology using Cisco Packet Tracer or real Cisco devices.
- Cisco CCNA (Associate Level)
- Cisco CCNP (Professional Level)
As networks grow in complexity, automation is critical for efficiency.
- Scripting: Learn Python for automating tasks.
- Tools: Ansible, Terraform, and Netmiko.
- APIs: REST APIs for interacting with network devices.
Understanding wireless networks is essential for modern businesses.
- Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax.
- Wireless Site Surveys: Use tools like Ekahau.
- Wireless Security: WPA3, Radius Authentication.
- CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator)
Cloud platforms are becoming integral to networking.
- Learn hybrid networking concepts (on-prem + cloud).
- Master cloud networking tools:
- AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network, Google Cloud Networking.
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking
- Microsoft Azure Administrator
Network virtualization is used to create virtual networks over existing physical infrastructure.
- Learn SDN (Software-Defined Networking).
- Familiarize with tools like VMware NSX and Cisco ACI.
A network engineer must quickly identify and resolve issues.
- Wireshark: Analyze network packets.
- SolarWinds: Monitor network performance.
- Ping and Traceroute: Diagnose connectivity issues.
Once you're comfortable with the basics, aim for advanced certifications to stand out.
- Cisco CCIE (Expert Level)
- Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE)
- Aruba Certified Design Expert (ACDX)
Technical knowledge alone isn’t enough; soft skills and ongoing education are critical.
- Communication: Explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving: Think critically under pressure.
- Stay updated with trends like 5G, IoT, and edge computing.
- Join communities:
- Entry-Level Role: Network Technician or Junior Network Engineer.
- Mid-Level Role: Network Administrator or Network Engineer.
- Advanced Role: Senior Network Engineer, Network Architect.
- Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by Kurose and Ross.
- Network Warrior by Gary A. Donahue.
By following this roadmap, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to excel in network engineering and adapt to emerging technologies.