Top 12 NOC Analyst Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the fast-evolving landscape of network operations, a NOC Analyst stands at the forefront of ensuring uninterrupted service and peak performance of IT systems. Crafting a resume that highlights key skills tailored to this role is crucial for candidates aiming to stand out in a competitive job market, demonstrating their capability to monitor, manage, and resolve network issues effectively.

NOC Analyst Skills

1. Wireshark
2. SolarWinds
3. Nagios
4. Splunk
5. Cisco IOS
6. Juniper Junos
7. BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
8. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
9. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
10. PowerShell
11. Linux
12. VMware

1. Wireshark

Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer tool that allows NOC Analysts to capture and inspect live data packets across a network, aiding in troubleshooting, analysis, and monitoring of network performance.

Why It's Important

Wireshark is important for an NOC Analyst because it provides deep packet analysis, enabling the identification and troubleshooting of network issues, optimization of network performance, and ensuring network security through detailed inspection of network traffic.

How to Improve Wireshark Skills

Improving your expertise with Wireshark as an NOC Analyst involves enhancing both your understanding of the tool and your ability to interpret the data it provides effectively. Here are concise tips:

1. Enhance Protocol Knowledge: Deepen your understanding of network protocols to better analyze captured data. The Wireshark User's Guide is a great starting point.

2. Custom Filters: Learn to create and use custom filters for efficient analysis. The Wireshark Display Filters documentation can guide you.

3. Use Expert Infos: Utilize the Expert Infos feature for quick identification of potential issues. Explore the Expert Info section in the Wireshark guide.

4. Keyboard Shortcuts: Improve efficiency with keyboard shortcuts. Familiarize yourself with them in the Wireshark User's Guide.

5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest features and best practices by following the Wireshark Blog and participating in Wireshark Q&A.

6. Automation with TShark: Automate repetitive tasks with TShark, Wireshark’s command-line counterpart. Begin with the TShark Tutorial.

7. Enroll in Courses: Consider enrolling in specialized courses or obtaining certifications like the WCNA (Wireshark Certified Network Analyst). Wireshark University offers a variety of learning paths.

By following these steps and continuously practicing, you can significantly improve your proficiency with Wireshark, making you a more effective NOC Analyst.

How to Display Wireshark Skills on Your Resume

2. SolarWinds

SolarWinds is a software company that provides powerful and affordable IT management software, including tools for network and infrastructure monitoring, making it a valuable asset for NOC (Network Operations Center) Analysts in overseeing and ensuring the performance and reliability of networks and systems.

Why It's Important

SolarWinds is important for an NOC Analyst because it provides comprehensive network monitoring and management tools, enabling efficient identification, troubleshooting, and resolution of network performance issues and outages, ensuring optimal network uptime and performance.

How to Improve SolarWinds Skills

Improving SolarWinds for an NOC Analyst involves streamlining monitoring, optimizing alerts, and enhancing reporting. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Optimize Monitoring: Fine-tune SolarWinds modules to monitor critical infrastructure components efficiently. Focus on device performance, network health, and application uptime. Use SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) for comprehensive network monitoring.

2. Refine Alerting: Customize alert thresholds to reduce noise and focus on critical issues. Utilize SolarWinds Alert Central for managing alerts across various SolarWinds products.

3. Enhance Reporting: Create detailed and actionable reports. Leverage SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) for automated reports on network configuration and compliance.

4. Automate Responses: Implement automated actions for common issues using SolarWinds’ Orion Platform. This can speed up resolution times and reduce manual intervention.

5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest SolarWinds training and certifications. Refer to SolarWinds Academy for courses ranging from basic to advanced topics.

6. Engage with the Community: The THWACK Community is a great resource for sharing knowledge, scripts, and custom alert configurations with other SolarWinds users.

By focusing on these areas, an NOC Analyst can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SolarWinds within their organization.

How to Display SolarWinds Skills on Your Resume

3. Nagios

Nagios is a powerful, open-source monitoring tool used by NOC Analysts to oversee networks, systems, and infrastructure, enabling the detection and resolution of IT infrastructure problems before they affect critical business processes.

Why It's Important

Nagios is crucial for an NOC Analyst as it provides comprehensive monitoring and alerting for networks, systems, and infrastructure, enabling proactive issue resolution and minimizing downtime.

How to Improve Nagios Skills

Improving Nagios for an NOC Analyst involves enhancing its configuration, integrating advanced tools, and implementing best practices for effective monitoring and alert management. Here are concise steps with resources for each:

1. Optimize Configuration: Streamline your Nagios configuration for efficient monitoring. Focus on organizing your configuration files for easier management and scalability. Nagios Core Documentation provides insights into configuration optimization.

2. Implement Advanced Plugins: Extend Nagios capabilities with custom or community-developed plugins for more comprehensive monitoring. Explore Nagios Exchange for plugins that match your specific requirements.

3. Automate Incident Response: Use tools like Rundeck for automating common remediation tasks, reducing the time to resolve issues.

4. Enhance Visualization: Integrate Grafana or Kibana for advanced data visualization, providing better insights into your monitored environments. Grafana Integration offers a way to visualize Nagios data effectively.

5. Enable Effective Alerting: Implement smarter alerting mechanisms with tools like PagerDuty or OpsGenie to ensure alerts are timely and actionable.

6. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest Nagios features and best practices by frequently visiting the Nagios Library.

By following these steps and leveraging the linked resources, an NOC Analyst can significantly improve their Nagios setup for more efficient and effective monitoring and incident management.

How to Display Nagios Skills on Your Resume

4. Splunk

Splunk is a software platform used for searching, monitoring, and analyzing machine-generated data via a web-style interface, particularly useful for NOC Analysts in troubleshooting, security, and operational intelligence tasks.

Why It's Important

Splunk is important for an NOC Analyst because it enables real-time monitoring, searching, and analysis of vast amounts of machine data, helping in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving operational issues and security threats efficiently.

How to Improve Splunk Skills

Improving Splunk for an NOC Analyst involves enhancing data ingestion, optimizing searches, and ensuring effective monitoring and alerting. Focus on tailored dashboards for real-time visibility, efficient search query optimizations, and integrating AI for predictive analytics. Prioritize training for advanced features utilization.

1. Optimize Data Ingestion: Streamline data sources and ensure logs are clean and structured for efficient processing. Splunk Data Optimization

2. Search Efficiency: Utilize saved searches, scheduled searches, and macros to reduce search times and improve resource usage. Search Best Practices

3. Custom Dashboards: Create custom dashboards tailored to the NOC's needs for real-time monitoring and quick decision-making. Building Dashboards

4. Alerts and Monitoring: Set up proactive alerts based on thresholds relevant to NOC operations to enable quicker response times. Alerts in Splunk

5. AI and Machine Learning: Leverage Splunk’s AI and machine learning capabilities for predictive analytics to foresee and mitigate potential issues. AI in Splunk

6. Training and Certification: Encourage continuous learning and certification in Splunk for the NOC team to stay updated with the latest features and best practices. Splunk Education

Improving Splunk's efficiency and efficacy directly impacts an NOC Analyst's ability to monitor, analyze, and respond to network operations challenges.

How to Display Splunk Skills on Your Resume

5. Cisco IOS

Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is the software platform that runs on most Cisco routers and switches, providing network infrastructure, routing, and switching capabilities. It enables network connectivity, security, and management for devices within a network.

Why It's Important

Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is crucial for an NOC Analyst as it provides the software infrastructure for routing, switching, and networking functions across Cisco devices, enabling efficient network management, monitoring, and security enforcement.

How to Improve Cisco IOS Skills

Improving Cisco IOS involves various strategies focusing on optimization, security, and maintenance. As an NOC Analyst, your goal is to ensure the network operates efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime. Here are concise steps to improve Cisco IOS:

1. Update and Upgrade: Regularly check and apply the latest Cisco IOS updates to fix vulnerabilities, add features, and improve performance.

2. Configuration Management: Use tools like Cisco DNA Center for configuration management, ensuring consistent settings across devices and simplifying rollback in case of issues.

3. Network Monitoring and Analysis: Implement continuous monitoring with Cisco Prime Infrastructure to detect and address performance bottlenecks, unusual traffic patterns, or security threats promptly.

4. Security Hardening: Follow Cisco’s Security Best Practices to harden your devices against attacks. This includes implementing access control lists (ACLs), securing routing protocols, and using VPNs for secure remote access.

5. Traffic Optimization: Utilize Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize critical network traffic and ensure optimal performance for essential services. Refer to Cisco’s QoS Guidelines for best practices.

6. Automation and Scripting: Automate repetitive tasks and configurations using Cisco IOS scripting with tools like Python and Ansible. This reduces human errors and frees up time for more critical tasks.

7. Disaster Recovery Planning: Ensure you have a robust disaster recovery plan in place, including regular backups and a clear restoration procedure to minimize downtime during outages.

8. Training and Certification: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge on Cisco IOS features and best practices by pursuing Cisco Certifications relevant to your role.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve the performance, security, and reliability of your Cisco IOS-based network infrastructure.

How to Display Cisco IOS Skills on Your Resume

6. Juniper Junos

Juniper Junos, short for Juniper Networks Operating System, is a network operating system used on Juniper Networks devices, such as routers and switches. It provides routing, switching, and security features that are crucial for network operations and management, making it essential knowledge for an NOC (Network Operations Center) Analyst overseeing network infrastructure health and performance.

Why It's Important

Juniper Junos is important for an NOC Analyst because it offers a stable, scalable, and secure network operating system for managing Juniper network devices, enabling efficient network monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration management critical for maintaining optimal network performance and security.

How to Improve Juniper Junos Skills

Improving your skills in Juniper Junos as an NOC Analyst involves a blend of understanding the fundamentals, continuous learning, practical experience, and leveraging Juniper's resources. Here are concise steps with relevant resources:

1. Master the Basics: Begin with mastering Juniper Junos basics. Understand the CLI, routing protocols, and configuration basics.

   • Juniper Networking Fundamentals

2. Hands-on Practice: Utilize virtual labs for real-world configurations and troubleshooting.

   • Junos Genius

3. Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest Junos features and best practices.

   • Juniper Technical Documentation

4. Automation: Learn Junos automation with PyEZ and other automation tools to streamline tasks.

   • Juniper Automation and Scripting

5. Official Training and Certification: Consider Juniper Networks Certification Program (JNCP) for structured learning and advancement.

   • Juniper Networks Certification Program

6. Join the Community: Engage with Juniper communities and forums for advice, scenarios, and solutions.

   • Juniper Networks Community

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can significantly improve your Junos skills and knowledge, contributing positively to your role as an NOC Analyst.

How to Display Juniper Junos Skills on Your Resume

7. BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is a core routing protocol that manages how packets are routed across the internet through the exchange of routing and reachability information among autonomous systems (ASes). For an NOC (Network Operations Center) Analyst, BGP is crucial for ensuring network stability, optimizing paths, and managing traffic flows efficiently across different networks.

Why It's Important

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is crucial for an NOC Analyst as it facilitates global routing decisions, ensuring internet data is efficiently directed across various autonomous systems, thereby maintaining internet stability and connectivity.

How to Improve BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) Skills

Improving BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) for an NOC Analyst involves enhancing security, stability, and efficiency of BGP operations. Here are concise strategies:

1. Implement BGP Security Measures: Utilize RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) to validate route origins, reducing the risk of route hijacking.

2. Apply BGP Best Practices: Adopt BGP best practices such as prefix filtering, AS path filtering, and max-prefix limits to prevent accidental route leaks and maintain a stable routing environment.

3. Use BGP Route Reflectors: Implement BGP route reflectors for scaling in large networks by reducing the number of BGP sessions.

4. Enable BGP Monitoring and Alerting: Leverage tools like BGPStream for real-time monitoring and alerting on BGP anomalies, helping in quick identification and resolution of issues.

5. Optimize BGP Configuration Management: Automate BGP configurations using tools like Ansible for consistent and error-free deployments across the network.

6. Participate in Peering Forums: Engage in peering forums and exchanges to establish direct routing relationships, improving path efficiency and redundancy.

7. Educate and Train Staff: Continually train NOC staff on BGP operations and troubleshooting to enhance the team's capability to manage and optimize BGP.

By focusing on these areas, an NOC Analyst can significantly improve the performance and security of their BGP operations.

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

8. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a high-performance network protocol 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 an NOC (Network Operations Center) Analyst, MPLS is crucial for managing and optimizing the flow of data across wide area networks (WANs), enhancing network efficiency, and reducing latency.

Why It's Important

MPLS is crucial for an NOC Analyst as it enhances network efficiency and performance by enabling high-speed, flexible, and scalable data packet forwarding based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, simplifying network management and improving overall service quality.

How to Improve MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) Skills

Improving MPLS performance, especially from an NOC (Network Operations Center) Analyst perspective, involves monitoring, optimizing, and ensuring the security of the MPLS infrastructure. Here are concise strategies to enhance MPLS:

1. Monitoring and Analysis: Continuously monitor MPLS performance using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or NetFlow analytics tools. Identifying and analyzing trends can help preempt issues. Tools like PRTG Network Monitor and SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer are effective for this purpose.

2. Optimize Routing: Implement advanced routing protocols (like OSPF, BGP) efficiently to manage paths and optimize the traffic flow. Ensure that the MPLS network paths are optimized for the best performance. Cisco’s guide on MPLS Configuration provides insights into effective routing setups.

3. QoS Implementation: Prioritize critical applications and traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) to improve overall network performance and user experience. QoS helps in managing bandwidth and reducing packet loss and latency. Cisco's QoS guide can be a helpful resource: Quality of Service Networking.

4. Regular Audits and Capacity Planning: Perform regular audits of the MPLS network to identify bottlenecks, outdated hardware, or configurations that need optimization. Capacity planning is crucial to anticipate growth and prevent performance degradation. Guidelines on capacity planning can be found in resources like Network Capacity Planning Strategies.

5. Enhance Security: Secure MPLS networks by implementing VPNs, encrypting data, and regularly updating hardware and software to protect against vulnerabilities. A comprehensive approach to MPLS security can be found in the Juniper Networks white paper: Secure MPLS.

6. Leverage MPLS Traffic Engineering: Use MPLS Traffic Engineering (TE) to control and optimize the flow of traffic within the network, thereby improving performance and efficiency. This involves creating explicit paths for traffic that are not solely based on the shortest path first (SPF) algorithm. A detailed overview can be explored through MPLS Traffic Engineering.

By adopting these strategies, an NOC Analyst can significantly improve the performance, reliability, and security of an MPLS network.

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

9. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a networking protocol used for the management and monitoring of network devices, enabling an NOC (Network Operations Center) Analyst to collect information, track performance, and detect problems across network infrastructure.

Why It's Important

SNMP is crucial for an NOC Analyst as it enables efficient monitoring and management of network devices, ensuring optimal performance and quick resolution of issues by providing real-time alerts and performance data.

How to Improve SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Skills

Improving SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for an NOC (Network Operations Center) Analyst involves enhancing security, efficiency, and data accuracy. Here are concise strategies:

1. Upgrade to SNMPv3: It provides better security features, including authentication and encryption, to protect against unauthorized access. Learn more about SNMPv3.

2. Utilize SNMP Management Tools: Employ comprehensive SNMP management tools for efficient monitoring and management of network devices. Tools like SolarWinds, PRTG, or Nagios offer advanced features. Explore SNMP Tools.

3. Regular Audits and Configuration Reviews: Regularly audit SNMP configurations and access controls to ensure they are up-to-date and secure. SNMP Best Practices.

4. Implement Network Segmentation: Segregate your network to limit SNMP access to only necessary devices and segments. Network Segmentation Guide.

5. Educate and Train Staff: Ensure that NOC analysts are trained in SNMP best practices, including secure configuration, monitoring techniques, and threat detection. SNMP Training Resources.

6. Monitor and Respond to SNMP Traffic: Use network monitoring tools to keep an eye on SNMP traffic, identifying and responding to unusual patterns that may indicate a security issue. Understanding SNMP Traffic.

By focusing on these strategies, an NOC Analyst can significantly improve the management and security of devices using SNMP within their network.

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

10. PowerShell

PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language. It is particularly useful for NOC Analysts for automating repetitive tasks, managing system configurations, and streamlining network operations.

Why It's Important

PowerShell is important for an NOC Analyst because it enables automated, efficient management and monitoring of network operations, allowing for rapid problem resolution and system maintenance.

How to Improve PowerShell Skills

Improving your PowerShell skills as an NOC Analyst involves focusing on automation, scripting, and efficient data management to streamline network operations and troubleshooting. Here are concise steps with resources:

1. Learn the Basics: Start with understanding PowerShell cmdlets, syntax, and basic scripting. Microsoft's PowerShell Documentation is an excellent starting point.

2. Master Scripting: Dive deeper into scripting to automate repetitive tasks. The PowerShell Scripting Guide on Microsoft Docs offers comprehensive insights.

3. Understand Error Handling: Incorporate error handling in your scripts to make them more robust. Check out Effective Error Handling in PowerShell Scripting for strategies.

4. Utilize Modules: Leverage PowerShell modules for network management tasks. The PowerShell Gallery is a great resource for finding and sharing modules.

5. Practice Advanced Techniques: Explore advanced PowerShell topics like Desired State Configuration (DSC) and working with APIs for more sophisticated automation solutions. The Advanced PowerShell section in Microsoft Docs can guide you.

6. Join the Community: Engage with the PowerShell community through forums such as Reddit's PowerShell Subreddit or StackOverflow to get help, share knowledge, and stay updated with best practices.

7. Continuous Learning: Keep your skills sharp by staying updated with the latest PowerShell features and updates. PowerShell Magazine is a great resource for articles, tutorials, and news.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you'll enhance your PowerShell capabilities, significantly contributing to your efficiency and effectiveness as an NOC Analyst.

How to Display PowerShell Skills on Your Resume

11. Linux

Linux is a free, open-source operating system widely used for server, networking, and infrastructure management, offering robust tools and flexibility for NOC Analysts to monitor and ensure system stability and security.

Why It's Important

Linux is crucial for an NOC Analyst due to its stability, security, and flexibility in managing network operations, allowing efficient monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of network infrastructure.

How to Improve Linux Skills

Improving Linux for an NOC (Network Operations Center) Analyst involves optimizing system performance, enhancing security, and ensuring efficient monitoring and troubleshooting. Here are concise ways to achieve these improvements:

1. Optimize Performance:

   • Use performance monitoring tools like htop or Glances to identify and manage resource-intensive processes.
   • Implement system tuning with sysctl and other kernel parameters to enhance network and system performance.

2. Enhance Security:

   • Keep the system updated with the latest patches using package managers like apt or yum. Check The Linux Documentation Project for security best practices.
   • Utilize firewall and intrusion detection systems like firewalld or Fail2Ban to protect against unauthorized access.

3. Efficient Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

   • Implement centralized logging with tools like rsyslog and Logwatch, for efficient log management.
   • Use network monitoring tools like Nagios or Zabbix for real-time network status and alerting on anomalies.

4. Automation and Scripting:

   • Automate repetitive tasks with shell scripting or tools like Ansible to ensure configuration consistency across Linux systems.
   • Leverage Cron for scheduling regular maintenance and backup tasks.

Focusing on these areas will help an NOC Analyst maintain a robust, secure, and efficient Linux environment suitable for supporting the organization's network operations.

How to Display Linux Skills on Your Resume

12. VMware

VMware is a software company that provides cloud computing and virtualization software and services, enabling the creation and management of virtual machines to optimize and manage IT infrastructure, crucial for Network Operations Center (NOC) Analysts in monitoring and ensuring the performance and availability of network resources.

Why It's Important

VMware is important for an NOC Analyst because it provides a robust virtualization platform that enables efficient monitoring, management, and optimization of virtualized network environments, ensuring high availability, disaster recovery, and streamlined infrastructure performance.

How to Improve VMware Skills

Improving VMware performance and efficiency, particularly from an NOC Analyst's perspective, involves monitoring, tuning, and optimizing various components of the VMware infrastructure. Here's a concise guide:

1. Performance Monitoring: Use VMware's built-in tools like vCenter Server to monitor VM performance, resource usage, and system health. Regular monitoring helps identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement. VMware vCenter

2. Resource Allocation: Adjust and optimize resource allocation (CPU, memory, and disk I/O) based on the monitoring data to ensure balanced load distribution and prevent any single resource from becoming a bottleneck. VMware Resource Management Guide

3. Update and Patch: Keep your VMware environment up to date with the latest patches and versions. This can improve performance, security, and introduce new features. VMware Patching

4. Network Optimization: Ensure your network configuration is optimized for VMware. This includes proper setup of virtual switches, NICs, and using VMware's best practices for networking. VMware Networking Best Practices

5. Storage Performance: Utilize VMware's storage technologies like VMware vSAN for improved storage performance. Ensure your storage devices are aligned with VMware's best practices. VMware vSAN

6. VM Optimization: Optimize virtual machines by disabling unnecessary services, adjusting memory limits, and using VMware Tools for enhanced performance. VMware Best Practices for Virtual Machines

7. Automation and Scripts: Use VMware PowerCLI to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your VMware management processes. Automation can greatly increase efficiency and consistency. VMware PowerCLI

8. Disaster Recovery Planning: Implement and regularly test a disaster recovery plan using VMware Site Recovery Manager or similar tools to ensure business continuity. VMware Site Recovery Manager

9. Security Hardening: Follow VMware's security hardening guides to protect your infrastructure from vulnerabilities and ensure compliance. VMware Security Hardening Guides

10. Training and Updates: Stay informed about the latest VMware technologies and best practices through training and certification programs. Continuous learning can help you better manage and optimize VMware environments. VMware Learning

Implementing these strategies will help improve the performance, efficiency, and security of your VMware environment from an NOC Analyst's perspective.

How to Display VMware Skills on Your Resume