Reliability & Operations 90 days 2-3 hours/day updated 2026-06-01
NetOps 90-Day Learning Path
Master NetOps in 90 days — network automation, SDN, BGP/OSPF fundamentals, network observability, and infrastructure as code for networking. Modernize network operations with automation.
What NetOps means
Network Operations (NetOps) is the discipline of managing, monitoring, and automating network infrastructure. Modern NetOps moves beyond manual CLI configuration toward network-as-code, intent-based networking, and software-defined networking. NetOps engineers automate configuration management, implement network observability, and apply DevOps principles to network change workflows.
Who should follow this path
- Network engineers modernizing operations with automation
- DevOps engineers responsible for network layers
- Infrastructure engineers managing cloud networking
- Security engineers implementing network segmentation
Prerequisites
- Solid understanding of TCP/IP and OSI model
- Experience with CLI-based network device configuration
- Familiarity with routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)
- Basic Python scripting knowledge
The 90-day plan
Daily study recommendation: 2-3 hours/day, six days a week. Consistency beats intensity — block the time in your calendar like a meeting.
Days 1–15: Foundation
- Networking fundamentals review (Layer 2/3)
- VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree
- Routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, and static routing
- Firewall rules and ACL design
- Network topology documentation
Outcome: Configure and document a multi-layer network topology with routing and segmentation.
Days 16–30: Core concepts
- Network automation with Python and Netmiko
- Nornir automation framework
- Ansible network modules (ios_config, nxos)
- NAPALM for multi-vendor abstraction
- Jinja2 templates for device configuration
Outcome: Automate configuration deployment and backup across a multi-vendor network.
Days 31–45: Tools and workflows
- Network as code with Batfish and NetBox
- NetBox as a source of truth for network inventory
- IPAM and DCIM management
- Terraform for cloud networking (VPC, subnets, peering)
- Intent-based networking concepts
Outcome: Implement a network source of truth with NetBox and automate cloud network provisioning.
Days 46–60: Hands-on projects
- Network monitoring with SNMP and streaming telemetry
- gNMI and gRPC telemetry from modern devices
- Prometheus with network exporters
- Network flow analysis with NetFlow and sFlow
- Packet capture and Wireshark analysis
Outcome: Instrument network devices with streaming telemetry and visualize metrics in Grafana.
Days 61–75: Advanced practices
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) with Cisco ACI or VMware NSX
- Cloud networking (AWS VPC, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect)
- Network security automation and compliance
- BGP automation for cloud and data center
- Network change management and CI/CD for network configs
Outcome: Manage cloud and data center networking through automated pipelines with policy compliance.
Days 76–90: Portfolio, interview & certification prep
- Portfolio: network automation platform
- NetOps interview preparation
- Cisco DevNet Associate exam prep
- AWS Advanced Networking exam prep
- Documenting network architecture decisions
Outcome: Complete Cisco DevNet Associate prep and demonstrate a network automation portfolio.
Weekly outcomes at a glance
| Phase | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Days 1–15 | Configure and document a multi-layer network topology with routing and segmentation. |
| Days 16–30 | Automate configuration deployment and backup across a multi-vendor network. |
| Days 31–45 | Implement a network source of truth with NetBox and automate cloud network provisioning. |
| Days 46–60 | Instrument network devices with streaming telemetry and visualize metrics in Grafana. |
| Days 61–75 | Manage cloud and data center networking through automated pipelines with policy compliance. |
| Days 76–90 | Complete Cisco DevNet Associate prep and demonstrate a network automation portfolio. |
Tools to learn
- Ansible
- Nornir
- NAPALM
- NetBox
- Batfish
- Terraform
- Prometheus
- Grafana
- Netmiko
- Wireshark
Labs to practice
Mini projects
- Build a network configuration automation pipeline with Ansible and NetBox as SSOT
- Implement streaming telemetry monitoring for a multi-vendor network
- Create a CI/CD pipeline for network config changes with Batfish validation
Interview questions to prepare
- Explain BGP path selection and when you would use BGP over OSPF.
- How does network automation reduce human error in change management?
- What is NetBox and how does it serve as a network source of truth?
- How would you automate firewall rule compliance checking?
- Explain the difference between SDN and traditional networking.
- What is streaming telemetry and why is it better than SNMP polling?
- How do you implement zero-downtime network changes?
Certification suggestions
- Cisco DevNet Associate — Cisco
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty — AWS
- Cisco CCNP Enterprise — Cisco
- Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA) — Juniper
Browse the full certification registry for exam details and official links.
Free resources
- Cisco DevNet Learning Labs
- NetBox Documentation
- Nornir Documentation
- AWS Networking Fundamentals
- Ansible Network Automation Guide
Related roadmaps
Related tool categories
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