1 Introduction
INE – formerly Internetwork Expert – is a U.S.‑based training provider that has become synonymous with expert‑level networking and cybersecurity education. Since its founding in 2003, the company's mission has evolved from offering CCIE preparation courses to delivering broad learning paths in networking, cybersecurity, cloud, data science and DevOps. In 2025 the platform remains highly relevant: digital transformation continues to accelerate the demand for hands‑on upskilling, cyberattacks grow in sophistication and organisations need staff who can design secure infrastructures and respond to incidents. This review assesses INE's offerings from both individual and enterprise perspectives, exploring whether its portfolio justifies the cost and effort for professionals and organisations seeking to stay ahead of the technology curve.
2 Background & Context
INE started as a boutique training company focused on the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) exam. Over the years it expanded into cloud computing, cybersecurity and software development, and in 2019 acquired eLearnSecurity, a provider of real‑world cybersecurity training. eLearnSecurity's training paths align with the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology's NICE framework and include defensive and offensive roles such as enterprise defender, network pentester and incident responder. The acquisition allowed INE to launch 14 cybersecurity certifications and thousands of labs, and it now markets these under the "INE Security" brand.
In 2021 the company also acquired Pentester Academy, overhauling its lab infrastructure and adding more than 2,200 cloud‑based labs. This upgrade enabled the platform to rapidly spin up labs addressing new threats—for example, producing training on Log4j and WannaCry attacks within hours. By August 2025, INE offered more than 700 expert‑led courses, over 50 structured learning paths and thousands of hands‑on labs that replicate real network environments. Training Industry recognised it on its 2025 Top 20 Online Learning Libraries list, citing the depth of content and innovation.
INE positions itself as a provider of "learn‑by‑doing" training rather than passive video consumption. Its official site touts a continuous learn‑by‑doing model where award‑winning, hands‑on courses give learners the in‑depth knowledge needed to master a subject. The company emphasises scenario‑based labs that mirror real‑world conditions, and enterprise pages claim that 90 % of surveyed customers say INE's training positively impacted job preparedness.
3 Features & Content Quality
3.1 Course Library & Depth
INE's library spans networking fundamentals and expert‑level technologies such as BGP, SD‑WAN and network automation. In cybersecurity it offers penetration testing, incident response, threat hunting and secure coding. According to the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards nomination, the company provides over 7,000 hours of video, 5,100 hands‑on resources and 800 courses. Its acquisition of eLearnSecurity added 14 cybersecurity certifications such as the eJPT, eCPPTv2 and eCIR.
The platform's flagship "Skill Dive" labs immerse learners in realistic scenarios. Students might take control of a simulated corporate network and defend it against real‑time attacks within a sandboxed environment, or practice network automation using Python, Ansible, SD‑WAN vManage and Catalyst Center through INE's upcoming ENAUTO v2.0 course. These scenario‑based labs use the same tools and data that incident responders and automation engineers encounter on the job.
3.2 Instructors & Expertise
INE employs certified experts across its domains. Many networking courses are taught by multi‑CCIE professionals such as Rohit Pardasani, who noted that Cisco's evolution of the DevNet track into automation reflects the importance of full‑stack automation and AI in modern network operations. Cybersecurity instructors include practitioners who contributed to the updated eCIR exam; the certification was produced by a team with decades of frontline experience working with active Security Operations Centres. This emphasis on practitioner‑led instruction is reinforced by INE's policy of creating all content in‑house—the company does not outsource course production, which helps maintain consistent quality and relevance.
3.3 Learning Formats & Resources
Courses are delivered through video lectures accompanied by searchable transcripts, downloadable files, quizzes and interactive exercises. Hands‑on labs form the heart of the experience. The enterprise website describes "immersive, cyber range‑like lab collections" that challenge learners and reinforce understanding. The updated eCIR certification requires candidates to investigate a corporate breach in a simulated network and submit an incident report, rather than answering multiple choice questions.
INE supplements videos and labs with practice exams, flashcards and community forums. The platform includes progress tracking, detailed analytics and mobile access. A 90 % job‑preparedness metric suggests that learners find the training actionable, and the free Starter Pass provides 66 hours of instruction and 30 labs to preview the experience.
3.4 Updates & Freshness
In fast‑moving domains like cybersecurity, stale content is a liability. SelectHub notes that INE regularly updates its courses to reflect the latest industry trends, and the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards article highlights how the company spins up labs in response to emerging threats. Despite these efforts, some users on Capterra report that parts of the catalogue have outdated modules, underscoring the need for continuous curation.
4 User Experience & Platform
The learner interface is built on a learning management system that tracks progress and hosts labs and quizzes. SelectHub lists features such as customizable learning paths, interactive quizzes, community forums and mobile access. Enterprises can use the Skill Sonar assessment tool to measure proficiency and identify skill gaps. INE's business dashboard provides real‑time analytics on course completion, assessment performance and lab usage, allowing managers to tailor training programs.
User feedback is mixed. A SelectHub analyst summary reports an 88 % user satisfaction rating across 541 reviews. Reviewers praise the breadth of courses and hands‑on labs, but several themes emerge regarding usability. Some users complain that the platform's layout makes it difficult to track progress across multiple courses and certifications, while others report frequent disconnections and lab reliability issues. Capterra reviewers echo these concerns: one user said the labs were sometimes laggy and needed restarting, and another found the fee structure confusing and complained about non‑refundable subscriptions.
Positive feedback emphasises the quality of instruction. A verified reviewer appreciated that the content provided a solid foundation before entering the field, and another praised the detailed videos and built‑in quizzes that help learners self‑check. Yet some users note monotone presenters, and the navigation issues suggest the interface could benefit from redesign.
5 Pricing & Value
INE offers several subscription tiers. According to SelectHub, pricing starts at $49 per month, and there is a free trial for new users. The enterprise site lists a Professional plan at $849 per user per year, while enterprise pricing is available on request. Some subscriptions include exam vouchers, and the free Starter Pass gives limited access to labs and lessons.
Compared with competitors, INE sits between low‑cost marketplaces like Udemy and premium providers like Offensive Security. A SelectHub analyst notes that INE is cost‑effective compared to Offensive Security. However, some Capterra reviewers feel the annual subscription is expensive, and others criticise the fee structure for being unclear. Because individual subscriptions unlock all content (including exam vouchers for some certifications), the value improves if you intend to pursue multiple paths.
For enterprises, INE's real value comes from measurable training ROI. The company claims that 90 % of surveyed users report improved job preparedness, and enterprise dashboards enable managers to track training impact. Considering the breadth of content and hands‑on labs, the platform offers substantial value for teams needing ongoing upskilling.
6 Strengths (Pros)
- Comprehensive library: A wide range of courses covering networking, cybersecurity, cloud and data science topics.
- Hands‑on emphasis: Thousands of scenario‑based labs and a learn‑by‑doing model help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Expert instructors: Courses are taught by industry veterans and multiple‑certified professionals, and content is produced in‑house to maintain quality.
- Certification preparation: Structured paths prepare learners for vendor‑neutral and vendor‑specific certifications, including INE Security certifications like eJPT and eCIR.
- Regular updates: The company frequently updates content to address new vulnerabilities and technologies.
- Enterprise analytics: Dashboards and assessment tools allow organisations to track learning outcomes and return on investment.
- Accessibility: Mobile‑friendly platform with downloadable transcripts and offline viewing options.
7 Weaknesses / Limitations (Cons)
- Platform navigation: Users report that the interface makes it difficult to monitor progress across multiple courses.
- Lab reliability: Several reviewers mention frequent disconnections and lagging labs.
- Outdated content: Certain courses are not updated promptly, which is problematic in fast‑moving fields like cybersecurity.
- Customer support and communication: Some users say support is slow and subscription terms are unclear.
- Cost for casual learners: Annual plans may be expensive for occasional users, and the fee structure can be confusing.
- Monotone instruction: A few reviewers find some presenters unengaging.