Becoming a Next-Gen Network Engineer in a Software-Centric World
The role of the network engineer is rapidly evolving. As software eats the world, network operations (NetOps) are being reshaped by automation, cloud, DevOps, AI, and software-centric workflows. What does this mean for today’s network engineers? It means upskilling is no longer optional - it’s essential.
This disruption isn’t new. We’ve weathered similar shifts: from CLI-only tools to automation frameworks, from manual switchboards to packetized voice, from mainframes to the cloud. The current wave, driven by software innovation, is simply the next chapter. But this time, it’s deeper and broader, demanding a new kind of network engineer: the Next Gen Network Engineer (NGNE).
Disruption Is the Norm, So Embrace It
If you’re uncomfortable with how much is changing, you’re not alone. Many network pros are skeptical about jumping into programming, DevOps, or cloud-native tooling. But here’s the truth: you’ve already adapted before, and you can do it again. You just need the right roadmap.
That’s where the NGNE Learning Path comes in.
NGNE Roadmap: Level 100 – The Foundation
Before jumping into advanced tools, make sure you’ve got the basics:
Networking Fundamentals – If you’re new, certifications like CCNA, JNCIA-Junos, or Arista ACE L1 are great places to start.
Linux – It’s the backbone of modern network operating systems. Learn file navigation, shell scripting, and basic system commands.
Python Scripting – No need to be a developer, but basic scripting is the entry point to automation.
GitHub – Learn source control and how to manage scripts and configurations.
Cloud Fundamentals – Understand cloud networking (starting with AWS, Azure, or GCP), especially how it differs from traditional on-prem.
Virtual Lab Environments – Practice with tools like EVE-NG, Containerlab, or CML to simulate network setups.
AI Tools – Use generative AI (like ChatGPT) to learn faster and automate smarter.
NGNE Roadmap: Level 200 – Expanding Capabilities
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to explore deeper topics:
DevOps Principles – Adapt the best of software DevOps for NetOps.
Automation Concepts – Understand why to automate, not just how.
Source of Truth – Define and maintain your intended network state.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) – Use tools like Terraform to manage infrastructure consistently.
APIs – Learn how to integrate systems and devices through APIs.
Ansible – Automate network tasks at scale.
CI/CD Pipelines – Apply modern software development flows to network change and testing.
Orchestration & Workflow – Coordinate complex automations across systems.
NGNE Roadmap: Level 300 and Beyond – Advanced Skills
Ready to go further?
Multicloud Networking – Understand connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Observability & Telemetry – Go beyond SNMP with real-time performance insights.
Digital Twins – Simulate and predict network state and behavior.
Security Integration – Think holistically about NetOps and SecOps.
Toolchain Awareness – Understand how networking interacts with everything from ticketing systems to optical transport.
Start Now and Start Small
You don’t have to learn everything at once. Choose the topics most relevant to your job today or your goals for tomorrow. Whether you go deep on a few topics or skim many and come back later, the key is to start somewhere.
And you don’t have to go it alone - study groups, podcasts, and mentors can help you stay motivated and focused. Just remember: tech disruption isn’t going away, but neither are the opportunities it creates.
Want to dive deeper? Stay tuned for more posts where we’ll break down the Total Network Operations (TNOps) framework, how it supports both the NGNE and the IT orgs that need to evolve to support this new reality.