Network Engineering
Introduction
Network engineering is a discipline that encompasses the methodologies, processes, and tools to design, build, and manage a computer network, ensuring that this network is optimized and functioning as intended. Network engineers are responsible for the foundation of an organization's IT system.
History
The history of network engineering is intertwined with the evolution of the internet. The internet's roots can be traced back to the 1960s, when the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) connected four universities. This was the first large-scale, packet-switched network, and it laid the groundwork for the technology that powers the internet today.
Roles and Responsibilities
Network engineers are responsible for implementing, maintaining, and supporting computer networks within an organization or between organizations. They ensure the smooth operation of communication networks in order to provide maximum performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers, and suppliers.
Network Design
Network design involves evaluating, understanding, and scoping the network to be implemented. The network engineer takes into account the functional requirements of the system, the infrastructure required to support those functions, and the performance, reliability, and scalability needs of the system.
Network Protocols
Network engineers must have a deep understanding of network protocols, which are the rules and conventions for communication between network devices. Protocols define mechanisms for addressing, error detection and correction, and packet sequencing.
Network Hardware
Network engineers work with a variety of network hardware, including routers, switches, and firewalls. They may also work with specific software to monitor and analyze networks, troubleshoot issues, and secure the network from threats.
Network Security
Network security is a critical aspect of a network engineer's job. They must implement security measures to protect the network and its data from threats, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and malware.
Network Performance
Network engineers must monitor and manage network performance. This involves analyzing current network performance, identifying problems, and implementing solutions to ensure that the network is running at its optimum capacity.
Network Troubleshooting
When network problems occur, network engineers must be able to troubleshoot and resolve these issues. This can involve working with networking hardware, software, and the network's configuration.
Training and Certification
Becoming a network engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science or information technology. Network engineers can also benefit from certifications offered by organizations like Cisco, Juniper Networks, and CompTIA.
Future of Network Engineering
The future of network engineering is likely to be influenced by trends such as the increasing demand for high-speed, secure, reliable networks, the growth of cloud computing, and the ongoing need for network security.