What are the key skills and tools for network and storage virtualization engineers?

Network and storage virtualization are two key aspects of modern IT infrastructure that can improve performance, efficiency, and scalability. In this article, we will explore what network and storage virtualization are, how they work, and what skills and tools you need to become a network and storage virtualization engineer.

1 Network virtualization

Network virtualization is the process of creating a logical network that abstracts the physical network resources and devices, allowing you to manage and configure multiple networks and services from a single interface without affecting the underlying hardware. This process can also enable dynamic provisioning, load balancing, security, and isolation of network segments. The benefits of network virtualization are numerous, such as reduced complexity and cost of network infrastructure, increased flexibility and agility of network operations, enhanced reliability and availability of network services, and improved network performance and scalability.

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Ehsan Kosari

Virtualization and Storage Solutions Architect and & Data Backup Engineer| Delivering Scalable, High-Availability Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery Solutions
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1. Virtualization technologies 2. Networking skills 3. Storage expertise 4. Virtualization management tools 5. Cloud computing knowledge 6. Scripting skills 7. Collaboration abilities

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Arash Hoseinpoor

Microsoft Certified Solutions Architect & Advisor | AWS Technologist & Amazonian | VMWare, Fortinet, Cisco, Palo Alto Certified
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1.Networking Skills 2.Virtualization Technologies 3.Storage Skills 4.Security 5.Scripting and Automation 6.Monitoring and Troubleshooting 7.Cloud Computing 8.Collaboration and Communication Tools: 1-Hypervisors 2-Storage Virtualization 3-Networking 4-Automation and Orchestration 5-Monitoring and Management 6-Security 7-Scripting and Programming 8-Cloud Platforms 9-Collaboration and Documentation 10-Version Control

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Jashan Bansal

TSE 3 at Broadcom | Private Cloud - VCF | vRA/vRO | vSAN | NSX-T | HCX | vROps | Tanzu | Cisco UCS | Public Cloud - Azure | AWS
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Network and storage virtualization engineers need a strong foundation in virtualization platforms like VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM. They must be proficient in networking concepts such as SDN (Software-Defined Networking), VLANs, VXLANs, and have a solid understanding of routing, switching, and firewalls. Expertise in storage technologies like SAN, NAS, and software-defined storage solutions (e.g., VMware vSAN) is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with automation tools like Ansible and scripting languages, along with cloud integration skills, are essential for managing modern hybrid environments.

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Mohammadreza Shams

Senior VMware SDDC Consultant | VCP-DCV | vSAN Specialist | NSX | SAN Storage | Backup
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1- Understand networking and storage concepts theoretically and practically (for example at least CCNA or EMCISA) 2- Understand network and Storage virtualization concepts theoretically and practically 3- Selected tools must be cover and show all object in network and Storage virtualization and also 4- Analyzing object behavior and relationship between objects and presenting it in the form of charts and logs

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Durgaprasad GR

Technical Operations Manager | IT Operations Specialist | Hybrid Cloud Strategist | Driving IT Efficiency & Innovation
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VMware NSX is a network virtualization and security platform that enables the creation of entire networks in software and embeds them in the hypervisor layer, abstracted from the underlying physical hardware. If you learn VMware NSX, you can easily grab the opportunity to work in Network Virtualization

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2 Storage virtualization

Storage virtualization is the process of creating a logical pool of storage that abstracts the physical storage devices and locations. This enables you to manage and access multiple storage resources and types from a single interface without affecting the underlying hardware. Furthermore, storage virtualization can provide data protection, replication, migration, and optimization. The advantages of using storage virtualization include reduced complexity and cost of storage infrastructure, increased flexibility and agility of storage operations, enhanced data security and availability, and improved storage performance and efficiency.

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Amirreza Damghanian

Virtualization Specialist
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it depend on which providers you choose for example : Implementation vmware vsan you must pass this course following courses: -vmware ICM -storage + comptia -network + comptia and for ceph this course -storage + comptia -network + comptia -LPIC-1 -LPIC-2

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3 Network function virtualization

Network function virtualization (NFV) is a type of network virtualization that involves replacing hardware appliances, such as firewalls, routers and load balancers, with software-based solutions running on standard servers or cloud platforms. This can reduce the need for dedicated hardware, lower operational and capital expenses, and increase scalability and automation of network functions. OpenStack, VMware, and Open vSwitch are some of the tools and platforms that support NFV. OpenStack is an open-source cloud computing platform that provides infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and can integrate with various NFV solutions. VMware is a leading provider of virtualization and cloud computing solutions offering products such as VMware vCloud NFV and VMware NSX. Open vSwitch is an open-source software switch that can operate as a virtual switch, router, firewall, or load balancer in an NFV environment.

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4 Storage automation

Storage automation is the process of automating storage management tasks and workflows, such as provisioning, monitoring, backup, and recovery. It can reduce human errors, improve efficiency, and save time and resources. In addition, storage automation can enable self-service, policy-based, and event-driven storage operations. Popular tools and platforms that support storage automation include Ansible, PowerShell, and AWS. For instance, Ansible is an open-source automation platform that automates various aspects of storage configuration and management. PowerShell is a scripting language and framework that automates storage tasks on Windows-based systems. And AWS is a cloud service provider with features such as AWS Storage Gateway, AWS Backup, and AWS DataSync.

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Angel Katarov

CEO@ANGELIS | Digital transformation expert driving business growth. ---> #digitaltransformation #businessgrowth #VRsolutions #ERPsolutions #ITconsulting
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Storage automation streamlines management by automating key tasks like provisioning, monitoring, and data protection, thereby minimizing errors and enhancing operational efficiency. Tools such as Ansible offer open-source solutions for versatile storage configuration, while PowerShell provides a powerful scripting framework for Windows environments. Additionally, cloud platforms like AWS introduce scalable services, including AWS Storage Gateway and AWS Backup, simplifying integration and management of cloud and on-premises storage. Ultimately, storage automation represents a critical advancement, empowering organizations with improved efficiency, reliability, and agility in handling storage needs.

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5 Skills for network and storage virtualization engineers

To become a network and storage virtualization engineer, you need to possess a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include a comprehensive understanding of network and storage fundamentals, such as protocols, architectures, and devices. You should also be proficient in using various virtualization and automation tools and platforms, as well as scripting, programming, cloud computing, security, and troubleshooting. Soft skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and analytical abilities are also essential. Additionally, you need to have a customer-oriented attitude with an agile and innovative mindset. You should be able to work in a team, adjust to changing requirements, and deliver high-quality solutions.

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Akshat Sharma

DevOps Engineer
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Key Skills! Network Virtualization: SDN Expertise Routing & Switching Security Acumen Storage Virtualization: Storage Protocols Capacity Planning Platform Experience (e.g., VMware) Cloud Proficiency: Cloud Storage Services VPC Knowledge Integration Skills Automation & Scripting: Scripting Languages (Python, PowerShell) Configuration Management Tools (Ansible/Chef/Puppet) Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Performance Monitoring Troubleshooting Expertise Soft Skills: Clear Communication Problem-Solving Attitude Stay ahead with continuous learning!

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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?

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What are the key skills and tools for network and storage virtualization engineers?

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1 Network virtualization

2 Storage virtualization

3 Network function virtualization

4 Storage automation

5 Skills for network and storage virtualization engineers

6 Here’s what else to consider

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