Cisco and Linux the perfect combo

JustFred

I switched from a mainly windows (Tech support) only career to pursue a career in networking last year. I'm now working for a company that does mostly network related projects and I'm loving it.

I'm also currently doing my CCNA and hoping to end up with a CCNP next year. I have also been enjoying working with Linux and i plan to get certified as well. I'm also studying for a BA in computer science and my aim is to focus on networking and Linux.

Anyway on to my original question,

Is this the perfect combo for a well rounded network career? I personally believe Cisco and Linux are just made for each other and will be a great career to pursue. What do you guys think?

chmod

I always say: Learn the foundations on how things work and then specialize a little in something(the how to).

If you learn the foundations and have solid base on how things work in depth then you can learn the vendor stuff/how to and get experience.

Regarding the job itself and certs, i think is great to work with both technologies they get along just fine and will help you build a solid foundation, so in the future you can learn other things.

ChooseLife

I find Windows + Cisco combo to be much more popular than Linux + Cisco - based on personal experience and from browsing job ads.

My take on it is that Windows + Cisco = smaller shops with jack-of-all-trades IT guys, whereas companies that use Linux tend to be larger and have more specialized technical teams.

I actually did both Linux and Cisco in the past, but as a result of wearing two hats at a company - the two roles had literally nothing in common and belonged to two different departments.

Disclaimer: That's just a personal opinion based on anecdotal experience.

onesaint

What ChooseLife said is pretty spot on from I've sen as well. That is, calls for MS and Cisco together more than Linux. Where Linux is showing up a lot is with virtualization and storage.

I hear what chmod said a lot as well. To reiterate, pick up a CCNA, Linux+, etc. to have a good foundation, but as you advance you'll want to refine your focus (e.g., systems engineering, storage admin, virtualization, etc.)

So, if networking is the ticket, make Linux your choice OS to Admin, but focus more on the Cisco / Juniper experience and studies.

NetworkVeteran

For me, it would be a horrible combo. Your server knowledge will come at the expense of your networking knowledge and vice-versa. The corporations with the budget to pay extreme salaries can afford elite specialists in each area. You know your area. If it's full of small to medium companies that need someone who knows some networking and some linux, then your path is golden.

JustFred

I'm not thinking about leaving windows totally behind, I intend to upgrade my MCSA 2003 to MCITP SA/EA some time this year. But I have been to most places like Hospitals, small shops and government agencies looking for that combo, and i figured as long as am into networking i may as well pick up on Linux too. I mean i use it at home and know my way around it but a cert would just be icing on the cake so to speak.

I also intend to learn Virtualization deeply (i Have a dell 1950 at home running esxi) but at my own pace and not now as my focus is really networking.