The future of networking: Open source networking is the new norm

If you weren’t in Amsterdam last week, you missed an extremely exciting conference – the Open Networking Summit Europe 2018. This Linux Foundation event drew more than 700 networking, development and operations leaders and enterprise users from open source service providers, cloud companies, and more.

Chief among the conference themes was the idea that open source networking is the "new norm," with lots of vendors attesting to how this theme is playing out in the IT industry. Dan Kohn who leads the Linux Foundation's Cloud Native Computing Foundation cites cost savings, improved resilience and higher development velocity for both bug fixes and the rolling out of new features for this change. Arpit Joshipura, General Manager of Networking at The Linux Foundation used the term "open-sourcification" in his keynote.

The conference drew both business and technical leaders focused on networking beyond software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) with deep technical tracks and opportunities for attendees to learn from peers across the industry.

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3 strategies to simplify complex networks

Innovations such as SD-WAN, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G have enabled networks to do more, but they’ve also made them complex. Software, machine learning, and automation will alleviate the problem. As the cloud era meets the demands of digital transformation, networks must change. That means for enterprises, they must become simpler, said Juniper CEO Rami Rahim, speaking at the company's annual industry analyst conference last week.

The past five years has seen more innovation in networking than in the previous 30. Things such as SD-WAN, multi-cloud, Wi-Fi 6, 5G, 400 Gig, and edge computing are on the near-term horizon for almost every company. While all of those technologies have enabled the network to do so much more than ever before, their complexity has also risen.

Network engineers face the harsh reality that they are being tasked with working faster but also more accurately to cut down on unplanned downtime. Networks must become simpler to run, which actually requires more engineering from the vendor. Think of the iPhone. It’s so simple, my dad can use it without calling me every hour. Making it easy requires a tremendous amount of innovation from Apple to mask the underlying complexity.

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How to Become a Network Specialist?

Becoming a Network Specialist

Network specialists also known as computer support specialists, set up, support, and maintain local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and other networking systems. These professionals also install routers, switches, firewalls and network-related software programs. Network specialists work for a variety of employers, including information technology firms, education companies, and health care organizations. Network specialists are sometimes able to work from home, but may also travel to see clients in person to solve networking problems. These professionals have to work long hours, or even nights and weekends, to complete their tasks, which are necessary to keep a company running smoothly.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job openings for network specialists are expected to increase by 20% between 2012 and 2022, which means this is an in-demand position.

Career Requirements

To become a network specialist, you need the right education. Most employer's look for someone with a bachelor's degree but some entry level positions may only require an associate's degree. The degree should be in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related field. Work experience is not typically required for entry-level positions but advanced positions commonly require 2-3 years of IT experience. Some employers prefer or require certification.

Key skills you need for a network specialist position include ability to analyze and solve problems, good interpersonal skills, ability to describe technical terms in non-technical language, expertise with routers and switches, Cisco networking software and LAN/WAN networks.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a computer network support specialist, is $62,250.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming a network specialist is to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Degree programs in these areas can provide prospective network specialists with training in computer network installation and maintenance. Some programs even offer network administration or network specialist concentrations. Most of these programs combine general education coursework with specialized courses in information security, routers and switches, network design and introductory programming. Many programs also prepare graduates for certification.

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What does a network support technician do?

Network support technicians undertake tasks related to network development and maintenance. They also troubleshoot computer issues and provide technical support and guidance to employees. The purpose of this job is to create and maintain well-functioning network systems that help the business operate smoothly. Network support technicians usually work full-time hours. Because companies often require their computer systems to run constantly, evening and weekend work may also be required. This job is well suited to people who enjoy working with technology, have strong problem-solving skills, and take an analytical approach to their work.

Network Support Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Network support technicians carry out a variety of duties depending on the organization they work for. Based on job listings we analyzed, their duties typically include:

Design and Install Computer Networks

One of the network support technician’s primary tasks is designing and installing computer networks that run as effectively as possible to best serve the company’s business goals and daily operations. This involves checking connections and cabling and testing that devices are working as they should.

Troubleshoot System Failures

Network support technicians inspect system failures to identify the problem and highlight any bottlenecks that could slow down the network. They ensure the network and infrastructure are as efficient as possible and fix any problems or bugs that have been identified.

Test Software

A key part of this job is testing software to configure it correctly, in addition to maintaining or repairing hardware and devices when issues arise. Regular tests and data backups are performed regularly throughout the year to ensure the system works efficiently at all times and to protect the company’s data.

Organize Upgrade Schedules

Network support technicians regularly organize and plan system maintenance to check everything is running as it should. They schedule these checks in advance to avoid interrupting daily workflow. They also evaluate the network’s performance to see if it can be improved.

Provide Technical Guidance

Network support technicians help colleagues or clients with their computer and network usage problems, offering technical direction, instructions, and advice where they can to resolve the issues.

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