Computer Networking

Duties

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers. Network architects must have extensive knowledge of an organization’s business plan to design a network that can help the organization achieve its goals. After deployment, they also may manage the networks and troubleshoot any issues as they arise. Network architects also predict future network needs by analyzing current data traffic and estimating how growth will affect the network.

• Create plans and layouts for data communication networks
• Present plans to management and explain why they are in the organization’s best interest to pursue them
• Analyze costs and benefits of IT systems and upgrades
• Design new systems by configuring hardware and software applications
• Consider information security when designing networks
• Upgrade hardware, such as routers or adaptors, and software, such as network drivers, as needed to support computer networks
• Test systems to ensure that they work as expected
• Write instruction manuals and train the systems’ end users

Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to them. In doing so, these analysts help the organization operate more efficiently. Most computer systems analysts specialize in computer systems that are specific to their organization type. For example, an analyst might work with financial computer systems or with engineering computer systems. Computer systems analysts work with other IT team members to help an organization’s business leaders understand how computer systems best serve the organization.

Computer systems analysts use a variety of techniques, such as data modeling, to design computer systems. Data modeling allows analysts to view processes and data flows. Analysts conduct indepth tests and analyze information and trends in the data to increase a system’s efficiency. Analysts calculate requirements for how much memory, storage, and computing power the computer system needs. They prepare diagrams for programmers or engineers to use when building the system. Analysts also work with these people to solve problems that arise after the initial system setup. Most analysts do some programming in the course of their work.

Required Education

Computer network architects typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, engineering, or a related field. Degree programs in a computer-related field give prospective network architects hands-on experience in classes such as network security or database design. These programs prepare network architects to be able to work with the wide array of technologies used in networks. Systems analysts may take continuing education courses throughout their careers to stay abreast of new technology. Technological advances are common in the computer field, and continual study is necessary to remain competitive.

Employers of network architects sometimes prefer applicants to have a master’s of business administration (MBA) in information systems. MBA programs generally require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate level and include both business and computer-related courses. Network architects generally need to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience working with information technology (IT) systems. They often have experience as a network and computer system administrator but also may come from other computer-related occupations such as database administrator or computer systems analyst.

Systems analysts also must understand the industry they are working in. For example, an analyst working in a hospital may need a thorough understanding of healthcare plans and programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, and an analyst working for a bank may need to understand finance. Having industry-specific knowledge helps systems analysts communicate with managers to determine the role of the information technology (IT) systems in an organization.

Certification

The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification verifies your ability to diagnose, restore, repair and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. The CCT Data Center certification covers support and maintenance of Cisco Unified Computing systems and server. It’s targeted at field support engineers working with Cisco data center system devices and software. This certificate covers data center networking fundamentals, field servicing and equipment replacement and how to identify Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) component models, accessories cabling and interfaces.

The CCT Routing and Switching certification covers on-site support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches and operating environments. It’s designed for on-site technical support and other support staff who work with Cisco Data Center Solutions. Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to take the course Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices (RSTECH). The online self-paced course covers networking fundamentals, Cisco outer and switch models, Cisco IOS software operating modes and the Cisco command line interface (CLI).

Cisco certified network associate (CCNA certificate) packet routing and switching concentration is a systems engineering certification program that teaches how to manage servers, and ensure computer network integrity. The CCNA network administration certification is valid for three years, after which time systems administrators need to renew their qualifications to troubleshoot and configure switched and routed networks. This may also include implementation of data-communications software, via remote internet access using either WAN or WiFi networks.

The CBP Computer Technology Specialist Certification covers a wide range of computer technologies such as computer architecture, software applications, networking, Internet technologies, electronic commerce, computer health & safety, computer security and law. The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification assesses and validates wireless expertise. Candidates who pass the CCIE Wireless certification exams demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies from Cisco. Further, Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) validates knowledge required to design a Cisco converged network.

Network Protocols

Understanding Spectrum

Mobile Phone Routing

CompTIA Network+ Exam Prep

Network Security

Network security is a complex and constantly evolving field. Practitioners must stay on top of new threats and solutions and be proactive in assessing risk and protecting their networks. The first step to understanding network security is to become acquainted with the actual threats posed to a network. Without a realistic idea of what threats might affect your systems, you be unable to effectively protect them. It is also critical that you acquire basic understanding of the techniques used by both security professionals and those who would seek to compromise your network’s security.

The Security Architecture and Models domain of the Common Body of Knowledge embodies the study of formal models for design and evaluation of systems needed for the highest levels of information security, including those that protect national secrets and other government property. The trusted computing base, or TCB, is the portion of a computer system that contains all elements of the system responsible for supporting the security policy and supporting the isolation of objects on which the protection is based. Included are mechanisms, properties, and concepts that are required for a formal evaluation prior to being used to protect resources and information.

Several evolving models of evaluation and assurance cover various aspects of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. TCSEC, otherwise known as the Orange Book, is primarily concerned with confidentiality and is based on the Bell-LaPadula model. ITSEC adds concerns about integrity and availability. The Canadian Criteria (CTCPEC) advances the work of TCSEC and ITSEC.

Access controls differentiate between identifying users of a system and authenticating them. This is done using discretionary means where an information owner decides who obtains access rights, mandatory means where the system decides access rights based on classifications and clearance, and role-based means that group people with a similar need for access together and tie access rights to the role people are assigned. Problems with passwords have led to the development of alternatives, such as tokens using one-time passwords and smart cards that use cryptography to prove a person’s identity.

Specializations

Network Analyst, Network Engineer, sometimes referred to as a Network Support Engineer. The role sometimes overlaps with Network Architect roles. Typical responsibilities / skills: work with a variety of types of networks including LANs, WANs, GANs and MANs; determine network capacity requirements and ensure that the infrastructure can handle it; monitor and administrate the network; troubleshoot problems. Depending on the size of the organization, a person in this role might also setup, install and configure all types of hardware.

Network architects may design internal and intra-office networks, including physical layout: LAN, WAN, Internet, VoIP, etc.; monitor network usage and performance, devise network tests and evaluate them; incorporate any new business requirements so as to upgrade overal network architecture; do any necessary cabling, routers, and install and configure hardware and software; follow a budget for projects; recommend the appropriate network components. Network Architects usually have five or more years of experience as a Network Engineer.

Network Security Engineers are responsible for network and server architecture; implementation, admin, upgrade of hardware and software, e.g., firewalls, etc.; enforcement of security policies set down by either the organization’s Network Architect, Network Security Administrator, or similar position; monitoring and analyzing network usage for security issues; troubleshooting network problems; contributing to the selection of new technology and/or upgrades; contributing to the documenting of systems and processes.

Systems Analysts analyze an organization’s computer systems and procedures; makes recommendations for process improvement. Needs to interact with department managers on IT requirements; incorporate feedback from both internal and external users into business requirements documents; incorporate feedback from designers; contribute technical requirements; advise developers with use cases.

Qualities For Success

Ask yourself if you can see yourself being a network engineer, working with technical concepts and complex equipment, which can be challenging. While engineering classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.