What do you do if network virtualization and software-defined networking are in high demand?

1 Learn the basics

Before you dive into the advanced topics of NV and SDN, you need to have a solid foundation of network engineering concepts and principles. You should be familiar with the OSI model, TCP/IP, routing protocols, switching technologies, network security, and network troubleshooting. You should also be able to work with common network devices and tools, such as routers, switches, firewalls, packet analyzers, and network simulators. These skills will help you understand how NV and SDN work and how they can enhance your network performance and functionality.

2 Choose a platform

There are many platforms and vendors that offer NV and SDN solutions, such as VMware, Cisco, Microsoft, OpenStack, and OpenDaylight. Each platform has its own features, benefits, and challenges. You should research and compare the different options and choose the one that suits your needs, goals, and preferences. You should also consider the compatibility, interoperability, and support of the platform with your existing network environment and applications. You can also use multiple platforms to create a hybrid network that leverages the best of both worlds.

3 Get certified

One of the best ways to demonstrate your proficiency and credibility in NV and SDN is to get certified by a reputable organization or vendor. There are many certifications available for different levels and domains of NV and SDN, such as VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization (VCP-NV), Cisco Certified Network Associate - Data Center (CCNA-DC), Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700), OpenStack Certified Administrator (COA), and OpenDaylight Certified Developer (OCD). Getting certified will help you validate your knowledge and skills, boost your resume, and increase your career opportunities.

4 Keep learning

NV and SDN are constantly evolving and improving. New features, tools, standards, and best practices are emerging all the time. You should keep yourself updated and informed about the latest developments and trends in NV and SDN. You can do this by reading blogs, articles, books, white papers, and case studies. You can also watch webinars, podcasts, videos, and online courses. You can also join online communities, forums, groups, and events where you can network with other network engineers, share your experiences, and learn from the experts.

5 Practice your skills

The best way to master NV and SDN is to practice your skills in real or simulated scenarios. You should create your own virtual networks, configure and test different network functions, troubleshoot and optimize network performance, and implement network security policies. You can use various tools and resources to help you practice your skills, such as virtual labs, cloud services, open source software, and online platforms. You can also participate in challenges, competitions, and projects where you can apply your skills to solve real-world problems and showcase your abilities.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?