Network KingsAsk Network Kings

I am in Btech final year and want to make a career in Networking. Please suggest how to start ?

asked 19 hours ago 8 0by Atul Sharma
0

I am not good in coding, and I am worries about my career. That should I go for network security or Cybersecurity.

1 Answer

NKAI

AI generated · 19 hours ago

NKAI Reply

Hey there! Great to see a final-year B.Tech student with a clear interest in Networking. Let me put your worries to rest first — you do not need to be a coding wizard for networking. Most network engineering work is about understanding protocols, routing, switching, and troubleshooting, not writing code. Coding becomes optional (and only later, for automation) if you want it.

Now, about Network Security vs Cybersecurity — here's the simple breakdown:

  • Network Security = securing the network layer (firewalls, VPNs, access control, routing security). It's a subset of cybersecurity and builds directly on networking fundamentals.
  • Cybersecurity = the broader umbrella (endpoints, applications, cloud, SOC, pentesting, etc.). It's wider but still starts with networking basics.

Since you're a fresher with no work experience, my recommendation is to start with the Network Engineer roadmap first. It gives you a rock-solid foundation (CCNA-level skills) that both Network Security and Cybersecurity tracks build on. Once you have that base, you can pivot into security — and you'll be far more valuable than someone who jumped straight into security without networking depth.

---

Your Roadmap: Network Engineer

Roadmap

  1. 1

    Networking Foundation4 months

    Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA

  2. 2

    Enterprise Routing, Switching & Troubleshooting8 months

    CCNP ENCOR, CCNP ENARSI, Real Troubleshooting — Routing, Real Troubleshooting — Switching

  3. 3

    Choose a specialization track12 months

    Network Security — CCNP Security, Palo Alto, Fortinet FortiGate; or Data Center — CCNP Datacenter, F5 LTM

Stage 1 (4 months) Networking Foundation — Start with Cisco CCNA. This is your ticket into the industry. You'll learn IP addressing, routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP), switching, and basic security. After this, you can apply for NOC or junior network roles.

Stage 2 (8 months) Enterprise Routing, Switching & Troubleshooting — Move to CCNP ENCOR and ENARSI. This is where you go deep into OSPF, BGP, MPLS, and real-world troubleshooting. After this, you're a solid mid-level network engineer.

Stage 3 (12 months) Choose a specialization track — Once you're strong in core networking, pick a track. If you still want security, go the Network Security route (CCNP Security, Palo Alto, FortiGate). This is your bridge into cybersecurity later.

---

What it pays in India (market ranges, not offers):

  • Junior Network Engineer / NOC: ₹4–7 LPA
  • Network Engineer (2–5 yrs): ₹9–18 LPA
  • Senior / Network Architect: ₹20–35+ LPA

---

Next step — Start with Cisco CCNA today. Realistically, with focused study (3–4 hours daily), you can clear CCNA in 4–5 months and be job-ready for entry-level roles. Don't overthink the coding part — networking rewards practical hands-on skills, not programming. Also, follow the Network Kings YouTube channel for free CCNA lessons to get started: https://www.youtube.com/c/NetworkkingsOrgtraining/videos

You're in a great position — final year is the perfect time to build this foundation. All the best!

--- Learn with Network Kings

  • Affordable self-paced courses: https://ott.nwkings.com/learn
  • Free lessons — follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NetworkkingsOrgtraining/videos

Live batches

Your answer