The right tools won’t make you a better engineer, but they’ll make better engineering possible. Here’s my essential software stack for networking.
Quick Facts
You’ll Discover
Building Your Digital Toolbelt
When I started my networking journey, I wasted hours jumping between different tools, never sure which ones were worth learning. After months of experimentation across coursework, homelab projects, and real troubleshooting scenarios, I’ve settled on this core set of tools that I use daily.
This isn’t just a list – it’s my actual workflow. Each tool here has earned its place by solving real problems efficiently.
1. Wireshark – The Packet Detective
What It Does
Deep packet inspection and network protocol analysis. See exactly what’s traveling across your network.
Why It’s Essential
When theory meets reality, Wireshark shows you the truth. It’s the ultimate tool for understanding what’s actually happening on the wire.
My Go-To Features
Learning Tip
Start by capturing your own web browsing. Filter for HTTP and DNS to see the internet conversation happening beneath the browser.
2. Draw.io (Diagrams.net) – The Visual Architect
What It Does
Free, web-based diagramming tool for network topology, architecture diagrams, and documentation.
Why It’s Essential
A network without documentation is a time bomb. Draw.io makes professional diagrams accessible and free.
My Workflow
Pro Tip
Create template diagrams for common scenarios (office network, homelab, cloud VPC) to save time on new projects.
3. VS Code – The Configuration Hub
What It Does
Lightweight but powerful code editor that’s become my central workspace for configs and automation.
Why It’s Essential
Network engineering is becoming code-centric. VS Code handles everything from YAML configs to Python scripts seamlessly.
Must-Have Extensions
My Setup
I use the ByteLyfe VS Code settings with a dark theme and specific keybindings for quick navigation.
4. Git – The Time Machine
What It Does
Version control for network configurations, scripts, and documentation.
Why It’s Essential
Broke a working config? Git lets you rewind time. Working on changes? Create branches without affecting production.
My Workflow
Simple Start
# Initialize repo for network configs
git init
git add switch-configs/
git commit -m "Initial switch configurations"5. Ansible – The Automation Engine
What It Does
Configuration management and network automation across multiple devices.
Why It’s Essential
Manually configuring 10 switches? No thanks. Ansible lets you define configuration as code and deploy consistently.
Starter Playbook
---
- name: Configure basic switch settings
hosts: switches
tasks:
- name: Set hostname
ios_config:
lines: hostname {{ inventory_hostname }}
- name: Configure NTP
ios_config:
lines: ntp server pool.ntp.orgLearning Path
Start with 2-3 device types, master YAML syntax, then explore roles and templates.
6. Windows Terminal / iTerm2 – The Command Center
What It Does
Modern terminal emulator with tabs, panes, and customization.
Why It’s Essential
You’ll live in the terminal. Might as well make it comfortable and efficient.
My Setup
Pro Tip
Use named tabs for different contexts (Switches, Routers, Servers) to stay organized.
7. NetBox – The Source of Truth
What It Does
IP address management (IPAM) and data center infrastructure management (DCIM).
Why It’s Essential
Stop tracking IPs in spreadsheets. NetBox provides a single source of truth for your network inventory.
What I Track
Getting Started
Use the Docker image for easy homelab deployment.
8. iPerf3 – The Network Benchmark
What It Does
Network performance testing and throughput measurement.
Why It’s Essential
Theoretical speeds ≠ real-world performance. iPerf3 shows you what your network can actually deliver.
Basic Test
# Server side
iperf3 -s
# Client side
iperf3 -c server.ip -t 30 -P 4What to Measure
9. MTR – The Path Analyzer
What It Does
Combines ping and traceroute functionality with continuous sampling.
Why It’s Essential
Better than traceroute for identifying intermittent routing issues and packet loss between hops.
Usage Example
mtr -rw google.comWhat to Look For
10. Obsidian MD – The Knowledge Base
What It Does
Personal knowledge management using local Markdown files.
Why It’s Essential
Networking knowledge is complex and interconnected. Obsidian helps you build a “second brain” for your learning.
My Structure
Killer Feature
The graph view shows how concepts connect – perfect for understanding networking relationships.
Building Your Toolkit: A Realistic Approach
Don’t try to learn everything at once. Here’s how I recommend approaching this list:
1. Start with 2-3 tools that solve immediate problems (Wireshark + Draw.io + your terminal)
2. Master them thoroughly before adding new tools to your workflow
3. Customize for your needs – my workflow might not be perfect for yours
4. Focus on integration – how tools work together matters more than individual features
Get My Actual Configurations
Want to see exactly how I use these tools? I’ve published my actual configuration files and settings:
What’s In Your Toolbox?
I’ve shared my essentials, but I know every engineer has their favorite tools. What did I miss?
What’s the one tool you can’t live without? Maybe it’s:
Share your favorites in the comments – I’m always looking to improve my toolkit, and your suggestion might help other readers too!
