Network Engineer Roadmap

Build, secure and operate the networks everything else runs on.

A networking path from first principles to a confident engineer who can design, configure and secure modern networks. You learn routing, switching, wireless and network security hands-on, with a strong bridge into security and cloud roles.

Start this path See related trainings

Duration: 6 to 10 months
Level: Beginner to job-ready
Stages: 6
Field: Networking

By the end

What you will be able to do

Design and configure routed and switched networks

Secure networks with firewalls and segmentation

Troubleshoot connectivity methodically

Bridge into security or cloud specializations

The roadmap

Your step-by-step path

Follow the stages in order. Each one builds on the last, from fundamentals to job-ready.

01
Networking Fundamentals
Speak the language of networks fluently.
- OSI and TCP/IP models
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Switches, routers and cabling
- Common protocols
Certification checkpoint Networking foundational cert (target)
02
Routing & Switching
Move traffic reliably across a network.
- VLANs and trunking
- Static and dynamic routing
- Spanning tree
- Network design basics
03
Wireless & Services
Cover the services real networks depend on.
- Wireless fundamentals
- DHCP, DNS and NAT
- VPNs
- Quality of service
04
Network Security
Defend the network you have built.
- Firewalls and ACLs
- Segmentation and zero trust
- IDS/IPS basics
- Secure remote access
05
Automation & Monitoring
Run networks the modern, scalable way.
- Network automation basics
- Monitoring and alerting
- Documentation
- Troubleshooting methodology
06
Job-Ready: Network Engineer
Design and defend a full network end to end.
- End-to-end design project
- Hands-on labs
- Associate cert prep
- Path into security or cloud
Certification checkpoint NUEXUS Network Engineer (Verified)