Top 12 Network Analyst Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the competitive field of network analysis, showcasing a robust set of skills on your resume is crucial for standing out to potential employers. This article highlights the top 12 skills that network analysts should emphasize to demonstrate their expertise and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of network technology.
Network Analyst Skills
- Cisco IOS
- Juniper Junos
- BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
- OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
- MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
- Wireshark
- SolarWinds
- Python (for automation)
- IPv6
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- QoS (Quality of Service)
1. Cisco IOS
Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is a proprietary operating system that runs on most Cisco routers and switches, providing a wide range of network protocols and functions for routing, switching, and network management.
Why It's Important
Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is crucial for a Network Analyst as it is the core operating system powering Cisco routers and switches, enabling the configuration, routing, and management of network infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient data communication across networks.
How to Improve Cisco IOS Skills
Improving Cisco IOS performance and security primarily involves regular updates, configuration optimization, and monitoring. Here’s a concise guide:
Update Regularly: Keep your Cisco IOS firmware updated to the latest version for security patches and performance improvements. Cisco Software Central is the go-to place for downloading the latest firmware versions.
Configuration Optimization: Optimize configurations for performance by enabling only necessary services and protocols. Use Cisco’s Configuration Professional for easier management.
Traffic and Resource Monitoring: Implement monitoring for network performance and resource utilization. Tools like Cisco’s NetFlow can provide valuable insights.
Security Hardening: Follow Cisco’s security best practices to harden your device against attacks. The Cisco Guide to Harden Cisco IOS Devices provides comprehensive steps.
Network Analysis and Troubleshooting Tools: Utilize network analysis tools for proactive troubleshooting. Wireshark is an excellent tool for packet analysis, helping identify network issues.
Automation and Scripting: Automate repetitive tasks and configurations using scripting tools like Ansible for Cisco devices to save time and reduce human error.
By following these strategies, a Network Analyst can significantly improve the performance and security of Cisco IOS devices in their network.
How to Display Cisco IOS Skills on Your Resume
2. Juniper Junos
Juniper Junos, also known as Junos OS, is a network operating system used on Juniper Networks hardware, including routers, switches, and security devices. It provides the foundational software platform that enables network analysts to configure, manage, and secure network infrastructure efficiently.
Why It's Important
Juniper Junos is important for a Network Analyst as it provides a consistent, stable, and feature-rich operating system for configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Juniper network devices, enhancing network performance, reliability, and security.
How to Improve Juniper Junos Skills
To improve Juniper Junos as a Network Analyst, focus on the following steps:
Stay Updated: Regularly check and upgrade to the latest Junos version to ensure you have the newest features and security improvements.
Automation: Leverage Junos’s support for automation with tools like PyEZ, Ansible, or Junos Space for efficient network management.
Configuration Management: Implement a robust configuration management strategy using Junos Space Network Director for real-time monitoring and management.
Security Practices: Enhance security by regularly updating firewall policies, using Juniper’s security features, and staying informed on the latest security advisories from Juniper.
Training and Certification: Improve expertise through Juniper’s training and certification programs to stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices.
Community Engagement: Participate in Juniper Networks Community forums to share insights, solve challenges, and learn from the experiences of other professionals.
By following these strategies and leveraging the provided resources, you can significantly enhance Juniper Junos's performance and reliability in your network environment.
How to Display Juniper Junos Skills on Your Resume
3. BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the core routing protocol used to exchange routing information across the internet, enabling ISPs and large organizations to route data between autonomous systems (ASes) efficiently. It determines the best paths for data transmission based on policies, reachability, and network conditions.
Why It's Important
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is crucial for enabling internet routing between autonomous systems (AS), ensuring global data exchange and connectivity by determining the best paths for data transmission across the internet.
How to Improve BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) Skills
Improving BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) involves enhancing its security, efficiency, and reliability. Here are concise strategies tailored for a Network Analyst:
Implement BGP Security Best Practices: Strengthen security by implementing Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) to validate route origins, using BGPsec for path validation, and deploying Anti-Spoofing measures. The Internet Society provides a comprehensive guide on BGP Best Current Practices.
Route Filtering and Management: Apply strict route filtering to prevent incorrect or malicious route announcements. Utilize prefix lists, AS path filters, and route maps effectively. The NANOG community offers insights on route filtering practices.
Use BGP Traffic Engineering Techniques: Implement techniques such as Multi-Exit Discriminators (MED), Local Preference, and AS Path Prepending to control traffic flow and optimize network performance. Cisco provides a primer on BGP traffic engineering.
Employ Redundancy and Failover Strategies: Enhance reliability through redundant connections and BGP session configurations for automatic failover. The RIPE Network Coordination Centre discusses BGP failover strategies.
Regularly Monitor and Audit BGP Sessions: Use network monitoring tools to track BGP session health, performance metrics, and anomaly detection. BGPmon is a tool designed for this purpose, providing insights on monitoring BGP sessions.
Participate in Peering Forums and Communities: Engage with peering forums and communities, like PeeringDB and regional Internet registry meetings, to stay informed on best practices and trends. PeeringDB is a valuable resource for finding peering partners.
Continuous Education and Training: Stay updated with the latest BGP features and best practices through training and certification programs. The Cisco Learning Network offers resources on BGP design and implementation.
Implementing these strategies requires a proactive approach to network design, regular auditing, and a commitment to industry best practices.
How to Display BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) Skills on Your Resume
4. OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a dynamic routing protocol used in IP networks to find the shortest path for data packets to travel between nodes. It uses a link-state routing algorithm to efficiently route traffic within an autonomous system.
Why It's Important
OSPF is crucial for a Network Analyst as it enables dynamic routing within large and complex networks, ensuring efficient and reliable data packet delivery through the calculation of the shortest path between nodes, enhancing network performance, scalability, and fault tolerance.
How to Improve OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) Skills
To improve OSPF performance in your network, consider the following strategies:
Network Design: Optimize your network design by using a hierarchical structure with areas to reduce the size of the routing table and limit the scope of link-state updates. Hierarchical OSPF Design.
Area Types: Use different OSPF area types (Stub, Not-So-Stubby Area (NSSA)) to control route propagation and reduce the amount of routing information. Understanding OSPF Areas.
Timers Adjustment: Adjust OSPF timers (Hello and Dead intervals) to improve convergence times, but be cautious as improper settings can lead to instability. OSPF Timers.
Route Summarization: Implement route summarization at area boundaries to decrease the size of the routing table, reducing memory and CPU usage on routers. Route Summarization in OSPF.
Cost Manipulation: Adjust the OSPF cost of interfaces to influence path selection for more efficient traffic flow. Configuring OSPF Costs.
Authentication: Use OSPF authentication to improve network security and prevent unauthorized route advertisement. OSPF Authentication Configuration.
By carefully implementing these strategies, you can enhance OSPF performance, reliability, and security in your network.
How to Display OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) Skills on Your Resume
5. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a high-performance telecommunications networking mechanism that directs data from one network node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, avoiding complex lookups in a routing table and speeding up traffic flow for efficient data transmission. It supports a variety of access technologies and enables scalable, protocol-independent transport for both IPv4 and IPv6.
Why It's Important
MPLS is important because it enhances data flow efficiency across networks by directing packets using short path labels rather than complex network addresses, reducing latency and improving traffic management for applications requiring high-quality performance.
How to Improve MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) Skills
Improving MPLS performance in your network involves several strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency, reliability, and scalability. Below are concise steps for a Network Analyst:
Optimize the Network Design: Ensure your MPLS network topology is designed for optimal traffic flow and redundancy. This involves strategically placing core and edge routers and considering the shortest path first (SPF) algorithm for routing. Cisco MPLS Design Guide
Implement Traffic Engineering (TE): Use MPLS TE to control the path traffic takes through the network, maximizing bandwidth usage and improving performance. This involves setting up explicit paths for traffic flows, which can be adjusted based on network load. Juniper Traffic Engineering Guide
Quality of Service (QoS) Tuning: Apply QoS policies to prioritize traffic based on type, ensuring critical applications (like VoIP and video) have the necessary bandwidth and low latency. This involves marking, policing, and shaping traffic. MPLS QoS Configuration Guide
Capacity Planning and Management: Regularly monitor network traffic and perform capacity planning to ensure the MPLS network can handle current and future demands. This involves using network monitoring tools to predict growth and plan upgrades accordingly. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
Layer 3 VPNs for Segmentation: Utilize MPLS Layer 3 VPNs to segment network traffic, improving security and traffic management. This allows for the creation of virtualized networks over the MPLS backbone. MPLS Layer 3 VPNs Configuration Guide
Implement Fast Reroute (FRR): Use MPLS FRR to quickly reroute traffic in case of a link or node failure, minimizing downtime and ensuring high availability. MPLS Fast Reroute Guide
Regularly Update and Patch: Keep all network devices updated with the latest firmware and software patches to protect against vulnerabilities and ensure optimal performance.
Improving MPLS involves a combination of strategic planning, ongoing management, and the use of advanced MPLS features like TE, QoS, and FRR. By focusing on these areas, you can enhance the performance, reliability, and scalability of your MPLS network.
How to Display MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) Skills on Your Resume
6. Wireshark
Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer tool that captures and displays data packets on a network in real-time, allowing network analysts to monitor, troubleshoot, and analyze network traffic.
Why It's Important
Wireshark is crucial for Network Analysts as it allows for in-depth inspection and analysis of real-time network traffic, enabling the identification and troubleshooting of network issues, security breaches, and performance bottlenecks.
How to Improve Wireshark Skills
Improving your Wireshark skills as a Network Analyst involves mastering its features, leveraging external resources for learning, and staying updated with the latest network analysis trends. Here's a concise guide:
Master the Basics: Ensure you understand how to capture and analyze packets effectively. Start with Wireshark's User Guide.
Learn Advanced Features: Delve into advanced features like display filters, color coding, and custom configurations. The Wireshark Display Filter Reference is invaluable.
Utilize Plugins: Enhance Wireshark's capabilities with plugins. Explore available ones at the Wireshark Plugin Docs.
Automate Tasks: Learn to automate repetitive tasks using tools like TShark. Guidance can be found in the TShark Documentation.
Stay Updated: Network technologies evolve; keep your knowledge current by following the Wireshark Blog and joining relevant Wireshark Forums.
Practice Regularly: Sharpen your skills through regular practice on various network scenarios. Websites like PacketTotal offer real-world pcap files for analysis.
Join Workshops and Webinars: Participate in workshops and webinars for hands-on learning. Wireshark University offers various training options.
Earn Certifications: Consider earning Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA) certification to validate your expertise. Check the WCNA Certification Overview for details.
By following these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you can significantly enhance your Wireshark skills and effectiveness as a Network Analyst.
How to Display Wireshark Skills on Your Resume
7. SolarWinds
SolarWinds is a software company that provides a suite of network, systems, and IT infrastructure management tools, enabling network analysts to monitor, visualize, diagnose, and manage the performance and health of their networks and connected devices.
Why It's Important
SolarWinds is important for a Network Analyst because it provides comprehensive network monitoring and management tools, enabling efficient identification, diagnosis, and resolution of network performance issues and outages, thereby ensuring optimal network performance and reliability.
How to Improve SolarWinds Skills
To improve SolarWinds as a Network Analyst, focus on the following key areas:
Optimize Configuration: Regularly review and fine-tune SolarWinds configuration settings to ensure optimal performance. Utilize the Configuration Wizard for guidance.
Network Performance Monitoring (NPM): Enhance network visibility and troubleshooting capabilities by leveraging SolarWinds NPM. Customize dashboards for real-time analytics.
Utilize NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA): Implement NTA to analyze network traffic patterns and identify bandwidth hogs.
Automate Alerts: Set up intelligent alerts to proactively monitor network health and automate notification processes.
Network Configuration Manager (NCM): Use NCM to automate device configuration backup, manage changes, and ensure compliance across the network.
Regular Software Updates: Stay updated with the latest SolarWinds releases and patches to enhance features and secure the environment. Visit the SolarWinds Customer Portal for updates.
Training and Community Engagement: Enhance your expertise by participating in SolarWinds training programs and engaging with the THWACK community for tips, scripts, and best practices from peers.
By focusing on these strategies, you can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SolarWinds in your role as a Network Analyst.
How to Display SolarWinds Skills on Your Resume
8. Python (for automation)
Python is a versatile, high-level programming language widely used by Network Analysts for automating repetitive network configuration, monitoring tasks, and analyzing network data, due to its readability, vast library support, and strong community.
Why It's Important
Python is important for automation, especially for a Network Analyst, because it simplifies the process of managing and configuring network devices, enables rapid development of scripts for repetitive tasks, and facilitates data analysis and visualization, improving efficiency and accuracy in network operations.
How to Improve Python (for automation) Skills
Improving Python skills for automation, especially for a Network Analyst, involves focusing on Python libraries and tools that are tailored for network automation tasks. Here are concise steps to enhance your Python automation skills:
Learn Python Basics: Ensure you have a strong foundation in Python basics. Focus on data structures, control flow, and functions. Python Official Tutorial.
Understand Network Automation Libraries: Explore and master libraries like Netmiko, NAPALM, and Paramiko for device connections and operations.
Use Ansible for Automation: Incorporate Ansible, a powerful tool that uses Python, for more advanced network automation tasks.
Practice with Real Scenarios: Apply your knowledge on real network setups or virtual labs. Automate repetitive tasks such as configurations, backups, and monitoring.
Explore APIs: Many network devices and services offer APIs. Learn to use Python to interact with REST APIs for automation beyond device CLI.
Version Control: Use Git to manage your scripts and collaborate with others. This is crucial for tracking changes and working in team environments.
Continuous Learning: The world of network automation is always evolving. Stay updated with the latest tools and libraries by following blogs, forums, and GitHub repositories.
By focusing on these areas, you'll significantly improve your Python automation skills relevant to network analysis and operations.
How to Display Python (for automation) Skills on Your Resume
9. IPv6
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the latest version of the Internet Protocol (IP), designed to replace IPv4. It provides a vastly increased address space, supporting approximately 3.4×10^38 unique IP addresses, enhanced security features, and improved efficiency for routing and network autoconfiguration, addressing the need for more internet addresses and supporting the growth of the Internet infrastructure.
Why It's Important
IPv6 is crucial for a Network Analyst because it addresses IPv4 exhaustion by providing a vastly larger address space, supports improved network security and efficiency, and enables direct end-to-end connectivity essential for modern internet services and IoT devices.
How to Improve IPv6 Skills
Improving IPv6 in a network environment involves several strategies focusing on performance, security, and deployment efficiency. Here's a concise guide for a Network Analyst:
IPv6 Address Planning: Develop a scalable addressing plan to optimize routing efficiency and simplify management. IPv6 Address Planning: Guidelines.
Security Enhancement: Implement IPv6-specific security policies and tools, considering the protocol's unique characteristics. Enable and configure IPv6 firewall features. IPv6 Security Best Practices.
Quality of Service (QoS): Ensure QoS for IPv6 traffic is at par with IPv4 by configuring QoS policies that recognize and prioritize IPv6 packets. IPv6 QoS Configuration.
IPv6 Transition Mechanisms: Choose suitable IPv6 transition mechanisms like Dual Stack, NAT64, or 6to4 tunnels, based on your network's specific requirements and readiness. IPv6 Transition Mechanisms.
Performance Monitoring and Tuning: Regularly monitor IPv6 traffic and performance. Use network analysis tools to identify and address bottlenecks or inefficiencies. IPv6 Performance Monitoring Tools.
Training and Awareness: Ensure network staff are trained on IPv6 features, security implications, and troubleshooting techniques. IPv6 Training Resources.
By focusing on these areas, a Network Analyst can effectively improve IPv6 implementation and operation within their network.
How to Display IPv6 Skills on Your Resume
10. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a networking protocol used for collecting and organizing information about managed devices on IP networks, and for modifying that information to change device behavior. It enables network analysts to monitor network performance, detect network faults, and manage network configurations.
Why It's Important
SNMP is essential for a Network Analyst as it enables the monitoring and management of network devices (routers, switches, servers) by collecting and organizing their operational data, thus facilitating network performance analysis, fault diagnosis, and configuration management efficiently.
How to Improve SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Skills
Improving SNMP performance and security involves several strategies tailored for Network Analysts. Here are concise recommendations:
Use SNMPv3: Upgrade to SNMPv3 for enhanced security features like authentication and encryption, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Limit Access: Implement Access Control Lists (ACLs) to restrict SNMP access to authorized devices and users only. Cisco's guide on SNMP ACLs provides a practical approach.
Regularly Update Devices: Ensure network devices are up-to-date with the latest firmware and patches to address known vulnerabilities. This SNMP Best Practices Guide emphasizes the importance of regular updates.
Segment SNMP Traffic: Isolate SNMP traffic within a dedicated VLAN or network segment to reduce exposure to potential attackers. This guide discusses configuring SNMP securely, which can aid in traffic segmentation.
Monitor and Audit: Regularly monitor SNMP traffic and audit logs to detect unusual activities. Tools like Nagios for monitoring and Graylog for log management can be invaluable.
Change Default Community Strings: Avoid using the default community strings; always change them to unique, complex values. This SNMP configuration tutorial details the process.
Use Secure Protocols for SNMP Management: When managing SNMP, utilize secure protocols like SSH or VPN to encrypt management sessions. OpenVPN offers a secure method for creating VPNs.
Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance the security and efficiency of SNMP within a network.
How to Display SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Skills on Your Resume
11. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure communication channel that encrypts data traffic between a user's device and the internet, effectively creating a private network over public internet infrastructure, allowing for secure remote access to network resources and protection of data in transit.
Why It's Important
A VPN is important for a Network Analyst as it ensures secure and encrypted connections over less secure networks, such as the internet, facilitating safe data transmission and remote access to network resources, crucial for maintaining confidentiality and integrity in data communications and network security.
How to Improve VPN (Virtual Private Network) Skills
Improving a VPN's performance and security involves several steps, focusing on configuration, encryption, and network infrastructure. Here are concise tips for a Network Analyst:
Optimize Encryption: Choose strong but efficient encryption protocols. AES-256 is highly recommended for a balance between security and performance. OpenVPN and WireGuard are examples of protocols that offer such encryption.
Server Location and Load: Select a server closest to your geographical location to minimize latency. Use load balancing to prevent any single server from being overwhelmed. Tools like HAProxy can help in load balancing.
Split Tunneling: Implement split tunneling to route only necessary traffic through the VPN, reducing bandwidth and improving speed. This configuration guide from Cisco provides a good starting point.
Update and Maintenance: Regularly update VPN software and hardware to patch vulnerabilities and improve performance. Check vendor websites like Cisco or Fortinet for the latest updates.
Quality of Service (QoS): Configure QoS rules to prioritize VPN traffic, ensuring critical applications have the bandwidth they need. NetLimiter is a tool that can assist in managing traffic priorities.
Monitoring and Auditing: Use network monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks and unauthorized access attempts. Wireshark for packet analysis and Nagios for network monitoring are excellent tools for these purposes.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance security by requiring a second form of verification. Duo Security provides MFA solutions that can be integrated with many VPN services.
Educate Users: Ensure that all users are aware of best practices for using the VPN, including logging out when not in use and recognizing phishing attempts.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve the performance and security of your VPN infrastructure.
How to Display VPN (Virtual Private Network) Skills on Your Resume
12. QoS (Quality of Service)
Quality of Service (QoS) is a networking concept that prioritizes certain data traffic to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and availability, particularly for critical applications and services.
Why It's Important
QoS (Quality of Service) is crucial for prioritizing network traffic, ensuring the performance of critical applications, and managing bandwidth to prevent congestion, thereby improving the overall user experience and maintaining efficient, reliable network operations. This is essential for a Network Analyst to optimize network performance and guarantee service levels.
How to Improve QoS (Quality of Service) Skills
Improving QoS (Quality of Service) involves several strategic actions aimed at enhancing the performance and reliability of network services. Here’s a concise guide for a Network Analyst:
Assess Current Network Performance: Before making any changes, thoroughly analyze the current network performance metrics. Tools like Wireshark (Wireshark) or SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (SolarWinds NPM) can help in this assessment.
Define QoS Policies: Establish QoS policies that prioritize traffic based on its importance. Cisco’s QoS configuration guide (Cisco) offers insights into creating and implementing these policies.
Implement Traffic Shaping and Policing: Use traffic shaping and policing to manage bandwidth allocation effectively. This can prevent network congestion and ensure high-priority traffic gets the bandwidth it needs. A primer on these concepts can be found at Juniper Networks (Juniper).
Deploy QoS Mechanisms: Leverage QoS mechanisms like Class of Service (CoS), Differentiated Services (DiffServ), and Integrated Services (IntServ) to classify and manage traffic. A comprehensive overview is available at TechTarget (TechTarget).
Optimize VoIP and Critical Applications: Prioritize Voice over IP (VoIP) and other critical applications to ensure their performance is not compromised. This includes configuring appropriate QoS settings on network devices. For VoIP, Cisco’s guide (Cisco VoIP) provides valuable insights.
Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor network performance and adjust QoS settings as necessary. This ensures the network adapts to changing demands and maintains optimal performance. Consider using a comprehensive monitoring tool like PRTG Network Monitor (PRTG) for this purpose.
Educate and Communicate: Ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of QoS and adhere to best practices. Effective communication can help in managing expectations and in the smooth implementation of QoS policies.
By following these steps and leveraging the resources provided, a Network Analyst can significantly improve the QoS in their network environment, ensuring efficient and reliable network performance.
How to Display QoS (Quality of Service) Skills on Your Resume
