In today’s 591LAB post, the topic is job roles in IT Networking. The discussion covers various aspects, such as the job scope, designation types, system infrastructure, roadmap, and other elements that will help our readers become expert networking engineers. This essay aims to provide valuable information for those interested in pursuing a career in IT networking and highlights the various opportunities available.
Scope of Jobs in IT Networking:
When you start learning networking, you can pursue various job roles, including:
- Network Specialist
- Network Technician
- Network Administrator
As a beginner in the field, you may initially find positions such as:
- Network Engineer
- VoIP Engineer
- Data Center Engineer
- Telecom Engineer
Typical job roles for those starting in IT networking include Network Engineer, Network Security Engineer, and Technical Support Engineer. These roles are essential in the IT networking domain.
As you gain experience, you may progress to more advanced roles such as Network Specialist, Network Administrator, or Network Solution Architect.
Networking is a vast field, with various job roles depending on the specific area of expertise. Companies require engineers to configure routers, firewalls, IP phones, wireless networks, and networking in the cloud. In reality, there could be more than 50 job roles in IT networking, including network automation engineering.
To secure a job in IT networking as a fresher or for those looking to shift their careers, it is essential to have a strong understanding of critical topics such as:
- TCP
- UDP
- OSI Model
- MAC Address
- Subnetting
- TCP/IP
- DNS
- Ping / Traceroute
- DHCP
- Telnet
- Routing
Additionally, knowing firewalls, Linux, and Quality of Service (QoS) can be advantageous when seeking job opportunities in IT networking. Developing proficiency in these topics can increase your chances of securing a position in the field.
System Infrastructure on IT Networking:
The different roles and departments within IT focus on the system infrastructure and network security domains.
In the system infrastructure domain, professionals can work in various roles, such as:
- Big Data Engineers
- Cloud Engineers
- Data Analysts
- Database Administrators
- Site Engineers
- System Engineers
- DevOps Engineers
To get into systems and infrastructure domains, individuals must learn about Red Hat (Linux), virtualization, Linux courses, and advanced certifications like KCNA, CKAD, Oracle, AWS, and Azure. These engineers are responsible for managing servers and building infrastructure within servers without configuring routers, switches, or firewalls. Roles like System, Infrastructure, and Cloud Engineers fall under this category.
In the network and security domain, professionals can become network engineers or work in Network Operations Center (NOC) jobs. This area focuses on configuring and maintaining this equipment and ensuring the security of the organization’s IT infrastructure.
NOC Jobs
Network Operation Center (NOC) is a central location where engineers manage and monitor a company’s network infrastructure. They often use large screens to monitor and troubleshoot real-time latency performance.
Although NOCs are common in large companies such as China Telecom in China and AT&T in the United States, beginners may wait to get the opportunity to work in these environments. These centers are often reserved for more advanced engineers with experience in related management and monitoring.
AT&T’s NOC is considered one of the world’s largest Network Operation Centers, with its headquarters in the US. Overall, NOCs play a critical role in maintaining the performance and security of an organization’s infrastructure.
SOC Jobs:
Security Operation Center (SOC) is similar to a Network Operation Center (NOC). While NOCs focus on network management and monitoring, SOCs are responsible for monitoring and protecting a company’s network against security threats and attacks. These include both physical and cyber security measures.
SOCs use various tools and software, such as IBM’s QRADAR, to monitor and defend against threats. Security Operation Center or SOC engineers need to be familiar with these tools. They may also work with Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems.
To pursue a career in SOC or NOC roles, individuals might consider obtaining certifications like Certified Ethical Hacking (CEHv12), CCNA (200-301), and CISSP. These courses can help prepare them for roles in cybersecurity and network engineering.
The video also highlights that many companies combine security departments, meaning network and cybersecurity engineers often work together in one department. In contrast, system and infrastructure departments focus on cloud engineering, DevOps engineering, and other roles related to managing the organization’s IT systems and infrastructure.
Roadmap of Network Engineer
For aspiring Network Engineers, outlining the recommended steps to build a successful career in this field:
- Network Fundamentals: Start with self-study or an introductory course to understand networking basics.
- CCNA (200-301): Obtain the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification, an entry-level credential in the field. This international certification can enhance your resume but may not guarantee a high salary or advanced career.
- CCNP (350 Series): Pursue the Cisco Certified Network Professional certification, a more advanced credential that can lead to better job opportunities and salaries in larger companies. It’s advisable to complete the CCNA and CCNP certifications for a solid foundation in networking.
- Firewall Specialization: After obtaining the CCNA and CCNP certifications, consider specializing in specific firewall technology, such as Palo Alto. Recommended certifications include PCNSE, PCNSA, PSE Strata, and PCNSC. These certifications can provide additional expertise and make you more competitive in the job market.
591Cert.com suggests completing the CCNA, CCNP, and Palo Alto certifications within six to seven months, after which you can start applying for jobs more likely to secure a position in this field.
Palo Alto is a popular firewall device companies use to secure their networks. Firewalls are vital as they help connect different branch offices securely through VPN tunnels. Although routers can also handle VPN tunnels, firewalls are most commonly deployed in the industry.
As a network engineer, you should be able to configure routers, switches, and firewalls and know wireless networks. These four skills are essential for a stable career in IT networking.
You can learn advanced technologies like SD-WAN or load balancers for career growth and higher-paying jobs. Of course, 591LAB provides a full suite of F5 Network certification dumps and Fortinet’s popular NSE7 SDW 7.0 specialists.
Additionally, gaining knowledge in cloud technologies (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) and programming languages like Python can help you transition into in-demand roles like Cloud Network Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer.
However, it’s important to note that Cloud Network Engineer positions are typically reserved for experienced professionals rather than freshers. As a fresher, you should focus on building a solid foundation in networking before moving on to more specialized roles.
Network Automation:
591Cert emphasizes that network engineers should focus on learning new skills and adapting to industry trends to stay relevant and competitive in the job market. In the future, network engineers with automation skills will be in high demand. Hence, we suggest learning some programming, particularly Python, but only about 10% of what software engineers know.
Cloud technologies have been a significant trend in the industry for the last few years, and many freshers are learning about AWS and other cloud platforms. However, it’s important to remember that cloud is a platform, not a skill. You should develop networking, Linux, and AWS skills to excel in your career.
In summary, the recommended roadmap for aspiring network engineers is to start with CCNA, CISSP, and Palo Alto certifications. These will help you establish a strong foundation and increase your chances of becoming a successful network engineer. From there, consider learning SD-WAN, cloud technologies, and Python for network automation to stay competitive and adapt to the industry’s evolving demands.
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