Network engineer career path
With the number of Linux-based projects such as most network operating systems and openstack mostly based on Linux, Linux skill networking professionals are required.
There has been a lot of recent talk about what network engineers should learn to remain relevant. While the field is changing rapidly, I am going to suggest that as network engineers we can focus on one of the most important areas in Linux. My reasons for this are two times. First of all, it is becoming more and more clear that most network operating systems are based on some changes in Linux.Different vendors provide different degrees of access to the underlying Linux operating system, allowing the user to have greater access to the internal interior.
Second, we can not ignore the spread of Linux-based projects like Open Stack, Docker, and Kubernetes, which effects IT space. Basic linux networking structures need to be quick due to the ability to effectively troubleshoot.
Historically, most network engineers have been focused on CLI. The logic was simple for this, it was our only option. CLI came up with a set of problems. Using CLI for a given vendor means learning the seller's unique syntax.This meant that being able to configure the Cisco switch did not mean that I could configure a junior switch. If we believe that most network switches are made from Linux base, and provide similar functionality, then CLI becomes an abstract of the built-in Linux system. While I think that this is a fair generalization, it is also fair to say that most vendors do not run the vanilla version entirely of Linux or Linux kernel.
Regardless of the modifications, reaching the native Linux shell gives us some significant victory. Tools and applications that were once reserved for the server's world became available. Packet analysis can be done on the box with tools like TCPDUMP.Network switches can be managed more effectively than the policy level, with automation and orchestration tools such as policy and chef. Having the ability to access the original Linux operating system gives us great flexibility and opens many new possibilities.
Another area of Linux, we should pay attention to the Linux networking stack. At first look, the networking configuration of a single Linux host may seem petty. However, there are actually many strong network features inside the Linux system. Many of the top open source projects find ways to take advantage of these features in interesting and sometimes complex ways.
It is important to understand the underlying networking features in Linux if you want to understand how they can be used together.
For example, Docker is capable of providing container network segregation by taking advantage of the network name space with the basic Linux interface and bridging. Network engineers looking to understand these open source projects should ensure that they understand Linux Networking primitives that they have to take advantage of these devices.
In addition to native Linux features, there are other projects like Open vSwitch (OVS) that want to extend Linux networking functionality. While OVS is not native to Linux, it has its own Linux kernel module and it is used extensively with open source projects like OpenStack.A prime example of how Linux hosts can be increased to provide more than the basic level of attachments to the OVS network. It is also a good example of the guidelines and Linux Host Networking will require skills to work effectively and troubleshoot.
So as you can see, there are many reasons to know more about Linux. But with any new skill, where is the hardest part of learning to start it. If you are completely new to Linux, then focus on feeling comfortable with the command line. Learn how to walk, inspect system parameters, and make configuration changes. Once you become comfortable with the basics, start focusing on different pieces of technology.The fantastic part of Linux is that there is a crowd of "how to do" articles on the internet, which can only go for doing anything. Here is the key to gain experience with hands that you can continue to make.
Current trends are pushing the skills of network engineers and server administrators together. On the physical network side, the ability to reach the original Linux shell enables us to install tools and applications once reserved for Linux servers. On the Linux server side, the day of simple host networking is evaporating rapidly because most of the network logic goes down in the Linux host.
The range and scope of Linux's leverage technologies is bigger and growing rapidly. The more deep you dive into any technique, the more you want to see Linux. Due to solid understanding of Linux it is related to the original operation and networking, it is a skill.
