Get the network system environment ready for the new engineer
3
Provide the new engineer with necessary system accesses
4
Verification: System Access
5
Introduce the new engineer to the team and stakeholders
6
Brief on the projects and ongoing network engineering tasks
7
Hand over important documentation related to the network system
8
Provide training on network troubleshooting and protocols
9
Approval: Training Completion
10
Assign a mentor for guidance
11
Arrange a meeting with the IT security team
12
Explain the software & hardware used in the network infrastructure
13
Implementation of understanding on a real-time issue
14
Review: Real-Time Issue Implementation
15
Introduce to the network monitoring and management tools
16
Provide a detailed explanation on network security protocols
17
Assign a small task to check understanding
18
Approval: Understanding of the Network System
19
Establish the expectations and daily tasks
20
Regular check-ins for any kind of support required
Provide a detailed tour of network facility
Welcome the new engineer to the network facility and provide a comprehensive tour. Highlight the different areas and equipment, explaining their functions and importance. Emphasize the layout and organization of the network facility, and demonstrate how different components are interconnected. Discuss any specific protocols or guidelines to follow while working in the facility. Create an engaging and interactive experience by asking questions and encouraging the new engineer to explore and ask for clarification. Ensure that the engineer feels comfortable and familiar with the network facility before moving on to the next task.
1
Data center
2
Switch room
3
Server room
4
Network operations center
5
Network racks
Get the network system environment ready for the new engineer
Prepare the network system environment to ensure that the new engineer can start working effectively. Install the necessary software and tools on the engineer's workstation. Configure the network devices, such as routers and switches, to match the desired network topology and settings. Verify connectivity and ensure that the engineer has access to essential resources. Test the network system environment to confirm its functionality. Communicate any special instructions or considerations to the engineer to guarantee a seamless transition into the environment.
1
Wireshark
2
Putty
3
SolarWinds
4
Cisco Packet Tracer
5
GNS3
1
Router
2
Switch
3
Firewall
4
Access Point
5
Load Balancer
Provide the new engineer with necessary system accesses
Grant the new engineer the required system accesses to perform their job responsibilities. Provide access credentials for network devices, administrative and monitoring tools, and other relevant systems. Explain the role and purpose of each access and the level of privileges associated with it. Highlight any security protocols or practices that the engineer should follow while using these accesses. Answer any questions the engineer may have and ensure they have all necessary information to use the accesses effectively.
Verification: System Access
Verify that the new engineer has successfully gained the required system accesses. Check if the engineer can log in to the network devices, administrative and monitoring tools, and other relevant systems using the provided credentials. Ensure that the accesses are functioning correctly and that the engineer can perform the necessary tasks with their assigned privileges. If any issues arise, troubleshoot and resolve them promptly. Confirm with the engineer that they have the required system accesses and are ready to proceed with the onboarding process.
1
Log in to network devices
2
Access administrative and monitoring tools
3
Log in to other relevant systems
Introduce the new engineer to the team and stakeholders
Introduce the new engineer to the network engineering team and relevant stakeholders. Schedule a meeting or online session where the engineer can meet their team members, including supervisors, colleagues, and counterparts. Provide a brief background of each team member, their responsibilities, and their role in the overall network engineering process. Encourage the team and stakeholders to welcome and support the new engineer. Facilitate an open discussion and Q&A session to foster a positive and inclusive working environment.
1
Network Engineering Manager
2
Network Engineers
3
Network Administrators
4
IT Director
5
Stakeholders
Brief on the projects and ongoing network engineering tasks
Provide an overview of the current projects and ongoing network engineering tasks to the new engineer. Explain the objectives, scope, and timelines of each project. Discuss the specific responsibilities and contributions expected from the engineer. Highlight any challenges or unique aspects of the projects. Share any relevant documentation or resources that can assist the engineer in understanding the projects in more detail. Address any questions or concerns the engineer may have and ensure they feel confident in their ability to contribute to the projects.
1
Network infrastructure upgrade
2
Network security enhancement
3
Network monitoring system implementation
4
Troubleshooting network connectivity issues
5
Optimizing network performance
Hand over important documentation related to the network system
Provide the new engineer with critical documentation related to the network system. These documents can include network diagrams, configuration details, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other relevant materials. Explain the purpose and importance of each document and how they contribute to the engineer's understanding of the network system. Organize the documents in a logical and accessible manner. Offer guidance on how to use and reference the documents effectively for troubleshooting and task execution.
1
Network diagrams
2
Configuration details
3
Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
4
Network security policies
5
Troubleshooting guides
Provide training on network troubleshooting and protocols
Deliver comprehensive training to the new engineer on network troubleshooting and protocols. Cover common network issues and their resolutions. Demonstrate the use of troubleshooting tools and techniques, highlighting their functionalities and applications. Explain the different network protocols and their significance in a network infrastructure. Conduct hands-on exercises or simulations to reinforce the learning experience. Encourage the engineer to ask questions and provide additional support as needed.
1
Identifying network connectivity issues
2
Resolving IP addressing conflicts
3
Troubleshooting network device configurations
4
Analyzing network traffic
5
Understanding TCP/IP protocols
Approval: Training Completion
Will be submitted for approval:
Provide training on network troubleshooting and protocols
Will be submitted
Assign a mentor for guidance
Assign a mentor to the new engineer to provide guidance and support throughout the onboarding process. Select a seasoned network engineer who can offer valuable insights, share best practices, and answer the engineer's questions. Introduce the mentor to the new engineer and facilitate regular communication between them. Encourage the mentor to provide guidance on projects, troubleshooting, and career development opportunities. Regularly check in with both the engineer and the mentor to ensure a productive mentorship relationship.
Arrange a meeting with the IT security team
Schedule a meeting between the new engineer and the IT security team. Include members who are responsible for maintaining network security, enforcing security policies, and addressing potential threats. During the meeting, ensure the new engineer understands the importance of network security and their role in maintaining it. Discuss any specific security protocols or procedures the engineer should follow. Address any questions or concerns the engineer may have regarding network security.
Explain the software & hardware used in the network infrastructure
Explain the different software and hardware used in the network infrastructure to the new engineer. Discuss the purpose and functionalities of each software and hardware component. Highlight any specific configuration or management requirements. Clarify how these components interact with each other to ensure network functionality. Address any questions or concerns the engineer may have regarding the software and hardware used in the network infrastructure.
1
Cisco IOS
2
Juniper Junos
3
Wireshark
4
SolarWinds NPM
5
Packet Tracer
1
Routers
2
Switches
3
Firewalls
4
Load Balancers
5
Wireless Access Points
Implementation of understanding on a real-time issue
Assign the new engineer a real-time issue to implement what they have learned during the onboarding process. Choose a challenging but manageable issue that aligns with the engineer's skill level. Clearly explain the problem, objectives, and desired outcomes. Provide the necessary resources and support to address the issue. Encourage the engineer to apply their troubleshooting skills, utilize relevant tools, and collaborate with team members as necessary. Monitor the progress and provide feedback to ensure successful completion of the issue.
Review: Real-Time Issue Implementation
Conduct a thorough review of the real-time issue implementation by the new engineer. Evaluate the engineer's approach, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge. Provide constructive feedback on areas of improvement and commend their strengths. Discuss any challenges encountered and the strategies used to overcome them. Assess the outcomes and determine if the objectives were achieved. Encourage the engineer to share their reflections and lessons learned from the experience.
1
Problem-solving skills
2
Technical knowledge
3
Collaboration
4
Outcome achievement
5
Adaptability
Introduce to the network monitoring and management tools
Introduce the new engineer to the network monitoring and management tools used in the organization. Explain the purpose and functions of each tool. Demonstrate how to use the tools for monitoring network performance, detecting potential issues, and managing network devices. Provide guidance on interpreting and analyzing the tool outputs. Highlight any specific configurations or practices that the engineer should follow when using these tools. Answer any questions the engineer may have and ensure they are familiar with the network monitoring and management tools.
1
SolarWinds NPM
2
PRTG Network Monitor
3
Wireshark
4
Nagios
5
Zabbix
Provide a detailed explanation on network security protocols
Deliver a detailed explanation of the network security protocols to the new engineer. Discuss different security protocols, such as VLANs, NAT, ACLs, and VPNs, and their respective functions and benefits. Explain the role of encryption, authentication, and authorization in maintaining network security. Provide examples and scenarios to illustrate the practical application of these protocols. Encourage the engineer to ask questions and clarify any concepts they find challenging. Ensure the engineer understands the importance of network security protocols in protecting the organization's network infrastructure.
1
VLANs
2
NAT
3
ACLs
4
VPNs
5
Encryption
Assign a small task to check understanding
Assign a small task or mini-project to the new engineer to assess their understanding of network engineering concepts and skills. Customize the task based on the engineer's skill level and the topics covered during the onboarding process. Clearly define the task objectives and requirements. Set a realistic timeline for completion. Provide the necessary resources and support to accomplish the task. Evaluate the engineer's deliverables and provide constructive feedback. Use this task as an opportunity to identify areas for further development and address any gaps in knowledge or skills.
Approval: Understanding of the Network System
Will be submitted for approval:
Introduce to the network monitoring and management tools
Will be submitted
Assign a small task to check understanding
Will be submitted
Establish the expectations and daily tasks
Communicate the expectations and daily tasks to the new engineer. Clearly outline their responsibilities, both short-term and long-term. Set realistic goals and milestones. Provide a schedule or timeline to guide the engineer's day-to-day activities. Highlight any reporting or documentation requirements. Discuss the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to evaluate their performance. Encourage open communication and collaboration with the team to ensure alignment and success.
1
Troubleshooting network issues
2
Network device configuration
3
Network performance monitoring
4
Collaborating with team members
5
Documenting network changes
Regular check-ins for any kind of support required
Schedule regular check-in meetings with the new engineer to offer support and address any concerns or questions they may have. These meetings can be weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the engineer's needs. Create a supportive and open environment where the engineer feels comfortable sharing their progress, challenges, and successes. Offer guidance, resources, and recommendations based on their requirements. Keep track of any support provided and follow up on outstanding matters to ensure the engineer's ongoing development and integration into the team.
