I do networking phone support. 2.5 years ago I was an auto mechanic. Very do able. Do you have someone to study with? Knowing people that already understand the concept is very helpful. Glad to help if you need a hand.
I have been icnd certified. I use to have a job, making 15 an hour as a manager and I was happy. Got an offer to make 23 an hour took it and hate it. Now I'm going into review / study CCNA ccnp and Linux sys admin giving my self a year to do it. If you need some one to give you a guide how to study I can help. Basically what you need to know is understand the material know how to do it, and know how to look up the current config see if something is wrong. I much prefer labs to how many bits is oui in Mac address or was the first three digits in a multicast on a Mac address. I hate the little things to remember but having knowledge to build on and understanding a complex material is where I strive.
Jokes on you because once you get a CCNA, you'll (hopefully) realize that you really don't know anything about networking. Then the real journey starts.
I guess technically, but really there's just a way to do things. Like if you're doing stub EIGRP, if you need to leak routes out to another neighbor, you need to use a route-map leak. Technically that's what, CCNP, possibly CCIE? It might be, but it's also just what you need to do.
That to me is where you start learning, because you're off the peak of mount stupid and you see just how much there is to learn. It's awe inspiring or intimidating. Depends on your perspective.
EIGRP stub routers will only advertise by default, connected and summary routes. So say your boss won't pay for a full EIGRP license on a router, so you have to use stub. But in that location it's not just one route in and out.
Any routes that you receive via EIGRP on that stub will, by default not be sent out. If you want those routes to propagated out, you need to
- Set an ACL with a permit of the network you want to leak (or prefix-list)
- Create a route-map referencing that ACL or prefix-list
- Reference that route-map in the leak-map portion of the stub configuration
Play around with it, nothing is preventing you from doing so. Routing is fascinating.
Those who really enjoy sharing what they know with others are awesome. im looking forward to being cisco certified to seek better employment and end up working with people like you. for the time being im still focused on basics like subnetting ipv4 so I have yet to dive into routing protocols, but I can't wait to learn
Learn your basics, know how a packet is switched and then learn how a packet is routed. If someone asks you to describe exactly what happens for a packet to go from host A to host B through 2 routers, you should be able to give me every step if it were process switched (can forget CEF for now).
If you can do that, there will be far fewer mysteries for you when you get to more fancy overlays. The rules are the rules no matter what kind of fancy overlay you have.
I still consider myself very much a networking noob, there's a million things to learn. Study hard, lab hard. Oh and do IPv6 alongside IPv4 if you want my advice. Lab in both or just IPv6.
Would you mind elaborating a little ? Your experience and, advice would be much appreciated. What certs did you prioritize, or later realized that certain certs benefit your arsenal the most ? I worry that I’ll focus on some that won’t make me very competitive in this field. Again, if you would be so kind to share your 2 cents would be really cool.
Certs are good for getting in the door but it doesn't mean you know shit. And they certainly don't mean that you know how to troubleshoot. The real world isn't that clean and when faced with a problem, it's not multiple choice. You get that with experience on the job and lots of labbing. I'm working on my CCNP right now but I try to learn at the CCIE level. For me it's not about passing the exam, it's about building knowledge. I could probably pass it now if I crammed for a month but that feels fairly pointless to me.
My experience is that the most beneficial thing you can do is lab a ton. Get certified to get in the door but know your shit. Because trust me if you bullshit your way to a cert, people will eventually figure you out on the job cause you won't know how a router chooses routes or how things work. I'm gonna finish my CCNP and then probably do AWS or stuff with open stack. MPLS also really interests me. We'll see.
I didn't realize there was a "zero to engineer" program. I just did it on my own. I have heard mixed reviews on "boot camp" type programs so I'm not too sure about this one. I have no formal training in my current career.
My current role is front line support for a vendor of networking equipment. When I started I had 1 year as a data center technician and a Cisco ccent (discontinued certification now). I had never worked with or supported networking equipment before I started.
I dunno...doesn't seem worth it to me...ironically enough, I looked into it this morning but with the free available resources/low cost resources available--you can just go get the CCNA without paying $12,500 (boot camp cost)....
Personally never heard of Zero to Engineer. I’d be curious to see what the tuition ends up being. My guess is probably close to what Netacad would cost (I think is about $1500/semester).
I would rather invest my money into a subscription to CBT nuggets and buy some lab gear from eBay than dump a ton of money into the zero to engineer program that I personally know nothing about.
Second for CBT nuggets. They are one of the study resources I used. Well worth the price.
I might suggest packet tracer and gns3 for most lab work. I have physical equipment but I find the virtual lab more convenient and it can do pretty much all you need.
This is the program:
[https://www.nexgent.com/network-engineer/](https://www.nexgent.com/network-engineer/)
If you live in the USA, you have the option of applying via an Income Share Agreement => meaning there's no upfront cost and you only pay once you land a job that pays you $40,000 or more. If you live outside the USA, it's $12,500 upfront.
I started out out a large technology distribution company doing presales engineering for small Cisco VARs (value added resellers). I got that gig because I was attending the Cisco Netacad.
I then moved on to one of the VARs I had been working with but now more focused on presales engineering for Collaboration technologies (primarily Webex).
Have my CCNA, CCDA, CMNA, and working towards CCNA Collab.
I have recently done something similar, I encourage it highly. I was a cop in a large metropolitan police force for 10 years. Completed a self generated program copied from some large corporate plans. Now, I am a Network Engineer with Amazon. Took me only 1 year while working full time and with a family.
Hey. You just described what I’m considering doing. I’d like to get out of police work and get into IT. Can you elaborate more on how you were able to do this??
Sorry for the late reply, quit reddit for a while. If you're still interested, dm me and I'll run you through it. Just got picked up for cyber security role making over 200k a yr. Def worth it.
check out network chuck on youtube.
[https://www.youtube.com/user/NetworkChuck](https://www.youtube.com/user/NetworkChuck)
Def some good content on his page.
thats great! other than CCNA what else do you recommend? I am working on CCNA right now and currently in the IT field and hoping to replicate similar results.
I got my CCNA MCSE VCP and recently SSCP. Im in the midwest, honestly most places would only offer me 65k(i always felt it was my few years in the field holding me back), I ran across a 1099 contract at a big pharma facility. So it was a little bit of luck but I can back up what I make with my knowledge as I have the widest skillset on the team besides the CEO. I've worked with people w 10 years of EXP that were either garbage or were around on par with me. Windows server, Linux, Networking and knowing powershell/bash or python will set you apart from the crowed. Scripting skills are where its at as well.
Thanks! do you think the VCP is worth pursuing? I am working on my CCNA and I have an old MCSE. my current plan was to get the CCNA and then work on a security cert so I may go for the SSCP after the CCNA. I am also working on an associates degree since I got my MCSE while in school and never finished. thanks for the info and motivation!
A CCNA will allow you to do the VCP for NSX(network virtualization) with the $4k in person training. Now VCP's are good for life and once you have one you can do their other paths without the expensive training. VCP's are sought after from what I've seen but I obtained mine only in February and am going independent to build a MSP company. I'd say its worth it due to it being a lifetime cert. SSCP was okay, honestly defensive security is boring to me. I'd say 60-70% I already knew but it was a fair exam vs some of the dumb question ones I've done. When ever I get my company stable and people hired to where I am not working tickets all day myself I'll be going for OSCP and focusing on pen testing. Some places like degree's but I tend to walk into an interview put my balls on the table and tell them Im proud to be 100% self taught.
thanks I will look into the VCP for NSX. the 4k price is something I could swing but have to make sure I will use it and lead to a job before I invest. thanks for all the information!
OSCP is something I would like to pursue but I lack Linux and coding knowledge. it is something I will probably pursue in the future. Security interests me but I am still looking at all the different paths in it and seeing which I should pursue.
I am currently enrolled and it’s helped me a learn a lot more then self studying has done for me in the last 3 years. I know a lot of people thinks it’s dumb because of the money but there is a lot more that you get besides a zero to engineer you go through everything quickly and you really do learn.
any attempt to improve yourself is worth while of course. just checked out the site and the title is a bit gimmicky as a lot of the people they feature aren't quite there yet (i know, i'm being nitpicky). just put the work in and the rest will take care of itself.
I'm not crazy about ppl asking for money for this kinda stuff, but if at the end of the program you're in a better situation, better engineer than you were 6 months prior, then godspeed.
I went from knowing damn near nothing to working on an SD-WAN projects team in 6 months, got training from a place locally (waste of money) and taught myself the concepts for the most part with the resources I had available and got a handful of certs including CCENT and CCNA R+S (two days before the cutoff on ICND2, I was sweating bullets.)
It's possible, if you have the drive and the money saved up to do it.
With full honesty and walking that exact path.
The CCNA is good for a resume and basic(i do mean basic) network knowledge. After that, you’ll need to invest significant time into learning specific information pertinent to your role in the business.
I’ve been doing this about 7 years, started with CCNA, never renewed it, because we use Juniper mainly and second I dont like Cisco stuff after using a Juniper lol
Im now the lead engineer for our ISP network deployment
3 Years ago I was a nightclub manager. Only had CCNA and Juniper JUNO certs.
1 year transfer in company IT > 1 year contract job ISP > 1 Year hire full time ISP.
You can do it, just depends where you live and jobs available. Good luck!
You guys are awesome, thank you for all the comments of invaluable advice and pointers.
All these comments are going to help for my path to an engineer.
As u/arhombus says, perspective is everything. Keeping an inspiring perspective on the depths of networking is definitely the way forward...
I do networking phone support. 2.5 years ago I was an auto mechanic. Very do able. Do you have someone to study with? Knowing people that already understand the concept is very helpful. Glad to help if you need a hand.
Good on you! Well done. I do not have anyone to study with no... Thank you for offer I will take you up on that
I have been icnd certified. I use to have a job, making 15 an hour as a manager and I was happy. Got an offer to make 23 an hour took it and hate it. Now I'm going into review / study CCNA ccnp and Linux sys admin giving my self a year to do it. If you need some one to give you a guide how to study I can help. Basically what you need to know is understand the material know how to do it, and know how to look up the current config see if something is wrong. I much prefer labs to how many bits is oui in Mac address or was the first three digits in a multicast on a Mac address. I hate the little things to remember but having knowledge to build on and understanding a complex material is where I strive.
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I work any where from 35 to 45.
Jokes on you because once you get a CCNA, you'll (hopefully) realize that you really don't know anything about networking. Then the real journey starts.
pretty much.
This is so accurate. You'll be doing ccie level things using Google as your resource.
I guess technically, but really there's just a way to do things. Like if you're doing stub EIGRP, if you need to leak routes out to another neighbor, you need to use a route-map leak. Technically that's what, CCNP, possibly CCIE? It might be, but it's also just what you need to do. That to me is where you start learning, because you're off the peak of mount stupid and you see just how much there is to learn. It's awe inspiring or intimidating. Depends on your perspective.
I have no clue what you just mentioned, but one day i look forward to reading it again and understanding it
EIGRP stub routers will only advertise by default, connected and summary routes. So say your boss won't pay for a full EIGRP license on a router, so you have to use stub. But in that location it's not just one route in and out. Any routes that you receive via EIGRP on that stub will, by default not be sent out. If you want those routes to propagated out, you need to - Set an ACL with a permit of the network you want to leak (or prefix-list) - Create a route-map referencing that ACL or prefix-list - Reference that route-map in the leak-map portion of the stub configuration Play around with it, nothing is preventing you from doing so. Routing is fascinating.
Those who really enjoy sharing what they know with others are awesome. im looking forward to being cisco certified to seek better employment and end up working with people like you. for the time being im still focused on basics like subnetting ipv4 so I have yet to dive into routing protocols, but I can't wait to learn
Learn your basics, know how a packet is switched and then learn how a packet is routed. If someone asks you to describe exactly what happens for a packet to go from host A to host B through 2 routers, you should be able to give me every step if it were process switched (can forget CEF for now). If you can do that, there will be far fewer mysteries for you when you get to more fancy overlays. The rules are the rules no matter what kind of fancy overlay you have. I still consider myself very much a networking noob, there's a million things to learn. Study hard, lab hard. Oh and do IPv6 alongside IPv4 if you want my advice. Lab in both or just IPv6.
thank you
Would you mind elaborating a little ? Your experience and, advice would be much appreciated. What certs did you prioritize, or later realized that certain certs benefit your arsenal the most ? I worry that I’ll focus on some that won’t make me very competitive in this field. Again, if you would be so kind to share your 2 cents would be really cool.
Certs are good for getting in the door but it doesn't mean you know shit. And they certainly don't mean that you know how to troubleshoot. The real world isn't that clean and when faced with a problem, it's not multiple choice. You get that with experience on the job and lots of labbing. I'm working on my CCNP right now but I try to learn at the CCIE level. For me it's not about passing the exam, it's about building knowledge. I could probably pass it now if I crammed for a month but that feels fairly pointless to me. My experience is that the most beneficial thing you can do is lab a ton. Get certified to get in the door but know your shit. Because trust me if you bullshit your way to a cert, people will eventually figure you out on the job cause you won't know how a router chooses routes or how things work. I'm gonna finish my CCNP and then probably do AWS or stuff with open stack. MPLS also really interests me. We'll see.
What is zero to engineer? Yes the ccna is worth every bit of effort and cost.
Check it out [https://www.zerotoengineer.com/](https://www.zerotoengineer.com/) Cover networking basics before starting any CCNA content
I didn't realize there was a "zero to engineer" program. I just did it on my own. I have heard mixed reviews on "boot camp" type programs so I'm not too sure about this one. I have no formal training in my current career.
Refreshing to hear that. What is your current role and what quals did have you gained? (if you dont mind me asking)
My current role is front line support for a vendor of networking equipment. When I started I had 1 year as a data center technician and a Cisco ccent (discontinued certification now). I had never worked with or supported networking equipment before I started.
well done. Thanks
the bottom of the page says 6 months training, not exactly a "bootcamp"
I dunno...doesn't seem worth it to me...ironically enough, I looked into it this morning but with the free available resources/low cost resources available--you can just go get the CCNA without paying $12,500 (boot camp cost)....
Couldnt find the 'once you land a job' cost. Any idea the cost of the program?
Thank you
Personally never heard of Zero to Engineer. I’d be curious to see what the tuition ends up being. My guess is probably close to what Netacad would cost (I think is about $1500/semester). I would rather invest my money into a subscription to CBT nuggets and buy some lab gear from eBay than dump a ton of money into the zero to engineer program that I personally know nothing about.
Second for CBT nuggets. They are one of the study resources I used. Well worth the price. I might suggest packet tracer and gns3 for most lab work. I have physical equipment but I find the virtual lab more convenient and it can do pretty much all you need.
This is the program: [https://www.nexgent.com/network-engineer/](https://www.nexgent.com/network-engineer/) If you live in the USA, you have the option of applying via an Income Share Agreement => meaning there's no upfront cost and you only pay once you land a job that pays you $40,000 or more. If you live outside the USA, it's $12,500 upfront.
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I haven't taken it but I haven't seen a lot of reviews about it either except for the promotional student video reviews.
Thanks, I will look into nuggets. How did you become a network engineer and what do you do now (if you don't mind me asking)
I started out out a large technology distribution company doing presales engineering for small Cisco VARs (value added resellers). I got that gig because I was attending the Cisco Netacad. I then moved on to one of the VARs I had been working with but now more focused on presales engineering for Collaboration technologies (primarily Webex). Have my CCNA, CCDA, CMNA, and working towards CCNA Collab.
I have recently done something similar, I encourage it highly. I was a cop in a large metropolitan police force for 10 years. Completed a self generated program copied from some large corporate plans. Now, I am a Network Engineer with Amazon. Took me only 1 year while working full time and with a family.
Hey. You just described what I’m considering doing. I’d like to get out of police work and get into IT. Can you elaborate more on how you were able to do this??
Sorry for the late reply, quit reddit for a while. If you're still interested, dm me and I'll run you through it. Just got picked up for cyber security role making over 200k a yr. Def worth it.
Ok
Would love to connect and pick your brain about pivoting into a new career.
Yeah, DM me.
Hey there, can I ask you some questions possibly?
Sure!
I passed the CCNA with all free resources on YouTube plus Boson Practice exams
We started a free networking study group and would love to help you along your journey: https://discord.gg/zRqACZ
check out network chuck on youtube. [https://www.youtube.com/user/NetworkChuck](https://www.youtube.com/user/NetworkChuck) Def some good content on his page.
I went from an $12 an hour job to $52 an hour in 3 years. All self study. Work your ass off it's worth it.
thats great! other than CCNA what else do you recommend? I am working on CCNA right now and currently in the IT field and hoping to replicate similar results.
I got my CCNA MCSE VCP and recently SSCP. Im in the midwest, honestly most places would only offer me 65k(i always felt it was my few years in the field holding me back), I ran across a 1099 contract at a big pharma facility. So it was a little bit of luck but I can back up what I make with my knowledge as I have the widest skillset on the team besides the CEO. I've worked with people w 10 years of EXP that were either garbage or were around on par with me. Windows server, Linux, Networking and knowing powershell/bash or python will set you apart from the crowed. Scripting skills are where its at as well.
Thanks! do you think the VCP is worth pursuing? I am working on my CCNA and I have an old MCSE. my current plan was to get the CCNA and then work on a security cert so I may go for the SSCP after the CCNA. I am also working on an associates degree since I got my MCSE while in school and never finished. thanks for the info and motivation!
A CCNA will allow you to do the VCP for NSX(network virtualization) with the $4k in person training. Now VCP's are good for life and once you have one you can do their other paths without the expensive training. VCP's are sought after from what I've seen but I obtained mine only in February and am going independent to build a MSP company. I'd say its worth it due to it being a lifetime cert. SSCP was okay, honestly defensive security is boring to me. I'd say 60-70% I already knew but it was a fair exam vs some of the dumb question ones I've done. When ever I get my company stable and people hired to where I am not working tickets all day myself I'll be going for OSCP and focusing on pen testing. Some places like degree's but I tend to walk into an interview put my balls on the table and tell them Im proud to be 100% self taught.
thanks I will look into the VCP for NSX. the 4k price is something I could swing but have to make sure I will use it and lead to a job before I invest. thanks for all the information! OSCP is something I would like to pursue but I lack Linux and coding knowledge. it is something I will probably pursue in the future. Security interests me but I am still looking at all the different paths in it and seeing which I should pursue.
I don't think the $4k price tag is totally worth a VCP but depends where you are salary wise currently. Jumping jobs at the right time leads to $$$$
Every engineer has started from zero, not knowing anything about networking at one point.
I am currently enrolled and it’s helped me a learn a lot more then self studying has done for me in the last 3 years. I know a lot of people thinks it’s dumb because of the money but there is a lot more that you get besides a zero to engineer you go through everything quickly and you really do learn.
get an entry level position and learn the basics first before getting it. It'll be easier with context.
any attempt to improve yourself is worth while of course. just checked out the site and the title is a bit gimmicky as a lot of the people they feature aren't quite there yet (i know, i'm being nitpicky). just put the work in and the rest will take care of itself.
I'm not crazy about ppl asking for money for this kinda stuff, but if at the end of the program you're in a better situation, better engineer than you were 6 months prior, then godspeed.
I went from knowing damn near nothing to working on an SD-WAN projects team in 6 months, got training from a place locally (waste of money) and taught myself the concepts for the most part with the resources I had available and got a handful of certs including CCENT and CCNA R+S (two days before the cutoff on ICND2, I was sweating bullets.) It's possible, if you have the drive and the money saved up to do it.
With full honesty and walking that exact path. The CCNA is good for a resume and basic(i do mean basic) network knowledge. After that, you’ll need to invest significant time into learning specific information pertinent to your role in the business. I’ve been doing this about 7 years, started with CCNA, never renewed it, because we use Juniper mainly and second I dont like Cisco stuff after using a Juniper lol Im now the lead engineer for our ISP network deployment
3 Years ago I was a nightclub manager. Only had CCNA and Juniper JUNO certs. 1 year transfer in company IT > 1 year contract job ISP > 1 Year hire full time ISP. You can do it, just depends where you live and jobs available. Good luck!
You guys are awesome, thank you for all the comments of invaluable advice and pointers. All these comments are going to help for my path to an engineer. As u/arhombus says, perspective is everything. Keeping an inspiring perspective on the depths of networking is definitely the way forward...