I want to be a Network engineer. People want to skip the Networking basics that makes up everything else and jump straight into Cloud and Cybersecurity without not having any networking skills and than wonder why they struggle with Cybersecurity.
I personally don’t think the network is going anywhere. Most people don’t know networking and even the people with a good amount of IT experience still don’t know what they’re talking about. CCIE level engineers will always be needed. The whole network could be automated but when it comes to configuration changes and troubleshooting, you need someone who knows the technology.
Network roles will always be there but they've evolved. Tons of CCIEs have been laid off because there isn't as much of a need for them due to cloud, SDN, outsourcing, and automation. Network roles in general have shrank as far as the job pool goes. If a CCIE is worth a lot its probably because he has a lot of other skills on top of that certification. These days if you want to be a valuable network engineer you should have a combination of the following: datacenter, wireless, route switch, security, cloud/cloud networking, automation, bgp, overlay and underlay, and NetDevOps skills.
Taking my exam probably the last week in May. Just finished the lessons, now I have to go back and review, do some more labs, and do some practice tests. Good luck!
I have been in the Networking world for 30 years. I really enjoy the technology, but the lack of respect for my personal time has made me begin to look for other options.
That's the comment I was looking for. I'm a network engineer with 10 years of experience and inside corporate world and within IT departments, network is the less respected and appreciated field, it's invisible until it's critical, then, you are to blame, the rest of the time no one knows what you really do and for IT direction and CEOs is not the star product of their business, they will bragg about their software dev. and their CybOps team but never network. This has a direct relation on the salary. I 100% agree with you.
Just got hired recently from an L1 position to L2 as a Junior network engineer... Most younger generations of today wants to skip the L1 side and its basics in networking. I really did a lot of studying most of CCNA contents but the main takeaway is what is the Rules being abide or best practices being used by the company as a network engineer.
@@StyxShow Yes, I'ved asked many fresh graduates that they want to get a network associate or higher. I always say to them that L1 position is a must to grasp what's the in and outs of the company before venturing out on a specific role might be in the same company or not.
speaking for myself, I went through three rounds of interviews for a network engineer role, was told I would be getting the job a few weeks later, only to find out they weren't proceeding with me. If I hadn't called, I don't know if they would have called me. this alone has made me move into Data Engineering even though my Bachelor's has been a concentration in Networks and Security.
I think your right in that there is many more job options. Lots of people slogged through a CCNA because that was the best and one of the very few certs to get a job. There is many more options for people who aren't actually engineer minded and don't care "how" things work now. So it's become like any other engineering job, highly technical, specialized, thankless, odd hours, travelling etc. I've found people who do network engineering are usually passionate about engineering as a whole, and those types of people are actually uncommon.
You have a point. Network engineers are the modern day plumbers. It's a dirty, unsexy, thankless job that requires a lot of grunt work and they're necessary because networks aren't going anywhere.
I'm glad I have my background and experience in network engineering, but as I get older, I'm looking to get out and move to cloud or Devops. I'm tired of on-call, running cable, having to know different CLI commands for different vendors, and maint. windows. Plus, the field has changed so much since I first came in. I've learned I actually like working with code more.
I am and want to be a network engineer. I'm less traditional these days with coding and automating cloud networks because thats what excites me these days. Like you said there are more roles and opportunities to choose from which is a good thing.
there is a lot of that in my old job where they dont have networking knowledge but they were hired in cybersecurity jobs because they have buddies that work in cybersecurity team
I do want to be a Network Engineer, taking my CCNA in a few days. Then I want to specialize in something, I don’t know what yet. Data Centers intrigue me the most. As to what I’ll do at a data center, not sure, but cloud, security and data center design intrigue me. Cisco announced their AI Hypershield, definitely learning that.
Nice! Goodluck on your prep. Watch this video. Best Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Exam Combinations ua-cam.com/video/IGCgZLTYivY/v-deo.html
Years ago, we had to hire a cisco professional to setup s roaming wifi network. Now, you watch a few unifi tutorials and with a few clicks you get a more capable setup, with much better performance and for a fraction of the price.
For me personally, it's no a bad thing that no one wants to be a Network Engineer. That means more opportunities for me to get a well-paid job because no one wants to do it ^^
Cloud computing is basically hostiyon someone else's computer or your own which is on the ground and not in space. Who's gonna need to fix that when things hit the fan?!
In a basic level, you are right. But Cloud computing has many readily available resources and applications. On the network side, there are no STP, link redundancies, device redundancies etc. Not to mention storage, analytics, automation etc.
Thanks for sharing! Many people still think its a cool job. Its difficult and requires a vast amount of knowledge and keep up to the emerging technologies
We are living in a software driven world, no one want to be running around installing switches and servers anymore. The work from home also made people to loose interest in networking as you cannot fully work remotely, it's a physical job.
Believe me, there are always people who want to be running around and doing all the things, if you pay them enough. Less skilled such people leads to a greater demand, leads to higher salaries for such roles.
Networking was my first real job after graduating and though I learned a lot about cabling, interfacing and configuring it just wasn't for me. It requires so much physical fitness and traveling (also being trapped inside a hospital ceiling or hanging off a tall building to install ethernet cables or camera equipment isn't my idea of fun), enjoyed the Linux stuff though. Point is I'd much rather build software than connect wires hence why I specialized in software dev and not communication networks, it's just a preference, learned a lot though.
Hi! Thanks for sharing. Your first job is network technician man. Did you not explore the Network Engineer and Network Architect role? Since you mentioned dev, try watching this video: Best Developer Certifications 2024 - Cloud & Cyber Security ua-cam.com/video/mq6Y3dgGf7g/v-deo.html
Two years out of college with my CS degree, and guess what? Still stuck between network engineering and software engineering. I loved working with hardware, but the pay for network engineers here just doesn't stack up to software. Oh, and by the way, I'm currently working as a motion designer. Life can be pretty strange sometimes!
A lot of it is due to youtube tech influencers....at no point from 2024 or the decade before has getting into "cyber" or "cloud" or any other buzz words been easier then getting network engineer/analyst anymore. People are chasing youtube videos and never getting started. network engineers and on prem admins are still in 99% of environments.
I think STP is important to learn. It may not be as relevant with today's cloud technology, but still a must learn. RIP is still being taught despite being superseded by OSPF and EIGRP. The industry even made a new IPv6 version of RIP, why I do not know. I'm also burned by the title of "Network Engineer". Engineering implies design and development, but Network Engineering actually does network admin, not design work.
Its ok to learn.. not too important in modern and adv network. Remember, if your network have loops it’s considered legacy. They removed RIP in many training courses. Why would you want to learn something you will never see in production?
@@LoveFactorySweatShop Thanks! I have been thinking about either Network+ before CCNA and then I wondered if CCST would have been better if I'm planning on going for CCNA.
Hi, I'm so pleased Cisco introduced this. What they used to call the CCNA part 1&2. If you don't know what an IP address is, can't subnet and don't know the difference between UTP, STP and MMF then make life easy for yourself and get your CCST first. IF nothing else you have a certificate to show your current/prospective employer and it will motivate you to get your full CCNA
It's wild to me that folks don't think network engineering is cool. I spent the last 10 years clawing my way up from help desk into a Senior Network Security Engineer role. From the early 2000s I though this was the coolest thing in IT. It's literally how the internet works at the most fundamental level. I actually learned networking to play games. It was a different in world where we had to host LANs to play multiplayer games instead of rely on these companies to centralize their hosting with terrible NetCode and load balancing.
Cools things before arent cool things now unfortunately. No more LAN games, all connected to the internet. Many young generations don’t appreciate the basics. More apps than connectivity. This is what we get for a faster and more reliable internet connection.
There is truth in the desire for wanting to become a network engineer starting to disappear. For example, in the latest DICT hosted forum in Negros Occidental which La Salle and other other local universities participated in, there was not once any focus on the networking aspect of today’s IT industry, instead focusing on game development, cryptocurrency and cryptography, Internet-of-Things and even call center support. It felt insulting that they left out the networking side of things and even the Cybersecurity side of IT since there was no Cybersecurity specialist who could attend. Really, without the network to support the infrastructure, the jobs they do would be finished. It’s sad is all that the networking guys get under appreciated. How can you defend a network if you don’t even know how a network works?
I was watching one of you videos in which you said to skip the ccnp enterprise but my mentor said that was a load of bs, Why did you recommend going for other ccnp's?
Hi! Which video did I mention “skip CCNP enterprise”. Kindly watch this video: Cisco ENCC - New CCNP Enterprise Exam for Cloud Network Pros ua-cam.com/video/upUCU2_OqHo/v-deo.html
Well what can I say with my 23 years, I never did a CCNA but I held every ECS from Extreme Networks, also the Aruba Certified Asociate and now I am also ACE L3 certified. Never had less work lol
Back then, not too many competition in the job market and more opportunities for network engineers. You can get a job w/o certs. Nice! ACE L3 is even better than CCNA and CCNP combined.
@@StyxShow STP provides a simple and effective solution for ensuring network redundancy and failover in scenarios where advanced technologies like VXLAN and EVPN are not deployed. This helps maintain network stability even in less complex setups.
@@StyxShow STP is crucial because it prevents broadcast storms and network loops that can occur during flooding attacks. Without STP, such attacks can cause network switches to be overwhelmed with endless traffic, leading to severe disruptions or a complete network outage. STP ensures that redundant paths are properly managed and loops are avoided, maintaining network stability and performance even in the face of malicious traffic floods. all it takes is one cable to bring a whole network to its knees.
@TheBeardedITDad Everything you mentioned is true by concept. But in the real world, its (security) less of a priority as STP is already enabled by default. Its not like you need to know STP before you activate it. The way you say this, as if I am recommending to disable it. When I say skip STP, dont touch it. Work on more important things. More on this in separate video.
@@TheBeardedITDad STP is good for legacy design not gonna debate. But in modern networks, its not a priority. Its considered a bad network design If you are too concerned about loops. More on this in a dedicated video.
Networking is not going nowhere, people don't understand networking and it is not for everybody, besides networking you need to have other skills which are not attractive for most of people because it needs lot of time and work.
True, network engineers are no longer being valued as compared to other trending jobs such as Cyber Security which subsequently pay network engineers less.
Is hard, they won’t give you a ACTUALL network position unless you have experience. It doesn’t matter how much eveng you do or certs you get. You need real experience.
I actually agreed with most of the insights shared in the video. Thanks for your comment! It's great to see a well-known IT UA-camr joining the discussion.
I know this is off-topic but what are your thoughts on IT degree programs from online schools like Western Governors University? Do you think that's a viable path to break into the IT field?
@@StyxShowI have an internship in a week as a network engineer as I’m getting a BS in computer science . Getting a CS degree is great if you can do it, i don’t recommend those degree mill places tho . WGU is better for masters when you already went to a 4 year
@@StyxShow something totally different. I was a pneumatica guy for the coaches of brand vanhool. Now we have here a system stimulating to learn bottleneck professions like network engineer. it would be a 2 year dayschool course. and i would keep my benefits, something like Social Security that you have in vs. i was always using computers like from the commodore 64 until now my own build i9 so i hope i get the change to make a career switch. if it is still wise to do?
Yeap, everything looks abstracted nowadays, until things stops working, then they'll call for us, network engineers...to fix things they dont bother to understand...
To say "i could just Google what a network engineer needs to know" is actually laughable. No, you can't. You have to understand what you're even looking into before you Google it. Otherwise you have no clue what to even Google.
@@StyxShow ...filthy L7 magic, lol. You're right, SDN is eating up all those functions. Maybe I just don't like placing my trust in software engineers *ducks* But I think (R)STP is still probably worth knowing about for interoperability and compatibility...at least until/if SDN becomes sentient and decides humans are unnecessary 🤖 I also agree that networking is unlikely to be going anywhere, it's just changing.
Here is a discussion about SDN and Cloud Networking: Remember When SDN & Network Automation were the cool kids? ua-cam.com/video/xbRH8XmZAZE/v-deo.html
How can a person make the most informed decisions to keep a computer network and the assets on it secure when they do not understand even the fundamentals of networking? The answer is they can still try, but they'll be far less effective without the knowledge.
I think networks have become more ubiquitous than it used to be. There used to be a networks team that did all of that. Now, if you’re working in cloud, it’s not even the infra team that needs to be familiar, but even the app developers, so the responsibility for networks and infra has been diffused.
Cloud is different. Not too many network engineers understand the major parts of the cloud specially the application side. To know more, watch this discussion: Do We Still Need Old School Networking Skills in the Cloud? w/ Trev Spires ua-cam.com/video/KBw345PMfqI/v-deo.html
How about linux administration and CCNA, which one do you think I should take first? I know the introductions to both of them, Linux from Linux Foundation and Cisco networking basic. I'm just confuse which one should I take next in order to further my education. My dream job is Devnet. Thanks in advance! I'm so confused to the point I'm having an imposter syndrome.
Cisco + CompTIA Linux+ wouldnt be a bad idea as your 1st 2 certs. Having a good foundation on both network and linux. You can transition to the following specialization: 1. Networking Automation 2. Security Operation 3. Application Load Balancer and WAF 4. Cloud Operations
LFCS is better than Linux+ because it’s performance-based. In other words, you have to be able to actually accomplish objectives in Linux VMs and not just answer questions…passing the LFCS exam proves you really know your stuff.
@@thesullivanstreetproject I never checked the Linux+ from comptia, if that's the case, I'm so glad I took the LFCS course over linux+ because they're both on sale during the black Friday. Thanks bro!
I'm skipping security+, network+ and just going straight into my CCNA and I am thinking I might go for Linux cert after CCNA..But we will see where the IT world takes me. There is no cyber security without a strong network in place lol
Why do people keep dancing around the elephant in the room. There are fewer networking jobs today than 10 years ago, and the trend continues to go down. If networking jobs existed like they did 10 years ago, there'd be much more drive, much more interest.
My two cents: no offense.. it’s not like no one wants to be a network administrator / engineer. The corporate world always reorganize and follow itil or service desk as a service the more company just ignore the lower tier agents who have experience and motivation to live up but just hire new people with only certs and no hands on. I’ve been in that situation thee times in three jobs. Degrees mean nothing to the corporate environment.
Degrees are useless and certs as your main weapon in your resume! This is old news. Not sure why miss this. Like what I mentioned, better to start working with VARs. No ITIL and other BS.
Degrees are not useless . Most well playing cloud positions ask for an education . The chances of going from no experience to cloud engineering making 200k is only possible with 5-10 years of network IT experience, or u can get a CS degree and join devops or cloud engineer right after college. If you’re older and can’t this of course is valid . But if you are a young person you will end up working under a person with the degree . You can still be that person yourself
Many people confuse not required to not assisting . Just because Microsoft or google doesn’t require a degree , doesn’t mean over 90% of the people there don’t have one . More doors will open if you can get a good degree in engineering or computer science or hard science like physics. This will allow you to go into AI if you want , network if you want , software if you want , cyber security if you want . With the knowledge you gain you will be able to take on almost any technology position with only a short introduction to that specific domain .
People cry over every damn thing. Networking isn't a popular topic that's talked about now. That's all. It's really that simple. People also want jobs so they gravitate to the most popular and in-demand need at the time. Networking engineering jobs are transforming but why would someone say the role is dying? I don't think they know what that means.
I think it is more of "Because of cloud". Personally, I think it is much easier, there is more money and it is much dynamic where you get better chance to coordinate with other engineers like software and devops engineers (in short it is not boring)
No one likes network engineers. they like security engineers less though, and they like designers even less than that. We slow down dev ops from going out and making shiney apps in an agile way because we need time to build your infrastructure for you. We have audits and regulations to follow. AND the sales people keep telling everyone "its all plug and play" and then we say nooooooooo!
Hmmm! When I was a network engineer . I never really thought if I am liked by the other groups. I dont thinks thats the reason why “no one wants be a network engineer”
What a negative perspective... Network engineers are not that bad. We are the jetsetters of the internet we are the Net in interNet. Truth is, without network engineers you wouldn't be able send the comments that you are sending right now.... Can we have some respect for the network engineers please
@@kagisogaelesiwe1805 Ive never met anyone who thinks network engineers are lame, just people who think its akin to magic. Including some cyber security people who don’t understand DNS or DHCP 🤦🏿♂️
Some people cant understand programming though. I’ve seen super smart Network Engineers and Tech managers and doest have the patience to learn programming.
I want to be a Network engineer. People want to skip the Networking basics that makes up everything else and jump straight into Cloud and Cybersecurity without not having any networking skills and than wonder why they struggle with Cybersecurity.
Because they think networking is not important. As I mentioned, I know many people think cybersecurity is more management and leadership.
Tbh a lot of security jobs are just renamed/reskinned networking jobs.
@@ultravioletiris6241absolutely. Cyber security is just a cool or fancy name of networking that people have no idea of.
Personally, I am a Jr network admin, and Engineer is just a step to me. I'm trying to get as far away from the user as possible.
@@StyxShow They configured a Linksys, nothing more to learn 🤣
I personally don’t think the network is going anywhere. Most people don’t know networking and even the people with a good amount of IT experience still don’t know what they’re talking about. CCIE level engineers will always be needed. The whole network could be automated but when it comes to configuration changes and troubleshooting, you need someone who knows the technology.
I agree. The network is not going anywhere. Network engineering jobs are like plumbing jobs, necessary but not sexy.
Well said! Many younger
generations dont see this perspective though
Network roles will always be there but they've evolved. Tons of CCIEs have been laid off because there isn't as much of a need for them due to cloud, SDN, outsourcing, and automation. Network roles in general have shrank as far as the job pool goes. If a CCIE is worth a lot its probably because he has a lot of other skills on top of that certification. These days if you want to be a valuable network engineer you should have a combination of the following: datacenter, wireless, route switch, security, cloud/cloud networking, automation, bgp, overlay and underlay, and NetDevOps skills.
@theonenonly122 when you say automation, what do you mean specifically? Powershell?
@@shameermulji there’s all different types of network automation out there. Something that used to take multiple network engineers now only takes 1.
I want to be a Network Engineer. CCNA is gonna be my first Cert to tackle in a few weeks
I’m studying now also we should create a group and I just posted to test quiz questions
Goodluck man on your preparation.
Taking my exam probably the last week in May. Just finished the lessons, now I have to go back and review, do some more labs, and do some practice tests. Good luck!
Hey can I be in group about to do it too
I'm a proud network engineer and I will do it over and over again
Which technologies/ vendor devices you handle mostly nowdays? Cisco?
Which technologies/ vendor devices you handle mostly nowdays? Cisco?
I have been in the Networking world for 30 years. I really enjoy the technology, but the lack of respect for my personal time has made me begin to look for other options.
Can you please share you exp? “Lack of respect for my personal time”
Any IT career requires a lot of studying during your personal time. Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, to name a few.
@@konstantinrebrov675 He didn't say he had to study in personal time, where is your reading comprehension?
That's the comment I was looking for. I'm a network engineer with 10 years of experience and inside corporate world and within IT departments, network is the less respected and appreciated field, it's invisible until it's critical, then, you are to blame, the rest of the time no one knows what you really do and for IT direction and CEOs is not the star product of their business, they will bragg about their software dev. and their CybOps team but never network. This has a direct relation on the salary. I 100% agree with you.
Network is always guilty until proven innocent
Just got hired recently from an L1 position to L2 as a Junior network engineer... Most younger generations of today wants to skip the L1 side and its basics in networking.
I really did a lot of studying most of CCNA contents but the main takeaway is what is the Rules being abide or best practices being used by the company as a network engineer.
Many young generations want to skip L1? Why is that?
Which company will trust a beginner engr going for more adv roles?
@@StyxShow Yes, I'ved asked many fresh graduates that they want to get a network associate or higher. I always say to them that L1 position is a must to grasp what's the in and outs of the company before venturing out on a specific role might be in the same company or not.
The demand is no longer there compare to back in 6/7 years ago. Many companies outsource it and out 7 out of 10 jobs were gone.
@@minlwin3766 If companies are outsourcing network jobs, it creates opportunities for those they outsource to.
It not completely gone.
speaking for myself, I went through three rounds of interviews for a network engineer role, was told I would be getting the job a few weeks later, only to find out they weren't proceeding with me. If I hadn't called, I don't know if they would have called me. this alone has made me move into Data Engineering even though my Bachelor's has been a concentration in Networks and Security.
You can still become network engineer
Good choice
I think your right in that there is many more job options. Lots of people slogged through a CCNA because that was the best and one of the very few certs to get a job. There is many more options for people who aren't actually engineer minded and don't care "how" things work now. So it's become like any other engineering job, highly technical, specialized, thankless, odd hours, travelling etc.
I've found people who do network engineering are usually passionate about engineering as a whole, and those types of people are actually uncommon.
You have a point. Network engineers are the modern day plumbers. It's a dirty, unsexy, thankless job that requires a lot of grunt work and they're necessary because networks aren't going anywhere.
I'm glad I have my background and experience in network engineering, but as I get older, I'm looking to get out and move to cloud or Devops. I'm tired of on-call, running cable, having to know different CLI commands for different vendors, and maint. windows. Plus, the field has changed so much since I first came in. I've learned I actually like working with code more.
Thanks for sharing. You have to watch this video:
Arista ACE L5 Cloud Automation - Certification Review
ua-cam.com/video/pBoomsp3AnU/v-deo.html
I am and want to be a network engineer. I'm less traditional these days with coding and automating cloud networks because thats what excites me these days. Like you said there are more roles and opportunities to choose from which is a good thing.
there is a lot of that in my old job where they dont have networking knowledge but they were hired in cybersecurity jobs because they have buddies that work in cybersecurity team
I would like to hear your opinion on this video:
Network Engineering is better than Cybersecurity
ua-cam.com/video/EcWsp0HxJE8/v-deo.html
I do want to be a Network Engineer, taking my CCNA in a few days.
Then I want to specialize in something, I don’t know what yet.
Data Centers intrigue me the most.
As to what I’ll do at a data center, not sure, but cloud, security and data center design intrigue me.
Cisco announced their AI Hypershield, definitely learning that.
Nice! Goodluck on your prep. Watch this video.
Best Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Exam Combinations
ua-cam.com/video/IGCgZLTYivY/v-deo.html
@@StyxShow I PASSED My CCNA!!
@@robfilms6264 congrats bro! That's major. I will be taking it in early August. Congrats fr bro. Now go get that $$$ lol
@@robfilms6264what sources did you used to study? I'm watching now Jeremy's IT free CCNA course. Can you recommend something that helped you a lot?
@@eFenixas
Practice exams from Boson & Cisco as well as a network simulator from Boson.
And a small, humble home lab.
I recently acquired my A+. I’m now studying for my CCST and than CCNA.
Network is not going anywhere. This is building block.
Dont state the obvious
Years ago, we had to hire a cisco professional to setup s roaming wifi network. Now, you watch a few unifi tutorials and with a few clicks you get a more capable setup, with much better performance and for a fraction of the price.
Basic Wifi config can be easy. Adding NAC and 802.1X AAA can be a lil more complicated. Required for Large enterprise networks.
For me personally, it's no a bad thing that no one wants to be a Network Engineer. That means more opportunities for me to get a well-paid job because no one wants to do it ^^
Thats a good mindset. Many people has the impression, networking is an old technology and will eventually fade away.
There is very little opportunity with tons of competitions for these jobs nowadays.
Jr network engineer is the first role i want, so i definitely agree with you.
Good decision man! Glad you find this video useful
Cloud computing is basically hostiyon someone else's computer or your own which is on the ground and not in space.
Who's gonna need to fix that when things hit the fan?!
In a basic level, you are right. But Cloud computing has many readily available resources and applications.
On the network side, there are no STP, link redundancies, device redundancies etc.
Not to mention storage, analytics, automation etc.
I work as a network engineer and I love my job. I always have work too.
Thanks for sharing! Many people still think its a cool job. Its difficult and requires a vast amount of knowledge and keep up to the emerging technologies
Also, STP can disrupt VOIP functionality on your LAN.
We are living in a software driven world, no one want to be running around installing switches and servers anymore. The work from home also made people to loose interest in networking as you cannot fully work remotely, it's a physical job.
Networks can definitely be managed remotely.
@@shameermulji yes, but most places especially in my country you need to go replace it if one get faulty.
Yeh. Kindly watch this video:
Cloud Engineering is better than Network Engineering
ua-cam.com/video/EKHpmgGqXFs/v-deo.html
Believe me, there are always people who want to be running around and doing all the things, if you pay them enough. Less skilled such people leads to a greater demand, leads to higher salaries for such roles.
Networking was my first real job after graduating and though I learned a lot about cabling, interfacing and configuring it just wasn't for me. It requires so much physical fitness and traveling (also being trapped inside a hospital ceiling or hanging off a tall building to install ethernet cables or camera equipment isn't my idea of fun), enjoyed the Linux stuff though. Point is I'd much rather build software than connect wires hence why I specialized in software dev and not communication networks, it's just a preference, learned a lot though.
Hi! Thanks for sharing. Your first job is network technician man. Did you not explore the Network Engineer and Network Architect role? Since you mentioned dev, try watching this video:
Best Developer Certifications 2024 - Cloud & Cyber Security
ua-cam.com/video/mq6Y3dgGf7g/v-deo.html
Two years out of college with my CS degree, and guess what? Still stuck between network engineering and software engineering. I loved working with hardware, but the pay for network engineers here just doesn't stack up to software. Oh, and by the way, I'm currently working as a motion designer. Life can be pretty strange sometimes!
If you are currently working as motion designer better upgrade to a game programming in the future. I assume its better pay than network engineering.
A lot of it is due to youtube tech influencers....at no point from 2024 or the decade before has getting into "cyber" or "cloud" or any other buzz words been easier then getting network engineer/analyst anymore. People are chasing youtube videos and never getting started. network engineers and on prem admins are still in 99% of environments.
I think STP is important to learn. It may not be as relevant with today's cloud technology, but still a must learn. RIP is still being taught despite being superseded by OSPF and EIGRP. The industry even made a new IPv6 version of RIP, why I do not know.
I'm also burned by the title of "Network Engineer". Engineering implies design and development, but Network Engineering actually does network admin, not design work.
Its ok to learn.. not too important in modern and adv network. Remember, if your network have loops it’s considered legacy.
They removed RIP in many training courses. Why would you want to learn something you will never see in production?
Well it's a job that allowed me to work at new-buildings. Seeing a commercial center or a cruise built from the ground up is fascinating.
Design and building infrastructure is always fun.
I only know Cisco??? I work in a Fully Juniper shop... maybe fact check. you didn't even link to the original video.
I had to correct myself it should be "the discussion is only about Cisco (no other vendors)"
Hello Sir Dean, would you recommend taking CCST first to prepare for the CCNA exam, or should I just focus on CCNA and forgo CCST?
i do recommend it, as a stepping stone to CCNA and also an alternative to Network+
@@LoveFactorySweatShop Thanks! I have been thinking about either Network+ before CCNA and then I wondered if CCST would have been better if I'm planning on going for CCNA.
Hi, I'm so pleased Cisco introduced this. What they used to call the CCNA part 1&2. If you don't know what an IP address is, can't subnet and don't know the difference between UTP, STP and MMF then make life easy for yourself and get your CCST first. IF nothing else you have a certificate to show your current/prospective employer and it will motivate you to get your full CCNA
If I will decide for you. I will take straight CCNA. Instead of spending $125 for CCST, I will use it for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
Definitely wanna be a network engineer. Currently studying for my CCNA.
Goodluck on your prep.
may i know the source to study CCNA ?
It's wild to me that folks don't think network engineering is cool. I spent the last 10 years clawing my way up from help desk into a Senior Network Security Engineer role. From the early 2000s I though this was the coolest thing in IT. It's literally how the internet works at the most fundamental level. I actually learned networking to play games. It was a different in world where we had to host LANs to play multiplayer games instead of rely on these companies to centralize their hosting with terrible NetCode and load balancing.
Cools things before arent cool things now unfortunately. No more LAN games, all connected to the internet.
Many young generations don’t appreciate the basics. More apps than connectivity. This is what we get for a faster and more reliable internet connection.
There is truth in the desire for wanting to become a network engineer starting to disappear. For example, in the latest DICT hosted forum in Negros Occidental which La Salle and other other local universities participated in, there was not once any focus on the networking aspect of today’s IT industry, instead focusing on game development, cryptocurrency and cryptography, Internet-of-Things and even call center support. It felt insulting that they left out the networking side of things and even the Cybersecurity side of IT since there was no Cybersecurity specialist who could attend. Really, without the network to support the infrastructure, the jobs they do would be finished. It’s sad is all that the networking guys get under appreciated. How can you defend a network if you don’t even know how a network works?
I was watching one of you videos in which you said to skip the ccnp enterprise but my mentor said that was a load of bs, Why did you recommend going for other ccnp's?
Hi! Which video did I mention “skip CCNP enterprise”. Kindly watch this video:
Cisco ENCC - New CCNP Enterprise Exam for Cloud Network Pros
ua-cam.com/video/upUCU2_OqHo/v-deo.html
Well what can I say with my 23 years, I never did a CCNA but I held every ECS from Extreme Networks, also the Aruba Certified Asociate and now I am also ACE L3 certified. Never had less work lol
Back then, not too many competition in the job market and more opportunities for network engineers. You can get a job w/o certs.
Nice! ACE L3 is even better than CCNA and CCNP combined.
There are a lot of legacy systems out there that still use STP. Not everyone has jumped onboard the LISP/VXLAN bandwagon.
Even w/o VXLAN and EVPN. STP can be avoided and can be skipped. You can learn by theory but w/ a good design you may not see or use it.
@@StyxShow STP provides a simple and effective solution for ensuring network redundancy and failover in scenarios where advanced technologies like VXLAN and EVPN are not deployed. This helps maintain network stability even in less complex setups.
@@StyxShow STP is crucial because it prevents broadcast storms and network loops that can occur during flooding attacks. Without STP, such attacks can cause network switches to be overwhelmed with endless traffic, leading to severe disruptions or a complete network outage. STP ensures that redundant paths are properly managed and loops are avoided, maintaining network stability and performance even in the face of malicious traffic floods. all it takes is one cable to bring a whole network to its knees.
@TheBeardedITDad Everything you mentioned is true by concept. But in the real world, its (security) less of a priority as STP is already enabled by default. Its not like you need to know STP before you activate it.
The way you say this, as if I am recommending to disable it. When I say skip STP, dont touch it. Work on more important things. More on this in separate video.
@@TheBeardedITDad STP is good for legacy design not gonna debate. But in modern networks, its not a priority. Its considered a bad network design If you are too concerned about loops. More on this in a dedicated video.
Networking is not going nowhere, people don't understand networking and it is not for everybody, besides networking you need to have other skills which are not attractive for most of people because it needs lot of time and work.
The future for Network engineer is bleak and not well paid as compared to cloud and cybersecurity. Hence, it is really not worth it.
The future or Network engineer is bleak. I agree. Not paid well, I dont know. There are more underpaid cloud professionals than Network Engineers.
But in general, cloud professionals are paid more than networking professionals…. 😢
Entry to Mid Level.. Cloud Professionals have higher salary.
Instructor and Expert Level. Network Professionals have higher salary.
True, network engineers are no longer being valued as compared to other trending jobs such as Cyber Security which subsequently pay network engineers less.
Is hard, they won’t give you a ACTUALL network position unless you have experience. It doesn’t matter how much eveng you do or certs you get. You need real experience.
Hmm! Aside from technical skills. Social skills is also important - Presentation skills, interview skills, being likable etc
Well you defently took what i said out of context... maybe we should have a conversation on one of our channels.
I actually agreed with most of the insights shared in the video.
Thanks for your comment! It's great to see a well-known IT UA-camr joining the discussion.
I know this is off-topic but what are your thoughts on IT degree programs from online schools like Western Governors University? Do you think that's a viable path to break into the IT field?
Its a scam! In IT industry, companies look for certifications (aside from work experience and good attitude) not degrees
@@StyxShowI have an internship in a week as a network engineer as I’m getting a BS in computer science . Getting a CS degree is great if you can do it, i don’t recommend those degree mill places tho . WGU is better for masters when you already went to a 4 year
i'm 41 and lost my job through bankruptcy of the company were i worked. i'm trying to get myself retrained as a network engineer. to do? or not to do?
Give us more detail.. what were you doing in that company?
@@StyxShow something totally different. I was a pneumatica guy for the coaches of brand vanhool. Now we have here a system stimulating to learn bottleneck professions like network engineer. it would be a 2 year dayschool course. and i would keep my benefits, something like Social Security that you have in vs. i was always using computers like from the commodore 64 until now my own build i9 so i hope i get the change to make a career switch. if it is still wise to do?
the audio and video dont seem to sync together, please look into it, it looks like AI is talking
Can you try on other platforms. Might be a browser issue
Yeap, everything looks abstracted nowadays, until things stops working, then they'll call for us, network engineers...to fix things they dont bother to understand...
I love the complexity of it
Hmmm! Those complexities will be gone in public cloud. Its good someone like you still appreciated network complexities!
To say "i could just Google what a network engineer needs to know" is actually laughable. No, you can't. You have to understand what you're even looking into before you Google it. Otherwise you have no clue what to even Google.
Other people will google subnet calculator and think they already know networking.
@@StyxShow hahahahaha
I'm pretty sure STP is still relevant in larger physical infrastructures, such as the physical infrastructure cloud actually runs on...
Have you already seen SDN Architectures like Cisco ACI?
@@StyxShow ...filthy L7 magic, lol. You're right, SDN is eating up all those functions. Maybe I just don't like placing my trust in software engineers
*ducks*
But I think (R)STP is still probably worth knowing about for interoperability and compatibility...at least until/if SDN becomes sentient and decides humans are unnecessary 🤖
I also agree that networking is unlikely to be going anywhere, it's just changing.
Here is a discussion about SDN and Cloud Networking:
Remember When SDN & Network Automation were the cool kids?
ua-cam.com/video/xbRH8XmZAZE/v-deo.html
How can a person make the most informed decisions to keep a computer network and the assets on it secure when they do not understand even the fundamentals of networking? The answer is they can still try, but they'll be far less effective without the knowledge.
I think networks have become more ubiquitous than it used to be. There used to be a networks team that did all of that. Now, if you’re working in cloud, it’s not even the infra team that needs to be familiar, but even the app developers, so the responsibility for networks and infra has been diffused.
Cloud is different. Not too many network engineers understand the major parts of the cloud specially the application side.
To know more, watch this discussion:
Do We Still Need Old School Networking Skills in the Cloud? w/ Trev Spires
ua-cam.com/video/KBw345PMfqI/v-deo.html
@@StyxShow Cloud is only different in the sense that runtimes are separate. The principles are still the same as virtual networking.
How about linux administration and CCNA, which one do you think I should take first? I know the introductions to both of them, Linux from Linux Foundation and Cisco networking basic. I'm just confuse which one should I take next in order to further my education. My dream job is Devnet. Thanks in advance! I'm so confused to the point I'm having an imposter syndrome.
Cisco + CompTIA Linux+ wouldnt be a bad idea as your 1st 2 certs.
Having a good foundation on both network and linux. You can transition to the following specialization:
1. Networking Automation
2. Security Operation
3. Application Load Balancer and WAF
4. Cloud Operations
@@StyxShow Man you're the best! Thank you so much.
LFCS is better than Linux+ because it’s performance-based. In other words, you have to be able to actually accomplish objectives in Linux VMs and not just answer questions…passing the LFCS exam proves you really know your stuff.
@@thesullivanstreetproject I never checked the Linux+ from comptia, if that's the case, I'm so glad I took the LFCS course over linux+ because they're both on sale during the black Friday. Thanks bro!
I'm skipping security+, network+ and just going straight into my CCNA and I am thinking I might go for Linux cert after CCNA..But we will see where the IT world takes me. There is no cyber security without a strong network in place lol
CCNA then Linux+ then Security+ isnt bad idea
I’d say skip Linux+ and go for LFCS as it’s a practical exam that shows you know your stuff and is still vendor-neutral, unlike RHCSA.
Any updates from going into your ccna from scratch ?
Subscribed so happy i found you
Thsnks man! Appreciate it.
I'm seeing more and more of the network engineer roles not as available as cyber security roles.
Good that more and more people realising this. Will create a dedicated video for this topic. Thanks!
Why do people keep dancing around the elephant in the room. There are fewer networking jobs today than 10 years ago, and the trend continues to go down. If networking jobs existed like they did 10 years ago, there'd be much more drive, much more interest.
Yes, I'm still want to be a Network Engineer.
Nice! Good luck on your journey
Oh i did see That video iT really did change my perspecTive.
What has changed into your perspective?
My two cents: no offense.. it’s not like no one wants to be a network administrator / engineer. The corporate world always reorganize and follow itil or service desk as a service the more company just ignore the lower tier agents who have experience and motivation to live up but just hire new people with only certs and no hands on. I’ve been in that situation thee times in three jobs. Degrees mean nothing to the corporate environment.
Degrees are useless and certs as your main weapon in your resume! This is old news. Not sure why miss this. Like what I mentioned, better to start working with VARs. No ITIL and other BS.
Degrees are not useless . Most well playing cloud positions ask for an education . The chances of going from no experience to cloud engineering making 200k is only possible with 5-10 years of network IT experience, or u can get a CS degree and join devops or cloud engineer right after college.
If you’re older and can’t this of course is valid . But if you are a young person you will end up working under a person with the degree . You can still be that person yourself
Many people confuse not required to not assisting . Just because Microsoft or google doesn’t require a degree , doesn’t mean over 90% of the people there don’t have one . More doors will open if you can get a good degree in engineering or computer science or hard science like physics. This will allow you to go into AI if you want , network if you want , software if you want , cyber security if you want . With the knowledge you gain you will be able to take on almost any technology position with only a short introduction to that specific domain .
People cry over every damn thing. Networking isn't a popular topic that's talked about now. That's all. It's really that simple. People also want jobs so they gravitate to the most popular and in-demand need at the time.
Networking engineering jobs are transforming but why would someone say the role is dying? I don't think they know what that means.
Agree. Younger generation would choose the more popular roles like cybersecurity
People are just over exaggerating about “role is dying”
Reason. Everything can be done by Automation
For kids and young professionals, thats their reason? “I dont want to be a Network Engineer because everything can be don by automation”?
I think it is more of "Because of cloud". Personally, I think it is much easier, there is more money and it is much dynamic where you get better chance to coordinate with other engineers like software and devops engineers (in short it is not boring)
Nice topic. Are u filipino?
Thanks man! Appreciate the support!
Subscribed
No one likes network engineers. they like security engineers less though, and they like designers even less than that.
We slow down dev ops from going out and making shiney apps in an agile way because we need time to build your infrastructure for you. We have audits and regulations to follow.
AND the sales people keep telling everyone "its all plug and play" and then we say nooooooooo!
Hmmm! When I was a network engineer . I never really thought if I am liked by the other groups. I dont thinks thats the reason why “no one wants be a network engineer”
When you say "we slow down dev ops". Are you guys saying that devops is less priority for your team/organization?
What a negative perspective... Network engineers are not that bad. We are the jetsetters of the internet we are the Net in interNet. Truth is, without network engineers you wouldn't be able send the comments that you are sending right now.... Can we have some respect for the network engineers please
@@kagisogaelesiwe1805 Ive never met anyone who thinks network engineers are lame, just people who think its akin to magic. Including some cyber security people who don’t understand DNS or DHCP 🤦🏿♂️
Learn programming and upgrade your logic, then everything will be easy for you to learn .
Some people cant understand programming though. I’ve seen super smart Network Engineers and Tech managers and doest have the patience to learn programming.
5k views in weeks is NOT viral.
It was more than 5k the 1st week. At their level of less than 3k subs and average of less than 100 views per video. It’s considered kinda viral.
@@StyxShow Yeah, we definitely have to look at their subscribers and average view counts.
I want to be a Network Engineer 🙋🏾♀️