The evolution of networking has been quite incredible over recent times. From the first generation of computers that were so big they could fill an aeroplane hangar, with huge switches, which had to be switched on and switched off representing the 0 and 1’s of binary code, technology has moved at a tremendous pace.  Previously programmers would sit at their desks punching holes in Hollerith cards and data would be streamed over masses and masses of tape. The Microchip was the invention that transformed everything. Processors, becoming faster and faster meant PC’s were being built with bigger hard drives, more memory and faster processing. A whole array of applications were developed allowing us to multitask in our jobs, making them easier and quicker.

 

                                                    

Networking was somewhat different during these times. Networks were transporting non-complex data from point to point. Telnet sessions and file sharing servers were the systems used. Packets were getting dropped without much notice and dial up modems were the standard for WAN and LAN connections. Some of us will remember those dial up sessions and hearing the systems handshaking.

It was the introduction of voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) that provided us with a big step in networking. It was the major network evolution. The ability to build and maintain highly available, high performance networks was key for enterprises which utilised VOIP.

The new millennium then saw the introduction of Video to our networks. Networks had to be built and designed to handle another entirely new set of end points. With ever increasing devices being added to the network, additional skills, expertise and knowing how to configure these services were required by engineers.

One word ….iPhone!. We are now in an application driven world. Mobile or cloud-based applications need to be secure, high performing and innovative.  This seems to be what is driving the new requirements for the next evolution of network services.

Today, networking professionals are expected to have a wide range of skills and to be able to work with a variety of advanced networking tools. Seeing how rapid things are changing, as a Network engineer, are you looking at your skill set and concerned you’re going to get left behind?

Are you looking to up-skill, but are unsure of which direction to head in? Nothing is guaranteed in the world of IT, with innovative ideas and demands from businesses and predictions for what is going to be hot that haven’t always transpired or have been short-lived.  However, based on research, there seems to be a common agreement with the areas you should be looking to build on.

Application analysis

Network engineers are now tasked with analysing application behaviour during data transfer.

Looking at the OSI Model, Network engineers need to be looking at the upper layers, not just layers 1-4. Historically, networks didn’t have the technology to differentiate between data flows advancing up the stack.

Present day networks however have that visibility, making routing decisions based on information gathered right up to layer 7. This information plays a part when performing tasks such as mapping application dependencies, identifying transport performance bottlenecks, and building complex network policies.

 

Multi-cloud architectures

One of the biggest technology trends has been cloud-computing. Some organisations are so content and at ease with cloud computing, they are beginning to create multi-cloud architecture! This will enable applications, services, and other resources to be accessible across multiple service providers.  Network engineers need to create the most efficient data flows between the cloud service and end user. You will need to understand how to design for failover, eliminating, or at least reduce, the impact on users when a system failure occurs. Disaster recovery skills and knowledge of what connection options are offered by various Cloud service providers will also be needed.

 

Network access policy enforcement

Identification, authentication, and authorisation of users have to be handled at the network level.  CEO’s and Directors are now making allowances for security strategies to be put in place on their networks, as strict compliance regulations are forever increasing and must be adhered to in today’s climate.

The implementation and management of tools such as enterprise mobility management (EMM) or identity and access management (IAM) is expected to significantly grow over the next five years meaning these are expected to be highly sought-after skills.

IoT Network Security

The management of these devices are now placed firmly on the network. Previously, securing IoT devices were originally carried out on the actual hardware device. Due to difficulty in management of updates on literally thousands of devices, it proved far too inefficient.

By using advanced Software-defined technologies, techniques are used to centralise the management of IoT’s, as well as virtualise and segment IoT networks from others.

SaaS network monitoring

Network engineer roles include the monitoring of the connectivity performance between the enterprise network and IaaS or PaaS service providers. NetPath and CloudAgents tools can help can provide detailed visualisation and analysis of where misconfigurations may be causing problems.

The above areas seem to be the ones that networking specialists and the innovators are pioneering for continued growth and development.  Increasingly more job descriptions are coming through with these areas in their required skills list. Look at your CV, where can you enhance your desirability to employers?  With the Networking world evolving at the pace it is, you need to keep yourself up to date and continue the path of educating yourself.

Hopefully, this has given you a little insight on what to look at first, to get yourself up-skilled in the current market.