What to choose between network engineers vs System engineers. ?

 We are going to discuss here, which one will be better option network engineers vs System engineers  (CCNA vs RHCE/ MCSE ) ?

   

Knowledge is important but if you have both knowledge + Certifications it will be a  booster for you !


They both completely different fields :- CCNA is for network engineers who manages routers switches firewalls 

RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer ) is for system administrators who manages servers , virtualization and other server related.

Two options to make a career

Complete these CCNA Training + CCNP Trainingwith  certifications & Learn  BGP + MPLS Topic. You are fresher so give only CCENT  or CCNA exam if you are financially ok do CCNP certification as well. In future you have options to go for CCIE in routing switching Service provider or Security. You have option to pursue Juniper checkpoint Many vendor technologies to learn. 

If you want to pursue career as a system engineer RHCE, MCSE is good but you have to do so many courses like Vmware certification VCP and many other. Choice is yours !!!!

Fundamental Foci for Network Engineers:

Manage Layer 2 Switches, including:

• VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)
• Trunking
• Security: open ports, speeds, Duplex, Half-Duplex, etc.
• STP (Spanning Tree Protocol): automatic or manual configuration
• Common Cisco models: 2960

Manage Layer 3 Routers, including:

• RIP (Routing Information Protocol): now largely deprecated
• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
• EIRGP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
• Common Cisco models: 1800, 2800, 3800

Manage Layer 3 (Multi-Layer) Switches, including:

• Common Cisco models: 3550, 3750
• Common Nexus models: 1000, 2000, 7000
• QoS - quality of service
• Traffic prioritization

Manage Firewalls

• VPN concentrators
• Common Cicso Models: 5500, ASA
• Common Palo Alto Models: PA-5000
• Common Check Point Appliances: 5000
• ACL (Access Control List)
• IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)
• IDS (Intrusion Detection System)

Other Topics:

• IOS (Internetwork OS); versions: 12.4, 15.0+
• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
• MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
• DNS & DHCP Configuration
• POE (Power Over Ethernet)
• HA (high-availability) for switches
• Scripting and automated switch configuration/imaging

Fundamental Foci for System Engineers:

Manage DNS and DHCP Servers

Configure Windows Servers

Manage Virtualization and Virtual Machines, including:

• Microsoft Hyper-V (less common)
• VMware 5.5, 6.0 (more)
• Host Kernel acts as base for VMs

Manage AD (Active Directory), including:

• FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operation) roles
• DCs (Domain Controllers)

Manage Printers

Set GPOs (Group Policy Objects)

Automate Workstation Configuration and Deployment, including:

• What apps should users have?
• What wallpaper should be set by default?

Manage Exchange Email Server or Hosted Office 365 Email Services

Manage SQL Databases

Manage Sharepoint

Manage Citrix Services/Software, including:

• GoToMeeting
• (Daas) Desktop as a Service
• Virtualization
• Network Appliances

Manage Blade Servers, Virtualization Infrastructure

Watch the videos yourself for more useful tips and context...

What a Network Engineer Does:

What a System Engineer Does:

Hopefully you found this overview helpful in researching your career path going forward.