Top 12 Network Operations Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of a Network Operations Manager has become increasingly critical, demanding a unique set of skills to ensure seamless network functionality and optimize organizational performance. Crafting a compelling resume that highlights these essential skills is paramount for candidates aiming to stand out in the competitive job market and secure a position in network operations management.

Network Operations Manager Skills

1. Cisco IOS
2. Juniper Junos
3. BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
4. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
5. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
6. Wireshark
7. SolarWinds
8. VMware NSX
9. Python (for automation)
10. IPv6
11. QoS (Quality of Service)
12. SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN)

1. Cisco IOS

Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is a proprietary operating system that runs on most Cisco routers and switches, providing a rich set of network protocols and features for routing, switching, and security management.

Why It's Important

Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is crucial for a Network Operations Manager as it provides the core functionality and security features necessary for managing and ensuring the reliable operation of Cisco network devices across an enterprise infrastructure.

How to Improve Cisco IOS Skills

Improving Cisco IOS for a Network Operations Manager involves ensuring the operating system is optimized, secure, and up-to-date. Here are concise steps and resources for improvement:

1. Regular Updates: Periodically upgrade to the latest IOS version to patch vulnerabilities and improve performance. Cisco Software Central provides access to the latest updates.

2. Configuration Management: Use tools like Cisco's Network Services Orchestrator to automate configuration tasks, reducing human errors and ensuring consistency across devices.

3. Network Monitoring and Analysis: Deploy Cisco IOS Embedded Event Manager (EEM) for real-time monitoring and automated response to network events.

4. Security Hardening: Follow Cisco's IOS security configuration guides to enhance the security posture of your devices against potential threats.

5. Performance Optimization: Utilize Quality of Service (QoS) features to manage bandwidth and prioritize critical network traffic. Cisco's QoS solutions are detailed here.

6. Staff Training: Ensure your team is well-versed in Cisco IOS features and best practices through official Cisco Training and Certifications.

By focusing on these areas, a Network Operations Manager can significantly improve the performance, security, and reliability of networks running on Cisco IOS.

How to Display Cisco IOS Skills on Your Resume

2. Juniper Junos

Juniper Junos, officially known as Junos OS, is the proprietary network operating system used in Juniper Networks hardware, including routers, switches, and security devices. It provides a unified, consistent operating environment that supports a range of network services and applications, enabling streamlined network operations, configuration, and management for network operations managers.

Why It's Important

Juniper Junos is crucial for a Network Operations Manager as it offers a unified, stable, and feature-rich operating system that enhances network reliability, simplifies operations, and supports scalable, high-performance networking, crucial for efficient and secure network management.

How to Improve Juniper Junos Skills

Improving Juniper Junos for a Network Operations Manager involves several key strategies focused on enhancing performance, security, and manageability. Here's a concise guide:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update Junos to the latest version to leverage new features and security improvements. Juniper Networks Support

2. Automation: Utilize Junos automation capabilities to streamline network operations, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Implement scripts using Junos PyEZ or Ansible for automation tasks. Junos Automation

3. Performance Tuning: Optimize network performance by fine-tuning configurations, such as adjusting MTU sizes, reviewing routing policies, and ensuring proper QoS settings. Performance Tuning Guide

4. Security Hardening: Enhance security by following Juniper's security best practices, such as securing access to devices, enabling logging and monitoring, and applying relevant security updates. Junos Security Guide

5. Training and Certification: Encourage team members to pursue Juniper Networks Certification Program (JNCP) to enhance their skills and knowledge of Junos. Juniper Networks Certification Program

6. Leverage Juniper Community and Support: Engage with the Juniper community and utilize Juniper support for troubleshooting, best practices, and advice on complex network scenarios. Juniper Networks Community

Implementing these strategies will significantly improve the stability, security, and efficiency of networks running Junos, benefiting the organization's overall operational capabilities.

How to Display Juniper Junos Skills on Your Resume

3. BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the principal exterior routing protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems (AS) on the internet, enabling efficient, scalable, and robust global routing. It is critical for ensuring network stability, connectivity, and traffic optimization.

Why It's Important

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is crucial because it enables Internet-wide routing, ensuring data can navigate across disparate networks globally. This protocol is essential for managing how data packets are routed between and within autonomous systems (ASes), optimizing paths, maintaining network stability, and ensuring efficient, reliable internet connectivity. For a Network Operations Manager, BGP is vital for controlling the flow of traffic, ensuring redundancy, and optimizing network performance and costs.

How to Improve BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) Skills

Improving BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) efficiency and security is crucial for network stability and performance. Here are concise strategies tailored for a Network Operations Manager:

1. Implement Filtering: Use prefix filtering to only allow routes from expected prefixes, and AS_PATH filtering to restrict routes from unauthorized Autonomous Systems (AS). BGP Filtering Guide

2. Adopt RPKI: Implement Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) to validate BGP routes, ensuring they are coming from authorized AS. This significantly reduces the risk of route hijacking. RPKI Explained

3. Enable BGP Route Flap Damping: This reduces the propagation of unstable routes across the network, improving overall stability. However, use it with caution to avoid suppressing legitimate route announcements. Route Flap Damping

4. Leverage BGP Multipath: Use BGP Multipath to increase redundancy and bandwidth by allowing multiple paths to the same destination. BGP Multipath

5. Monitor and Analyze BGP Data: Regularly monitor BGP sessions and analyze traffic patterns using network monitoring tools. This helps in identifying anomalies early. BGP Monitoring Tools

6. Secure BGP Sessions: Use MD5 authentication for BGP sessions to protect against unauthorized session establishment. BGP Session Protection

7. Participate in BGP Communities: Engage with BGP communities for shared insights and best practices, and to stay updated on the latest developments in BGP technology. NANOG

8. Continuous Education: Stay informed about the latest BGP features and security measures through ongoing education and training. Cisco BGP Training

Implementing these strategies will significantly enhance the security and efficiency of your BGP operations.

How to Display BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) Skills on Your Resume

4. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a high-performance network protocol that directs data from one network node to another based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, avoiding complex lookups in a routing table and speeding up traffic flow for high-performance telecommunications networks.

Why It's Important

MPLS is crucial for Network Operations Managers as it enhances network efficiency and performance by enabling fast, flexible, and reliable data packet routing based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, simplifying and speeding up traffic flow management across diverse and complex networks.

How to Improve MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) Skills

Improving MPLS efficiency and performance in a network involves several strategies, aimed at optimizing resource utilization, enhancing reliability, and improving traffic management. As a Network Operations Manager, consider the following concise steps:

1. Capacity Planning and Management: Regularly assess and adjust the bandwidth allocation based on usage trends to prevent congestion and ensure adequate resources for critical applications. Cisco's MPLS Capacity Planning guide provides insights into effective capacity management.

2. Quality of Service (QoS) Tuning: Implement and fine-tune QoS policies to prioritize traffic types, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need for optimal performance. Juniper's QoS for MPLS offers a comprehensive overview.

3. Network Redundancy and Failover: Enhance network reliability through the design of redundant paths and automatic failover mechanisms to minimize downtime during link failures. Understanding MPLS VPNs can help in planning for redundancy.

4. Periodic Performance Monitoring and Analysis: Implement monitoring tools and conduct regular performance analyses to identify bottlenecks or degradations, allowing for proactive adjustments. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is a tool that offers MPLS traffic monitoring and performance analysis.

5. MPLS Traffic Engineering (TE): Utilize MPLS TE to optimize network resource utilization and improve the efficiency of data flows across the MPLS network. This involves creating explicit paths for traffic that meet specific criteria for bandwidth and latency. Cisco's MPLS Traffic Engineering provides a guide on implementing MPLS TE.

6. VPN Management and Optimization: If using MPLS for VPNs, ensure efficient management and optimization of these networks, considering aspects like encryption overhead and route optimization. MPLS Layer 3 VPNs Configuration Guide can be a valuable resource.

7. Engage with Your MPLS Provider: Regularly communicate with your MPLS service provider to discuss potential improvements, updates, or optimizations based on your evolving business needs and technological advancements.

By focusing on these key areas, you can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of your MPLS network, ensuring it meets the demands of your organization's applications and services.

How to Display MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) Skills on Your Resume

5. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a standard protocol used to monitor and manage network devices, such as routers, switches, and servers, enabling a Network Operations Manager to oversee network performance, identify issues, and configure network devices remotely.

Why It's Important

SNMP is crucial for a Network Operations Manager because it allows for efficient monitoring and management of network devices, ensuring optimal network performance and reliability by providing real-time data and alerts on network health.

How to Improve SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Skills

Improving SNMP for a Network Operations Manager involves enhancing security, efficiency, and data accuracy. Here are concise strategies:

1. Upgrade to SNMPv3: Prioritize upgrading to SNMPv3 for its enhanced security features, including authentication and encryption, to safeguard against unauthorized access.

2. Regularly Update MIBs: Ensure Management Information Base (MIB) files are up-to-date for accurate device and network monitoring.

3. Optimize Polling Intervals: Adjust polling intervals to balance between timely data and minimizing network load, preventing unnecessary bandwidth consumption and system performance impact.

4. Implement SNMP Traps: Utilize SNMP traps for real-time alerts on network issues, reducing reliance on continuous polling.

5. Network Segmentation: Apply network segmentation to limit SNMP access to specific segments, enhancing security and reducing potential attack surfaces.

6. Use Secure Networks: Conduct SNMP traffic over VPNs or IPsec tunnels to protect data in transit.

7. Regular Audits and Access Control: Periodically audit SNMP access and configurations, and employ strict access control to ensure only authorized personnel can view or modify SNMP settings.

By focusing on these areas, a Network Operations Manager can significantly improve the effectiveness and security of SNMP within their organization.

How to Display SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Skills on Your Resume

6. Wireshark

Wireshark is a free, open-source packet analysis tool used for network troubleshooting, analysis, software and protocol development, and education, enabling users to capture and interactively browse the traffic running on a computer network.

Why It's Important

Wireshark is crucial for a Network Operations Manager as it allows for comprehensive real-time monitoring and analysis of network traffic, aiding in troubleshooting, security analysis, and optimizing network performance.

How to Improve Wireshark Skills

To improve Wireshark for a Network Operations Manager, focus on the following key areas:

1. Customize Display Filters: Tailor filters to your network's specific needs for more efficient analysis. Refer to the Wireshark Display Filters documentation to learn how to create and apply them.

2. Use Capture Filters: Limit data collection to relevant information right from the start, reducing the volume of data to analyze. Wireshark Capture Filters guide provides insights into setting up these filters.

3. Integrate with Network Management Systems: Automate alerts and integrate Wireshark data into broader network management solutions for real-time analysis. Explore tools like SolarWinds or PRTG for integration capabilities.

4. Enhance Skills through Training: Ensure your team is up to date with the latest Wireshark functionalities and best practices through official Wireshark Training Programs.

5. Contribute to and Leverage the Wireshark Community: Engage with the Wireshark community through the Wireshark Q&A site for shared insights, custom scripts, and troubleshooting support.

6. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Lua Scripts: Use Lua scripting to automate common analysis tasks, making the process more efficient. The Wireshark Lua API reference is a good starting point.

7. Regular Updates: Stay updated with the latest Wireshark versions to leverage new features and security patches. Check the Wireshark Download Page for the latest releases.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of Wireshark for network operations management.

How to Display Wireshark Skills on Your Resume

7. SolarWinds

SolarWinds is a comprehensive IT management software suite designed for network operations managers, offering tools for network monitoring, management, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and security of IT infrastructure.

Why It's Important

SolarWinds is important for a Network Operations Manager because it provides comprehensive network management and monitoring tools, enabling efficient identification and resolution of performance issues, ensuring network reliability and security, and optimizing overall network performance.

How to Improve SolarWinds Skills

Improving SolarWinds for a Network Operations Manager involves several key steps focused on optimization, customization, and security enhancement. Here's a concise guide:

1. Optimize Performance: Regularly review and adjust SolarWinds' polling frequencies, retention settings, and database maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance without overloading your network or server resources. SolarWinds Performance Optimization

2. Customize Dashboards: Tailor the SolarWinds dashboard to fit your specific monitoring needs. Use custom properties and SWQL queries to create more meaningful views and reports. Custom Dashboards

3. Enhance Security: Keep your SolarWinds platform secure by regularly updating to the latest versions, implementing strong access controls, and monitoring for unusual activities. SolarWinds Security Best Practices

4. Leverage Automation: Utilize SolarWinds' automation features like alerts, scripts, and API integrations to streamline operations and reduce manual efforts. Orion API

5. Educate Your Team: Ensure your team is up to date with SolarWinds training and certifications to leverage the platform fully. SolarWinds Academy

6. Engage with the Community: Join the SolarWinds THWACK community to share experiences, custom scripts, and get advice from other professionals. THWACK Community

By focusing on these areas, a Network Operations Manager can significantly improve the efficiency, security, and usability of their SolarWinds deployment.

How to Display SolarWinds Skills on Your Resume

8. VMware NSX

VMware NSX is a network virtualization and security platform that enables the creation, deployment, and management of a fully virtualized network infrastructure within a data center, providing agility, automation, and enhanced security features for complex networks.

Why It's Important

VMware NSX is vital for a Network Operations Manager as it provides a streamlined platform for network virtualization and security, enabling the creation, deployment, and management of a fully functional network infrastructure within software. This significantly enhances network flexibility, agility, and security while reducing complexity and operational costs.

How to Improve VMware NSX Skills

To improve VMware NSX for a Network Operations Manager, focus on the following strategies:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update to the latest version to benefit from new features and security enhancements. VMware Documentation provides release notes and upgrade guides.

2. Optimize Configuration: Review and optimize your NSX configuration for performance and security, following best practices. The NSX-T Design Guide is a valuable resource.

3. Network Segmentation: Implement micro-segmentation to enhance security and reduce the attack surface within your virtual environment. VMware's Micro-Segmentation Guide provides insights on achieving this.

4. Automate Processes: Utilize automation tools and scripts to streamline tasks like network provisioning, monitoring, and compliance checks, enhancing efficiency. Explore VMware's Automation Solutions for NSX.

5. Regular Training: Ensure your team is well-trained on NSX features and updates. VMware offers NSX Training and Certification programs.

6. Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Implement a robust monitoring and troubleshooting strategy using NSX tools and third-party solutions for real-time visibility. vRealize Network Insight is a comprehensive tool for this purpose.

7. Engage with Community and Support: Leverage the VMware Community and VMware Support for insights, troubleshooting tips, and best practices from other professionals. The VMware NSX Community is a great place to start.

By focusing on these areas, a Network Operations Manager can significantly improve the efficiency, security, and performance of VMware NSX in their organization.

How to Display VMware NSX Skills on Your Resume

9. Python (for automation)

Python is a versatile and widely-used programming language that simplifies automation, data analysis, and integration tasks for network operations, enabling efficient management and monitoring of network devices and services.

Why It's Important

Python is crucial for automation in network operations as it simplifies complex tasks, enhances efficiency, and reduces manual errors, allowing for more effective network management and monitoring.

How to Improve Python (for automation) Skills

To improve Python skills for automation, especially from the perspective of a Network Operations Manager, focus on mastering the following areas:

1. Core Python Proficiency: Strengthen the foundation by thoroughly understanding Python syntax and advanced concepts such as comprehension, decorators, and generators. Python Official Documentation is a reliable source.

2. Networking Libraries: Explore Python libraries like Netmiko, NAPALM, Paramiko, and PySNMP for network automation. Netmiko Documentation can get you started.

3. API Interaction: Learn to interact with network devices and management tools via APIs using requests or http.client. Automate tasks by integrating with REST APIs. The Requests: HTTP for Humans guide is invaluable.

4. Automation Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with frameworks like Ansible, SaltStack, or Nornir that support Python for network automation tasks. Nornir Documentation is a good resource.

5. Scripting Best Practices: Adopt coding standards and best practices for maintainability and scalability. The Google Python Style Guide offers excellent guidelines.

6. Version Control: Use Git for version control of your scripts and collaboration. The Pro Git Book is a comprehensive resource.

7. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest in Python and network automation by following blogs, participating in forums like Stack Overflow, and attending webinars/conferences.

By focusing on these areas and continually practicing and applying Python to real-world network automation challenges, you'll significantly enhance your skills and add value to your role as a Network Operations Manager.

How to Display Python (for automation) Skills on Your Resume

10. IPv6

IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP) designed to address the limitations of IPv4, notably its limited address space. It provides a vastly expanded address space, improved security features, and enhanced routing efficiency, facilitating the growing number of devices connecting to the internet and supporting the scalability of modern networks.

Why It's Important

IPv6 is crucial for a Network Operations Manager because it resolves IPv4 address exhaustion, supports a vastly larger number of devices with unique IP addresses, enhances network efficiency and security, and ensures future scalability and interoperability of the internet infrastructure.

How to Improve IPv6 Skills

Improving IPv6 deployment and operation involves several strategies focused on optimization, security, and efficiency. Here's a concise guide tailored for a Network Operations Manager:

1. IPv6 Adoption: Accelerate IPv6 adoption in your network by ensuring all devices and applications are IPv6 compatible. IPv6 Launch provides resources and guidance.

2. IPv6 Security: Implement IPv6-specific security policies. This includes configuring IPv6 firewall rules and understanding the nuances of IPv6 security. The Internet Society provides IPv6 security guidance.

3. IPv6 Training: Educate your team on IPv6 features and management. Free resources and training materials are available at RIPE NCC Learning.

4. Performance Monitoring: Use tools that support IPv6 to monitor performance and troubleshoot issues. CAIDA offers tools and resources for analyzing Internet traffic, which now includes IPv6.

5. Address Management: Efficiently manage your IPv6 addresses. Consider using IP Address Management (IPAM) tools that support IPv6. RIPE NCC's IPAM tool can be a good starting point.

6. Dual-Stack Approach: Implement a dual-stack network strategy where both IPv4 and IPv6 run simultaneously. This eases the transition and ensures compatibility. APNIC offers dual-stack deployment advice.

7. Quality of Service (QoS): Ensure QoS for IPv6 traffic is on par with IPv4. Prioritize critical services to maintain performance and reliability. Cisco provides a comprehensive guide on QoS with IPv6.

By focusing on these areas, you'll enhance the IPv6 capabilities of your network, ensuring it's secure, efficient, and future-proof.

How to Display IPv6 Skills on Your Resume

11. QoS (Quality of Service)

Quality of Service (QoS) is a network management technique that ensures optimal performance, reliability, and prioritization of network traffic, aiming to enhance user experiences by controlling bandwidth, reducing latency, and improving overall network efficiency.

Why It's Important

QoS is crucial as it ensures prioritization of critical network traffic, maintains optimal performance for essential applications, and minimizes latency, jitter, and packet loss, thereby guaranteeing reliability and efficiency in network operations.

How to Improve QoS (Quality of Service) Skills

Improving QoS (Quality of Service) in a network involves several strategies and tools to ensure efficient bandwidth usage, minimize latency, prioritize traffic, and ensure a reliable and high-quality experience for users. Here's a concise guide tailored for a Network Operations Manager:

1. Traffic Analysis and Classification: Begin by monitoring and analyzing your network traffic to identify types, priorities, and patterns. Tools like Wireshark (Wireshark) can help in capturing and analyzing packets.

2. Implement Traffic Shaping: Use traffic shaping techniques to control bandwidth allocation for different types of traffic, ensuring high-priority traffic gets the bandwidth it needs. Cisco's Traffic Shaping guide (Cisco) provides a detailed approach.

3. Prioritize Traffic with QoS Policies: Establish QoS policies that prioritize critical applications, especially real-time services like VoIP and video conferencing. This might involve setting up Differentiated Services (DiffServ) or using MPLS for more granular control.

4. Configure Congestion Management and Avoidance: Techniques such as Tail Drop, Random Early Detection (RED), and Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED) can help manage congestion before it becomes problematic. Cisco offers an in-depth discussion on these mechanisms (Cisco).

5. Deploy QoS on All Network Devices: Ensure QoS policies are implemented consistently across all network devices (routers, switches) to maintain end-to-end quality. Vendor-specific documentation, such as for Juniper Networks (Juniper), can offer device-specific guidance.

6. Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor network performance using tools like SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (SolarWinds) or PRTG Network Monitor (PRTG), and adjust QoS settings as needed to adapt to changing network conditions and requirements.

7. Educate and Communicate: Ensure all stakeholders understand the importance of QoS policies and how they can impact network performance. Clear communication can help manage expectations and ensure compliance with necessary policies.

By systematically analyzing, prioritizing, and managing network traffic, and by continuously monitoring network performance, a Network Operations Manager can significantly improve the Quality of Service across the network.

How to Display QoS (Quality of Service) Skills on Your Resume

12. SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN)

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a network technology that enables the management and operation of a WAN through software, allowing for more flexible, efficient, and secure routing of traffic across remote sites, data centers, and cloud services. It optimizes network performance and reduces operational costs.

Why It's Important

SD-WAN is important for a Network Operations Manager because it enhances network agility, improves performance for cloud applications, and offers centralized management across various WAN connections, leading to cost savings and increased efficiency in network operations.

How to Improve SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) Skills

Improving SD-WAN involves enhancing performance, security, and management. For a Network Operations Manager, key steps include:

1. Optimize Traffic Routing: Implement dynamic path selection for efficient data routing, reducing latency and improving performance. Consider using advanced algorithms for real-time path selection based on network conditions. Cisco provides insights on optimizing SD-WAN performance.

2. Enhance Security: Integrate advanced security features such as next-generation firewalls (NGFW), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and secure web gateways directly into your SD-WAN solution. Fortinet's SD-WAN security solutions offer comprehensive protection.

3. Improve Visibility and Control: Use centralized management tools for better visibility into network performance and easier control over your WAN infrastructure. VMware's SD-WAN solutions offer extensive management features.

4. Auto-Provisioning: Implement auto-provisioning of SD-WAN devices for scalable and flexible deployment. This reduces manual configuration errors and speeds up deployment. Silver Peak's SD-WAN solution highlights the importance of simplified deployment.

5. Regularly Update Policies: Regularly review and update policies for traffic routing, security, and access control to ensure they align with current business needs and threat landscapes.

6. Training and Support: Invest in training for your network operations team to ensure they're up-to-date with the latest SD-WAN technologies and best practices. Engage with vendor support for troubleshooting and optimization advice.

By focusing on these areas, a Network Operations Manager can significantly improve the efficiency, security, and manageability of their SD-WAN deployment.

How to Display SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) Skills on Your Resume