Trying to build a list of Linux network utilities to include in a VM for network engineers.

Hi guys

I am trying to build a Linux VM that would be built for network engineers. I am trying to put together a list of utilities that should be included and the best linux distribution for this. It is a personal project and I have not been able to find anything like this. There was Backtrack (now Kali Linux) but that is for Security. Please if you are aware of any list of network utils or if you have suggestions post them here. Such an VM might already exist but I am not aware, if that is the case please point me to it, I don't insist to reinvent the wheel :-)>
Also I would like to know your opinion on what Linux distro should be more appropriate for this. I can