Network Engineer Roadmap: From Beginner to Expert 

Want a career that pays well and stays in demand? Network engineering might be your answer. In 2026, companies need network engineers more than ever. Why? Because everything runs on networks now, from your Netflix shows to your online banking.

This guide shows you exactly how to become a network engineer step by step. You’ll learn what skills you need, which certifications matter, and how to land your first job. We’ll cover everything from basic concepts to expert-level skills.

What Is a Network Engineer?

A network engineer is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that connect computers and devices.

The network engineer role involves configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and access points to ensure smooth communication.

Understanding the network engineer job description helps beginners grasp what skills are required. In 2026, knowing what a network engineer does is essential for anyone planning a career in IT infrastructure.

What does a Network Engineer Do? 

Network engineers design networks that let people share information safely and quickly. They install routers, switches, and firewalls. When something breaks, they troubleshoot and fix it. They also protect networks from hackers and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Why Network Engineers Are Critical

Without network engineers, your email wouldn’t be sent. Video calls would freeze. Online shopping wouldn’t work. Every business needs reliable networks to operate.

Who Hires Network Engineers?

• Technology companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon)
• Banks and financial institutions
• Healthcare organizations
• Government agencies
• Telecom companies
• Schools and universities
• Retail chains

Any organization with computers needs network engineers. That’s almost every company today.

Why Choose a Career in Network Engineering?

Strong demand and great pay:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts steady growth for network jobs through 2030. Companies struggle to find qualified network engineers. This means more job openings and better salaries for you.

Average salaries

• Entry-level (1-3 Years):₹ 6.4 LPA – ₹ 14.9 LPA
• Mid-level (3-6 Years): ₹ 11.5 LPA – ₹ 21.9 LPA 
• Senior/Architect: ₹ 29.5 LPA – ₹ 33.8 LPA 

Network Engineer vs Other IT Roles

Network engineers focus specifically on network infrastructure. Systems administrators manage broader IT systems. Cloud engineers work mainly with cloud platforms. Network engineering gives you specialized skills that stay valuable.

Future-proof your career:

Three big trends are reshaping networking:

1. Automation – Networks now configure themselves using software
2. Security – Cyber threats mean network security skills matter more than ever
3. Cloud networking – Companies are moving to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

Learn these areas and you’ll stay employable for decades.

Step-by-Step Roadmap to Becoming a Network Engineer
This network engineer roadmap is designed for beginners and experts alike. If you want to know how to become a network engineer, following this step-by-step roadmap ensures you learn the right skills, earn certifications, and gain hands-on experience.

Step 1: Learning the Fundamentals

Start with basic networking concepts. You don’t need fancy equipment yet, just time to study.

Master these core concepts:

Learn the OSI model (7 layers of networking) and TCP/IP model (how internet data travels). Understand IP addressing, how devices get unique numbers to communicate. Study routing (how data finds its path) and switching (how devices connect).

Network Devices You Must Know

• Routers – Direct traffic between different networks
• Switches – Connect devices within the same network
• Firewalls – Block unwanted traffic and protect networks
• Access points – Provide wireless connectivity

Also Explore: Router in a computer network: Everything You need to Know

Essential Networking Protocols 

DNS translates website names to IP addresses. DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to devices. HTTP/HTTPS handles web traffic. BGP routes traffic across the internet. OSPF helps routers share information.

Step 2: Choose Your Educational Path

Formal degree vs. self-study:

A computer science or IT degree helps but isn’t required. What matters most? Proven skills and certifications. Following the best learning path for a network engineer career ensures a smooth transition from beginner to professional.

Recommended study resources:

• YouTube channels: NetworkChuck, 
• Online courses: Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning
• Books: “Network Warrior” by Gary Donahue
• Practice sites: Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3

Advance your IT career with HCL GUVI’s Networking Course industry-aligned Networking courses. Learn key networking concepts, gain hands-on experience, and earn globally recognized certifications at your own pace.

Build a strong foundation:

Spend 3 to 6 months learning fundamentals before jumping to certifications. Understand why things work, not just how. This knowledge helps you troubleshoot real problems later.

Certification Path: Entry to Advanced

Certifications prove your skills to employers. They’re like badges that say “I know what I’m doing.” This complete certification roadmap for network engineers demonstrates your knowledge to employers and opens doors to higher-paying roles.

Entry Level Certifications

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

This is the gold standard entry certification. It covers networking fundamentals, IP connectivity, security basics, and automation. Most network engineer job postings list CCNA as required or preferred.

Study time: 4 to 12 Weeks 

Exam cost: 22,000  INR- 25,000 INR

Value: Opens doors to entry-level positions

Certification Link: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/exams/ccna.html#:~:text=more%20about%20exams-,Overview,Cisco%20Certified%20Network%20Associate%20(CCNA)

CompTIA Network+

A vendor-neutral alternative to CCNA. It’s broader but less deep. Good if you want general networking knowledge before specializing.

Study time: 30 to 40 hours 

Exam cost: 10,00 INR -30,000 INR 

Value: Recognized across many IT fields

Certification  Link: 

https://www.comptia.org/en/certifications/network/

Intermediate Level Certifications

CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR):

Take your CCNA knowledge deeper. Covers advanced routing, switching, wireless networks, and automation. Shows employers you can handle complex networks.

Study time: 3 to 6 months 

Exam cost: 20,000 INR to 80,000 INR 

Value: Qualifies you for mid-level positions with $85,000+ salaries

Certification  Link: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/enterprise/ccnp-enterprise/exams-and-training.html

CCNP Security (SCOR):

Focuses on network security. Covers firewalls, VPNs, threat detection, and security automation. Perfect if you want to specialize in cybersecurity.

Study time: 6 to 12 months 

Exam cost: 36,576 INR

Value: Security skills are in high demand

Certification Link: 

https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/security/ccnp-security/index.html

Expert Level Certifications

CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert):

The most prestigious networking certification. Extremely difficult, includes an 8-hour hands-on lab exam. Only about 60,000 people worldwide hold active CCIEs.

Study time: 1 to 3 years 

Exam cost: 41,265 INR

Value: Senior positions and instant credibility

Certification Link: 

https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/expert/index.html

DevNet Expert

For network engineers who love automation and programming. Covers network programmability, APIs, automation tools, and software development practices.

Study time: 1 to 2 years

Exam cost: 36,640 INR

 Value: Positions you for the future of networking

Certification Link: 

https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/devnet/expert/exams-and-training.html

Essential Skills for Network Engineers

• Routing and switching expertise

You need to configure routers and switches without looking up every command. Understand dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and BGP. Know how VLANs segment networks and how spanning trees prevent loops.

• Network security fundamentals

Learn firewalls inside and out. Understand VPNs for secure remote connections. Know how to detect and stop network attacks. Security isn’t optional anymore; it’s part of every network engineer’s job.

• Cloud networking skills

Traditional on-premises networks aren’t enough. Learn AWS networking (VPCs, subnets, security groups). Understand Azure virtual networks. Know Google Cloud Platform basics. Most companies use multiple cloud providers.

Programming and Automation Skills

• Python for network automation

Python is the top language for network automation. You don’t need to be a software developer, but you should write scripts to automate repetitive tasks. Learn to use libraries like Netmiko, NAPALM, and Paramiko.

• APIs and DevOps basics

APIs let different systems talk to each other. Learn REST APIs to pull network data and make changes programmatically. Understand tools like Ansible (automation), Terraform (infrastructure as code), and Git (version control).

Problem Solving and Soft Skills

• Troubleshooting ability

Networks break. Your job is fixing them fast. Develop a systematic approach: gather information, form hypotheses, test solutions. Great troubleshooters stay calm under pressure.

• Communication and teamwork

You’ll explain technical issues to non-technical people. You’ll work with other IT teams. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and speeds up problem-solving.

Hands-On Experience

Theory only goes so far. You need hands-on practice. Start with free tools:

Cisco Packet Tracer simulates networks on your computer. GNS3 runs actual network operating systems virtually. EVE-NG provides a full network simulation environment. You can build complex networks without buying expensive hardware.

• Find internships and entry-level roles

Look for positions like network technician, junior network engineer, or IT support specialist. These jobs teach you real-world skills that certifications can’t. Even help desk experience helps you understand user issues.

• Practice approaches that work

Build projects you can show employers. Create a home network with VLANs and firewall rules. Document what you learned. Share your projects on LinkedIn or a personal website. Employers love candidates who show initiative.

Career Progression

Typical job titles and requirements:

• Junior Network Engineer (Entry level, requires CCNA, basic troubleshooting skills)

• Junior Network Engineer (2 to 5 years experience, CCNP preferred, handles complex issues independently)

• Senior Network Engineer (5 to 8 years experience, advanced certifications, mentors junior engineers)

• Network Architect (8+ years experience, designs entire network infrastructures, strategic planning)

Climbing the ladder

A typical network engineer career path starts with junior roles and progresses to senior engineer and network architect positions. Knowing the career progression and job titles for network engineers helps plan long-term growth.

Skills and certifications for advancement

For senior roles, add specializations like wireless networking or data center technologies. For architect positions, learn network design principles, business continuity planning, and budget management. Consider MBA courses if you want to move into management.

Emerging Technologies to Learn in 2026

• SD-WAN technologies

Software-Defined Wide Area Networks are replacing traditional WANs. They’re cheaper, more flexible, and easier to manage. Learn platforms like Cisco SD-WAN, VMware VeloCloud, or Versa Networks. Companies are rapidly adopting SD-WAN.

• Network automation and AI

Networks are getting smarter. AI helps predict failures before they happen. Machine learning optimizes traffic flow. Intent-based networking lets you define what you want, and the network figures out how to do it. These skills separate good engineers from great ones.

• Cybersecurity integration

Network security and network engineering are merging. You need to think like a hacker to protect networks. Learn zero-trust architecture, microsegmentation, and security automation. The most valuable engineers understand both networking and security deeply.

Conclusion

Becoming a network engineer takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. You’ve learned the complete roadmap: start with fundamentals, earn certifications, build hands-on skills, and keep learning new technologies.

The network engineering field needs you. Companies struggle to find qualified candidates. With dedication and the right roadmap, you can build a rewarding career that pays well and stays relevant for decades.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does a network engineer do?

A network engineer designs, implements, and maintains the systems that connect computers and devices. They configure routers, switches, and firewalls, troubleshoot network issues, and ensure networks run securely and efficiently.

2. Do I need a degree to become a network engineer?

No formal degree is strictly required. While a degree in computer science or IT helps, employers value proven skills, hands-on experience, and certifications like CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE more than a diploma.

3. Which certification should I start with as a fresher?

The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is the most recommended starting point. It covers basic networking concepts, IP addressing, security, and routing, giving you the foundation needed for entry-level roles. CompTIA Network+ is another good option if you want vendor-neutral knowledge.

4. How much time will it take to learn the basics of networking?

 For most freshers, it takes around 3 to 6 months to understand networking fundamentals like the OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing, and basic routing and switching. Consistent practice using simulators helps a lot.

5. What tools can I use to practice networking at home?

You can use simulators and virtual labs such as Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG. These let you build and test networks without expensive hardware, which is perfect for beginners.

6. Do I need programming skills as a fresher network engineer?

Basic programming knowledge, especially in Python, is useful but not mandatory at the very start. Learning it early will help you automate tasks and stand out, but initially focus on networking fundamentals.

7. What kind of companies hire freshers as network engineers? 

 Tech companies, banks, healthcare organizations, telecoms, schools, government agencies, and almost any company with IT infrastructure hire freshers. Starting positions might be called network technician, junior network engineer, or IT support specialist.

8. What skills should I focus on as a fresher?

 Focus on understanding networking fundamentals, configuring routers and switches, troubleshooting problems, basic security knowledge, and learning to use network simulation tools. Soft skills like communication and teamwork are also important.

9. How can I get my first job as a network engineer?

 Start by earning an entry-level certification like CCNA or CompTIA Network+, practice hands-on using labs, create small projects to show your skills, and apply for internships, junior network engineer roles, or IT support positions to gain real-world experience.

10. What is the typical career path for a fresher in network engineering?

 Freshers usually start as junior network engineers or network technicians. After gaining experience and additional certifications, they can move to network engineer roles, then senior network engineer, and eventually network architect or specialist positions, depending on skills and interests.