Whats a good skill set to have with networking?

sizeon

What complements a CCNA? I was thinking either exchange or virtualization.

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Trifidw

In my job, a CCNP(voice).

Iristheangel

Depends on what you're doing. If you're going to be a JOAT or some sort of generalist, go for your MCSE. I have found that it's pretty useful to understand servers when you're working with the system admins

dave330i

Security or Voice.

StussyNz

dave330i wrote: »

Security or Voice.

Strongly agree.

Iristheangel

Technically CCNA/CCNP Voice and Security are encompassed in "networking." I think what the OP is trying to ask is for skillsets to learn on top of networking. If I'm completely wrong in my interpretation of what he's asking and he wants an extra networking specializations, then go for security or voice

KenC

I would say server admin knowledge, though I think in general before moving on to a more specialized area such as exchange.

SteveO86

Packet Analysis -Wireshark
Understanding various protocols SSH/HTTP/Telnet/FTP, compliments Packet Analysis
Understanding SNMP for management MIBs/OIDs

Having some knowledge of servers is great to have when dealing with systems admins/engineers and servers. MCSA/MCITP:SA (whichever it is now). In my opinion this a great move to compliment the networking knowledge.

Depending on your environment and what's in demand and interests you:

Security - Firewalls/IPS/dot1X/EAP authentications/IPSec
Wireless - Spectrum Analysis/802.11 knowledge
VoIP - QoS/Codecs/Video
Design/Architecture

All depends on the place you are at, and what skills your current position requires you to learn.

Network Warrior is great book to read after your CCNA, covers some real like scenarios the CCNA doesn't tell you about.

sizeon

Exactly what im asking. Im going to learn Windows server 2008 R2 then. Maybe go after exchange afterwards.

DevilWAH

Like Steve said, I would strongly recommend learning to use wire-shark. Learning it will force you to have an understanding of IT system across the board from the application level on a client down through the network layers and back up to the application layer on the server.

To be successful in using packet tracers you require a good general IT knowledge, it will contently throw up little bits n pieces that you have not come across that take a few minutes to Google and get the idea. and not only do you learn the ideas but how the work together.

Once of the best things that happen to me was that just as I started out in IT, I was given a enterprise level packet analysis tool to set up to monitor the company network and report on. learnt more from watching traffic flowing across the network from any other project I have carried out.

StussyNz

Also i'd reccomend getting some ITIL experience as this would complement your techincal skills quite well. - I'm planning to do the same thing.

boredgamelad

I recommend woodsman or jewelcrafting.

shodown

As I move up the chain my prospective on this has changed. The skill to have im my opinion is how to read and understand what you read, and how to speak and write in a language that others can understand. If you add that in to your daily mix you will really move further ahead than others. This is a big problem for me right now and I can say with confidence that this will keep me from moving into a network architect job for some time. If you start younger this will be second nature by the time you are ready to move up. The other one is dressing, I already had this one down cold, but for others out there start dressing better when you are meeting customers internal or external it matters.

Mrock4

What compliments a CCNA? IMO...the skill of effective verbal and written communication. So many people have trouble communicating effectively to both technical and non-technical personnel, that if you are able to do it somewhat well, you will stand out.

Of course I could have said "certification X"- but anyone can get a certification, being an effective communicator takes some practice (and patience), which most people overlook.

StussyNz

Mrock4 wrote: »

What compliments a CCNA? IMO...the skill of effective verbal and written communication. So many people have trouble communicating effectively to both technical and non-technical personnel, that if you are able to do it somewhat well, you will stand out.

Of course I could have said "certification X"- but anyone can get a certification, being an effective communicator takes some practice (and patience), which most people overlook.

I hope that plays a key role in my career. As well as possessing great techinal skills; My written and verbal communication skills are great to. I'm starting to think that maybe I should go into more of a Consulting/Project Management role rather than a Technical one. What are your thoughts on this? Surely some of the other members here might feel the same way?

shodown

If you can speak and write well you can get into pre-sales which can bring big money, and you also have the option of being a great team lead and possibly move into a practice manager or some other technical management track with those skills.

StussyNz

shodown wrote: »

If you can speak and write well you can get into pre-sales which can bring big money, and you also have the option of being a great team lead and possibly move into a practice manager or some other technical management track with those skills.

Pre-sales? Is that what the job title is usally titled as? I'd really like to do some more research into this job role.

shodown

In the us its usually titled pre-sales. They usually work with the sales team to keep them out of trouble with capabilities of the gear, and coming up with the right parts and license list. Some of them do light configuration. I know one guy who does at least 1 UC install a quarter to ensure he is staying sharp.

Michael2

I think you should definitely get the A+ so you have the knowledge needed to maintain hardware and operating systems. I didn't realize how important this was at first. If you are A+ certified, people know that they can go to you for a problem rather than calling someone else to take care of it. Additionally, you don't have to worry about being replaced by someone who has all the skills you have and is A+ certified. Networking is great, but companies might find more value in someone who can resolve hardware and software issues and do upgrades and installations.

WiseWun

boredgamelad wrote: »

I recommend woodsman or jewelcrafting.

loooool.

demonfurbie

negotiation and debating ... half of networking is explaining why you need stuff and professionally negotiation (ex ill give you a bigger mail box for approval on this router)

jibbajabba

demonfurbie wrote: »

negotiation and debating ... half of networking is explaining why you need stuff and professionally negotiation (ex ill give you a bigger mail box for approval on this router)

lol - sad but true ...

Project Management might be a good add-on too - so would ITIL be.

it_consultant

shodown wrote: »

In the us its usually titled pre-sales. They usually work with the sales team to keep them out of trouble with capabilities of the gear, and coming up with the right parts and license list. Some of them do light configuration. I know one guy who does at least 1 UC install a quarter to ensure he is staying sharp.

I looked at a pre-sales engineer position with Brocade, they required 12 years of experience, heavy configuration and migration knowledge. It depends, I suppose, on how the company handles the sales process. At Brocade the pre and post sales engineer are the same person. I will put my Brocade contact up against anyone in the networking world. He gets paid a lot and has a flexible schedule.

I have had the same experience with Avaya, their pre sales engineers are top performers. I only point this out so reasonable expectations can be made. I would expect to work in the trenches before you are working up BOMs for a network.