How To Become A Successful Network Architect: Experience Of Sudhir Kumar

Some high-paying jobs are well-known, almost iconic: doctors, lawyers, software developers. Others thrive in the shadows, becoming indispensable to the functioning of the modern world, but remain little known to the general public. Network architects are one such profession. 

According to AmbitionBox and Naukri.com, the most lucrative careers in India today include jobs in data science, cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and network architecture. Top network architects can earn up to ₹68 lakh per year, with salaries in the field expected to grow by thirty percent by 2025.

Yet, despite the high income and key role in digital transformation, few outside the industry can clearly explain what a network architect does, or how to become one. 

As India accelerates its shift to cloud platforms, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the creation of robust cybersecurity systems, network architects are becoming indispensable for designing and maintaining digital infrastructure. They design, scale, and secure the systems that power telecom networks, banking applications, smart cities, and more. 

To understand what it takes to succeed in this fast-growing field, we spoke to Sudhir Kumar, a seasoned network architect from Cisco Systems. He is a recognized expert in network infrastructure, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity. His impressive track record includes building cutting-edge MPLS solutions, consulting for leading tech companies, and mentoring the next generation of network engineers. 

Invest in your education: it’s the foundation of your career

“A strong educational foundation is the first step to becoming a leading network architect. To design scalable and secure systems, you need to understand computing fundamentals, network protocols, and IT infrastructure. Advanced degrees help you combine technical knowledge with an understanding of business strategy, making you a valuable asset to any organization,” says Sudhir. 

Mr. Kumar laid the foundation for his career by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer applications and a postgraduate diploma in the same field. To develop his leadership skills and strategic thinking, he earned a master’s degree in information systems from Dakota State University in the US and an MBA in information systems. 

His educational journey demonstrates the importance of combining technical knowledge with business understanding, a key skill for anyone who aspires to be a successful network architect.

 Certificates are important: choose the right ones

“In the networking world, certificates are not just a pleasant thing, but an absolute necessity. Obtaining industry certificates confirms your level of knowledge, makes you more competitive in the labor market, and often opens the door to higher wages and better career opportunities,” Sudhir says confidently.

Obtaining a CCIE certificate is not easy. This is one of the most challenging exams in the field of networking. Candidates must first complete a problematic written test, followed by an eight-hour hands-on laboratory test that requires them to set up and troubleshoot large-scale real-world networks under high-load conditions. Less than three percent of Cisco-certified professionals worldwide reach the CCIE level, and only a few have multiple CCIE certifications.

For Sudhir Kumar, obtaining his first CCIE certificate in routing and switching was challenging. The preparation was grueling, and his first attempts to pass the exam failed. But instead of giving up, he used every setback as a tool, identifying gaps in his knowledge and improving his strategy and thinking.

Perseverance has borne fruit. Kumar received two more certifications: a CCIE in the field of Service provider Networking, which focused on telecommunications infrastructure, and a CCIE in the field of data centers, in the field of enterprise and cloud solutions. Today, holding three CCIE certifications remains a rarity, and Kumar's achievements reflect his technical skills and ability to persevere and grow despite setbacks. 

Master Automation and AI-Driven Networking

“The future of networking is about intelligent automation, AI-powered monitoring, and self-healing networks. Mastering Python, Ansible, and AI-powered network optimization techniques will help you stand out,” adds Mr.Kumar.

As enterprise networks become more complex, the traditional manual configuration and maintenance model is becoming less viable. Today, organizations are under increasing pressure to manage massive infrastructures faster and more reliably while integrating new technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud services, and edge computing.

These changes have made network automation necessary. However, transitioning from legacy systems to intelligent, self-optimizing networks is rarely simple. It requires technical vision and a deep, practical understanding of how systems behave at scale and where errors can occur.

Sudhir Kumar has been deeply involved in this process at Cisco Systems. Drawing on years of experience working with various infrastructures, he has helped develop automated solutions that reduce errors, increase scalability, and enable networks to respond dynamically to real-time changes. His work integrating AI-powered analytics into core operational processes is one example of how network architecture is changing in practice.

An essential part of Sudhir's contribution is knowledge dissemination. He is the author of the original Unified MPLS Whitepaper, which has become a valuable resource for CCIE certification preparation. This publication demonstrates his ability to explain complex networking concepts in simple, practical language—a skill that helps his colleagues develop professionally and reinforces industry best practices. 

Create your network.

“Technical skills will help you progress, and professional connections will open new horizons. Networking with industry colleagues and participating in technical forums and industry events can lead to mentoring, career opportunities, and participation in cutting-edge projects,” Sudhir shares.

Public speaking is not for everyone, especially in a complex and demanding field as network engineering. Sudhir Kumar recalls that at the beginning of his career, he felt insecure when giving conference presentations. Explaining complex technical systems to an audience full of colleagues, many of whom were older and more experienced, was a real challenge.

There was always the fear that someone would ask an awkward question, forget an important detail, or fail to get the point across. However, with each new event, first, small internal meetings, then local technical meetings, he began to view each presentation as an extension of his engineering work, focusing on clarity and problem-solving. Over time, anxiety gave way to confidence based on real experience.

Today, Sudhir delivers presentations at international conferences and regularly participates in Cisco's global "Ask an Expert" webinars. His sessions on various topics, from carrier-grade routing and the IOS-XR architecture to artificial intelligence-based automation, attract hundreds of engineers and IT professionals worldwide. These platforms allow him to share technical knowledge and create a space where learning becomes practical and open, which he lacked when he first started. 

As a recognized leader, Mr. Kumar actively shares his experience with the global IT community, educating and inspiring a new generation of engineers. His in-depth knowledge of MPLS, carrier networks, data centers, and artificial intelligence-based automation has made him a popular speaker at industry events. For many years, he has been a technical expert at large companies such as Tata Communications, Versa Networks, and Fortinet, helping to solve architectural-level problems in corporate and carrier network projects.

Sudhir Kumar's career is a perfect example of how technical growth and networking go hand in hand. Investing in skills, relationships, and prominence in the professional community can lead to one of the most sought-after and profitable positions in the modern high-tech industry.

news