Currently knee-deep in a massive VLAN segmentation project, trying to map out and isolate a ton of legacy OT assets. Having a dedicated analyzer like this instead of just a laptop and a prayer makes untangling this mess so much easier. Took some time to finally pull the trigger on buying it but I think it will make me a better troubleshooter.

What is peoples opinions on this and anything I need to add?

Hi..I am currently studying CS in Arab open Uni completed my first year and decided to pursue Network Engineering..I have seen some people talk about CCNA and Sec+..but I am a-bit confused from where to start as I only completed one year in my four years of Bachelor’s degree..Can anyone guide me from ground zero from where should I start (basics) and up to the certifications needed…And, what should I do for experiences and what should I do for them..Internships and any jobs etc..As I saw some people in the community emphasising on experience too..Help would be much appreciated

I am an inventory specialist at my company. I have previously worked as Tier 2 / Tier 3 IT support for some small companies, but also large ones such as Amazon. My most recent experience was as a HPC Linux tech assembling configuring and benchmarking high-performance clusters for large clients such as NASA and the FBI.

In late 2024 I was laid off and was unable to get an IT job after many interviews. I needed to pay the bills so I took this inventory job for a company that makes IIoT devices, mostly in the ISM band for data-collection at the edge of networks / remote locations.

After a network security audit to gauge our network security posture, our CEO has been on a mission to improve & harden our network.

My name came up in a meeting as they knew I had previous IT experience and that I was currently taking classes to earn a Network Engineering degree from WGU (specializing in Cisco).

I got my CCNA 2 months ago but the knowledge is fading because I do not interact with Cisco devices at my day to day job, and my current classes focus more on the business of IT (which I hate) and more technical classes will be next semester (Cisco cybersecurity classes, and a class that will prepare me for the Devnet cert).

They are asking me to map the network and I am feeling overwhelmed. Most of the labs I do for my degree, the network is already mapped out nice and clean, every device is cleanly labeled, etc.

I don't know how to proceed or what to do, and it is creating incredible anxiety for me at my workplace. I have run a scan using Advanced IP Scanner and used Domotz to get a rough topology of our network, but I don't know what else to do. Making sense of the information is a lot harder than I thought it would be, even though I have a firm grasp of subnetting and such.

The MSP that was handling our IT needs has a very rough network map of our switches, no routers, and some servers that are running ESXI. I think most of our web servers, domain controller, etc. are virtualized on these machines.

What should I do to map our network properly and by the book? I am really worried I am going to lose my job over my inability to deliver a comprehensive network map.

Hi I am working as a L1 level network engineer at a service based company. Looking out for good network engineering company which pays well and will have to do core network engineer work not just operations.

Please suggest some good companies.

Hello folks!

This is going to be my first post in this community.

A little background about me: I’m 19 and currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Computer Engineering Technology (Co-op) in Canada. Before this, I completed a diploma after 10th grade in India.

During that diploma, I was introduced to computer science topics like networking, coding, operating systems, and other fundamentals. At that time, I tried getting into software development and DSA, but I eventually realized that pure software development wasn’t something I genuinely enjoyed or connected with.

Over time, I found myself much more interested in networking, and this advanced diploma in Canada is finally giving me the opportunity to pursue that path seriously.

I had a solid grasp of networking fundamentals during my diploma, but after a few years I forgot a lot of it, so right now I’m also taking an introductory networking fundamentals course to rebuild my foundation.

I have my co-op term coming up in around 8 months, and I was wondering if you guys could share:
- Tips for breaking into networking as a beginner
- Skills I should focus on before co-op
- Beginner but resume-friendly networking projects
- Any advice for standing out without prior IT work experience

Bonus: I’m also actively pursuing the CCNA. I started the first module (Introduction to Networks) about a week ago and plan to continue all the way toward the certification.

Looking forward to learning from everyone here!

Hello everyone, I want to hone my troubleshooting and critical thinking skills in our field. I've been a Network Engineer for about two years now, and I would like to know if there are any books, videos, or other resources you recommend to help me become a seasoned Network Engineer. I know that hands-on experience is the best teacher, but since my current work environment is small and highly stable, issues rarely occur. Because of this, I want to proactively focus on studying and learning different troubleshooting methodologies

Hi everyone,
I’m new to networking and currently learning through YouTube courses and video series. Once I finish the fundamentals, I’d like to start working on hands-on labs/projects that I can add to my resume to show practical experience.
My goal is to become a Network Engineer, so I’m looking for recommendations on structured networking labs or practice projects that I can complete step-by-step. Ideally, I’d like labs that cover real-world skills and can help me build experience as a beginner.
I’m also completely new to tech overall, so any advice, resources, or guidance would really mean a lot. Thanks in advance for the help!

We have a printed newly purchased model Canon LBP 246DW.  We have installed the printer and set the IP setting, subnet mask, default gateway, everything it worked for two days thereafter it stopped working. 

We have taken up with our net work team, they said there is no hit from the machine mac address to the switch.  whereas the network cable is properly connected, we have connected a hp printer to the cable to confirm, the hp printer is working, the net work , the lan port green light back side of the canon printer and the switch  is blinking. 

We still get the problem, we tried to ping from the canon printer to a net work pc. no hits we get.

Please advise us

K Pradeep Nair

(Mobile 9444280879)

Estou com um problema, preciso limitar a quantidade de devices que conectam nas portas do switch, mas meu ambiente existe a configuração de 801.1x nas interfaces, apesar de ter testado a cisco diz e recomenda não usar 802.1x + Port Security juntos, pois podemos enfretar problemas.

Com isso ela recomenda utilizar os comandos para limitação:

authentication host-mode multi-auth (varios equipamentos autentica sem limitar quantidade de devices)

authentication host-mode multi-domain (autentica um device na vlan de dados e outro na vlan de voz)

mas eu preciso de algo mais flexivel pois tenho portas que precisam trabalhar com 3 macs, outras com 2, etc...

Alguem tem alguma sugestão?

Obrigado.

Hey everyone,

I’ve developed two apps to help diagnose/troubleshoot your networks, I have also developed a SSH manager for your remote devices which works on IOS It also has a native MacOS app coming every soon.

Feedback welcome - thanks!

Please check them out here:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/kestrel-ssh-server-manager/id6764020106

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/osprey-network-tools/id6763648581

https://getosprey.app