Tuesday, December 11, 2018

My job wants me to take over networking and I'm not sure where to start

I'm a system engineer with lots of Linux, Windows, Python, Bash, and Powershell knowledge and can find commands for IOS and execute them when needed but that's about it. I understand the layers and can configure networking on endpoints with ease.

What steps should I take to get this going at an accelerated pace? I don't mind giving up what little free time I have.

We are 100% Cisco for what its worth.

Searching here seems to indicate:

  1. Set up a lab with Packet Tracer or GNS3 - Can I use either of those in a VMWare lab with hosts serving as virtual networking components?
  2. Do CBTNuggets - I don't have this but they'd pay for it.
  3. They'd pay for as many classes as I need but people are saying probably not worth it. Is this true?
  4. Should I use getting CCNA as a learning tool? Or would it better to look specifically at our Enterprise and maybe try to replicate that and understand it? I don't care so much about having the cert - just looking at what will get me the knowledge as efficiently and thoroughly as possible.
  5. If 4 is a yes, what books should I buy if money is not an issue?

EDIT: One last thought: I know many of you have spent years or even decades learning networking - hopefully this isn't insulting. I'm not expecting to become a master overnight but would love to dive in with the right foot forward.



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