Network Engineering Study Plan
A comprehensive guide to network engineering roles
Phase 1: Core Foundations (Weeks 1–4)
Networking Basics
- TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, Routing (BGP, OSPF)
- Switching, VLANs, NAT, DHCP, DNS
- Common network tools: ping, traceroute, nslookup, netstat, tcpdump
Tools & Certifications
- Tools: Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, Wireshark
- Certs: CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (start here)
Phase 2: Intermediate Networking + Infrastructure (Weeks 5–8)
Infrastructure Setup & Troubleshooting
- Fiber optics, Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a, patch panels
- Labeling, testing (Fluke tester), continuity checks
- Install cable trays, racks, crimping, RF basics
Hands-on & Certifications
- Hands-on: Set up home lab with real cable installs (or simulate)
- Certs: BICSI INST1/INSTC, FOA CFOT (optional)
Phase 3: Systems + Scripting (Weeks 9–12)
Sysadmin & Scripting
- Linux CLI, user management, networking configs
- Basic scripting in Python, Bash, simple automation tasks
- SQL basics (for logs, monitoring data)
Tools & Resources
- Tools: Ubuntu VM, VS Code, Git, SQLite
- Resources: OverTheWire (Linux), HackTheBox (NOC-style labs)
Phase 4: Advanced Network Concepts (Weeks 13–16)
Service Provider & Enterprise Networking
- MPLS, IS-IS, peering, BGP multi-homing
- Internet services: DNS, DHCP, NTP in-depth
- POPs, colocation, DWDM, optics troubleshooting
Certifications
- Cisco CCNP, Juniper JNCIA-Junos (optional)
Phase 5: Ops, Monitoring & Real-Time Systems (Weeks 17–20)
NOC/SOC Operations
- Incident handling, triage, escalation process
- Using Zabbix, Grafana, or Prometheus for network monitoring
- Working in on-call rotations, ticketing (e.g., ServiceNow)
Simulation
- Create NOC dashboards with dummy logs and alarms
Absolute Must-Haves (for all 3 roles):
- 1+ year experience in NOC/IT/Security
- Networking protocols: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, IPv6
- Linux CLI + basic scripting (Python/Bash)
- Troubleshooting skills (cables, systems, protocols)
- Familiarity with DNS, DHCP, NAT, NTP, WiFi, Ethernet
- Certs: CompTIA Net+, Cisco CCNA (at least)
Tools to Use Throughout
- GNS3 / EVE-NG for labbing BGP/MPLS scenarios
- Wireshark for packet analysis
- Home server or Raspberry Pi for lab environments
- Cloud VMs (AWS/GCP free tier) to simulate network designs
- Read: "Network Warrior" (Gary A. Donahue), "UNIX and Linux System Administration Handbook"