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Network Engineer Roadmap

Master networking — the backbone of all IT infrastructure. Network engineers are always in demand at ISPs, data centers, and enterprises across India. CCNA is your golden ticket.

5-7 months3-6 LPA → 18-35 LPA expected8 steps • 28 free resources
1

Networking Fundamentals

3-4 weeks

OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP — the building blocks every network engineer must know cold.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models
  • Calculate subnets and design IP addressing schemes
  • Understand DNS, DHCP, NAT, and ARP
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Mini-project

Design an IP addressing scheme for a company with 5 offices, 200 devices each. Include subnetting, VLANs, and a network diagram.

2

Cisco IOS & Router Configuration

3-4 weeks

Get hands-on with Cisco routers. Learn IOS CLI, static/dynamic routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), and how to troubleshoot routing issues.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Configure Cisco routers via CLI
  • Implement OSPF, EIGRP, and static routing
  • Troubleshoot routing tables and connectivity
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Mini-project

Build a lab in Packet Tracer: 3 routers, 5 networks, OSPF routing, with deliberate misconfigurations to troubleshoot.

3

Switching & VLANs

2-3 weeks

Master layer 2: VLANs, trunking, STP, EtherChannel, and inter-VLAN routing. Switches are the foundation of every office network.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Configure VLANs and trunk links
  • Understand and troubleshoot Spanning Tree Protocol
  • Set up inter-VLAN routing
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Mini-project

Design a campus network: access/distribution/core switches, VLANs for departments, trunk links, and STP.

4

Network Security

3-4 weeks

Secure the network: ACLs, firewalls, VPNs, port security, and 802.1X. Network security is critical — and pays premium salaries.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Configure ACLs and firewall rules
  • Set up site-to-site and remote access VPNs
  • Implement port security and 802.1X
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Mini-project

Secure a network: ACLs to restrict traffic, VPN between two offices, port security on switches, and a firewall ruleset.

5

Wireless Networking

2-3 weeks

WiFi is everywhere. Learn wireless standards, controller-based architectures, site surveys, and enterprise WiFi deployment.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Design enterprise wireless networks
  • Configure wireless controllers and access points
  • Troubleshoot wireless connectivity issues
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Mini-project

Design a wireless network for a college campus: AP placement, channel planning, roaming, and guest access.

6

Cloud Networking

2-3 weeks

Networks are moving to the cloud. Learn VPCs, subnets, route tables, security groups, and hybrid connectivity (VPN, Direct Connect).

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Design VPC architectures in AWS/Azure
  • Configure security groups and NACLs
  • Set up hybrid connectivity between cloud and on-premises
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Mini-project

Build a multi-VPC architecture in AWS: production, staging, shared services. Set up VPC peering and a VPN to an on-premises network.

7

CCNA Certification

4-5 weeks

CCNA is the most recognized networking certification in India. It validates your skills and significantly boosts your resume.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Pass the Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam
  • Cover all CCNA topics: network, security, automation
  • Build hands-on lab skills with real equipment or simulators
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Mini-project

Take 10 full-length CCNA practice exams. Build 20 labs covering all exam topics. Score 85%+ consistently.

8

Network Automation

2-3 weeks

The future of networking is code. Learn Python for network automation, Ansible for configuration management, and APIs for network devices.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Automate network tasks with Python (Netmiko, NAPALM)
  • Use Ansible for network configuration management
  • Work with REST APIs on modern network devices
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Mini-project

Write Python scripts to: backup configs from 10 devices, push VLAN changes across switches, and generate network reports.

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Pick the path that fits you

Not sure if this is the right roadmap? Browse all our career paths and find the one that matches your goals.