Network Engineer Roadmap

From TCP/IP fundamentals to cloud network architect, master the connectivity infrastructure of the digital world.

🧭 Overview: Who is a Network Engineer?

A Network Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, managing, and maintaining computer network systems (LAN, WAN, VPN). They resolve issues, optimize performance, and ensure the safety and stability of the connectivity infrastructure.

Phased Roadmap

Stage 1: Network & System Fundamentals 0-3 months

Objective: Understand network structure, devices, and protocols
  • Network Basics: OSI & TCP/IP models, IP addressing, Subnetting.
  • Network Devices: Router, Switch, Access Point, Firewall.
  • Protocols & Technologies: Ethernet, TCP/UDP, DNS, DHCP, NAT.
  • Tools: ping, traceroute, ipconfig/ifconfig, nmap.

Practice: Use Cisco Packet Tracer to simulate a LAN, configure static IP.

Stage 2: Enterprise Network Administration 3-9 months

Objective: Master internal network configuration, routing, and VLANs
  • Switching: Configure VLAN, Trunking, STP.
  • Routing: Static Routing, Dynamic Routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP).
  • Wireless: Configure Wi-Fi AP, SSID, WPA2.
  • Basic Security: Access Control List (ACL), NAT/PAT, Port Security.
  • Network Services: Install DNS, DHCP, VPN (Site-to-Site, Client).
  • Monitoring: Packet analysis with Wireshark, Syslog, SNMP.

Project: Build a 3-VLAN network model, set up VPN, assign permissions using ACL.

Stage 3: Advanced Networking & Cloud 9-18 months

Objective: Operate large-scale networks and integrate with the cloud
  • Advanced Routing: BGP, Redistribution, Policy-based Routing.
  • Advanced Security: VPN (IPSec, SSL), Firewall (ASA, FortiGate), IDS/IPS.
  • Cloud Networking: AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network, Google Cloud VPC.
  • Network Automation (NetOps): Python (Netmiko/NAPALM), Ansible for Network.
  • Advanced Monitoring: Zabbix, Grafana, ELK Stack.

Project: Configure an AWS VPC connection to on-premises, write a script to automatically back up configurations.

Stage 4: Professional & Architecture 18-36 months

Objective: Design and optimize complex network systems
  • Network Design: High Availability, Load Balancing, QoS, MPLS.
  • Data Center Networking: Cisco Nexus, Spine-Leaf architecture.
  • Hybrid Cloud Networking: Transit Gateway, Direct Connect.
  • In-depth Security: Network Segmentation, Zero Trust, DDoS Protection.
  • NetDevOps: Python automation pipelines, Ansible Playbooks.
  • Administration: Documentation, Change Management, Incident Response.

🎓 Suggested Certifications

Cisco

CCNA → CCNP → CCIE

Juniper

JNCIA → JNCIS → JNCIP

Network Security

CompTIA Security+, Fortinet NSE, Palo Alto PCNSE

Cloud

AWS Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer

Automation

Cisco DevNet, Python for Network Engineers

🧩 Career Paths

Network Administrator

Manages the internal corporate network.

Network Security Engineer

Security, Firewall, VPN, IDS/IPS.

Cloud Network Engineer

Specializes in networking in Cloud / Hybrid environments.

Network Architect

Designs large-scale network architectures.

🌟 Learning Path Summary

Stage Duration Key Skills
1️⃣ Fundamentals 0–3 months Network structure, IP, Basic Routing & Switching
2️⃣ Administration 3–9 months VLAN, ACL, VPN, basic security
3️⃣ Advanced 9–18 months BGP, Firewall, Cloud Networking, Automation
4️⃣ Professional 18–36 months High Availability, Data Center, Security, DevNet