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Networking

Relevant Coursework:

  • CSCE 1030 - Computer Science I

  • CSCE 1040 - Computer Science II

  • CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing

  • CSCE 2110 - Foundations of Data Structures

  • CSCE 3550 - Foundations of Cybersecurity (critical for network security roles)

  • CSCE 3600 - Principles of Systems Programming (important for understanding network operating systems)

  • EENG 2710 - Digital Logic Design (useful for understanding hardware aspects of networking)

Recommended Electives:

  • Network Security: Study intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and securing network protocols.

  • Wireless Communication: Learn about wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G technologies.

  • Cloud Networking: Explore virtual networking concepts and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.

  • IoT Networks: Study the integration of IoT devices in networked environments.

Median Total Comp: (will be updated with resources)

  • Network Engineer: $70,000 - $110,000+ annually

  • Network Administrator: $60,000 - $90,000+ annually

  • Network Security Engineer: $80,000 - $120,000+ annually

  • Wireless Communication Engineer: $75,000 - $115,000+ annually

Top Tech Companies:
Cisco, Juniper Networks, Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson, ZTE, Broadcom, Qualcomm, Intel, IBM, Dell Technologies, HP Enterprise, Arista Networks, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point Software Technologies, F5 Networks, VMware, AT&T, Verizon Communications

Network Engineer

Networking Fundamentals

  • Understanding of basic networking concepts, including the OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, and routing.

  • Proficiency in IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting.

Network Protocols

  • Knowledge of common networking protocols, such as HTTP, DNS, DHCP, SMTP, FTP, and SNMP.

  • Understanding of transport layer protocols like TCP and UDP.

Routing and Switching

  • Mastery of routing protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP.

  • Configuration and management of network switches and routers.

  • Implementing VLANs and trunking for network segmentation.

Network Topologies

  • Understanding of network topologies (e.g., star, bus, ring) and their advantages and disadvantages.

  • Designing and implementing network topologies to meet specific requirements.

Network Security

  • Knowledge of network security principles and best practices.

  • Implementing firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

  • Securing wireless networks and VPN configurations.

Network Troubleshooting

  • Skills in diagnosing and resolving network issues, including connectivity problems and performance bottlenecks.

  • Using network monitoring tools and utilities.

Network Services

  • Configuration and management of network services such as DHCP, DNS, and NTP.

  • Knowledge of network time synchronization.

Wireless Networking

  • Setting up and configuring wireless access points and controllers.

  • Managing wireless security and authentication mechanisms.

Network Virtualization (Optional)

  • Familiarity with network virtualization technologies like VMware NSX or Cisco ACI.

  • Configuring and managing virtual networks.

Cloud Networking (Optional)

  • Understanding of cloud networking services and solutions from providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

  • Networking in cloud environments and connecting on-premises networks to the cloud.

Network Monitoring and Management Tools

  • Proficiency in network monitoring tools like Wireshark, Nagios, or SolarWinds.

  • Configuration and management of network management systems (NMS).

Network Hardware

  • Knowledge of network hardware components, including switches, routers, access points, and network appliances.

  • Familiarity with hardware redundancy and high-availability configurations.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

  • Implementing and managing VPN solutions for secure remote access.

  • Knowledge of VPN protocols like IPSec and SSL/TLS.

Voice over IP (VoIP)

  • Setting up and configuring VoIP systems and protocols (e.g., SIP).

  • Troubleshooting VoIP quality and connectivity issues.

Network Design and Planning

  • Designing network architectures to meet business requirements.

  • Capacity planning for network growth and scalability.

Scripting and Automation (Optional)

  • Scripting skills (e.g., Python, Bash) for automating network configuration tasks.

  • Using automation tools like Ansible or Puppet.

Project Management

  • Basic project management skills for planning and executing network infrastructure projects.

  • Managing timelines, resources, and budgets

Network Administrator

Networking Fundamentals

  • Understanding of basic networking concepts, including the OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, and routing.

  • Proficiency in IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting.

Network Protocols

  • Knowledge of common networking protocols, such as HTTP, DNS, DHCP, SMTP, FTP, and SNMP.

  • Understanding of transport layer protocols like TCP and UDP.

Routing and Switching

  • Mastery of routing protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP.

  • Configuration and management of network switches and routers.

  • Implementing VLANs and trunking for network segmentation.

Network Troubleshooting

  • Skills in diagnosing and resolving network issues, including connectivity problems and performance bottlenecks.

  • Using network monitoring tools and utilities.

Network Services

  • Configuration and management of network services such as DHCP, DNS, and NTP.

  • Knowledge of network time synchronization.

Network Hardware

  • Knowledge of network hardware components, including switches, routers, access points, and network appliances.

  • Familiarity with hardware redundancy and high-availability configurations.

Network Monitoring and Management Tools

  • Proficiency in network monitoring tools like Wireshark, Nagios, or SolarWinds.

  • Configuration and management of network management systems (NMS).

Network Design and Planning

  • Designing network architectures to meet business requirements.

  • Capacity planning for network growth and scalability.

Scripting and Automation (Optional)

  • Scripting skills (e.g., Python, Bash) for automating network configuration tasks.

  • Using automation tools like Ansible or Puppet.

Continuous Learning

  • Staying updated with the latest networking technologies, standards, and trends.

  • Engaging with the networking community, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Fundamentals

  • In-depth understanding of network security principles, threats, and vulnerabilities.

  • Knowledge of security frameworks and best practices.

Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

  • Implementing and managing firewalls, IDS, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).

  • Rule-based and behavior-based threat detection.

VPN and Encryption

  • Setting up and configuring VPN solutions for secure remote access.

  • Implementing encryption for data in transit and at rest.

Access Control and Authentication

  • Knowledge of access control models and authentication mechanisms.

  • Role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Security Policies and Compliance

  • Developing and enforcing security policies and procedures.

  • Ensuring compliance with industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) and standards (e.g., ISO 27001).

Network Security Tools

  • Proficiency in security tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), vulnerability scanners, and penetration testing tools.

Incident Response and Forensics

  • Skills in incident response planning and execution.

  • Digital forensics for investigating security incidents.

Network Hardening

  • Implementing security hardening measures for network devices and systems.

  • Patch management and vulnerability mitigation.

Security Awareness and Training

  • Promoting security awareness among users and conducting security training.

  • Phishing awareness programs.

Continuous Learning

  • Staying updated with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices.

  • Engaging with the cybersecurity community, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.

Wireless Communication Engineer

Wireless Technologies

  • Understanding of wireless communication technologies, including Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.

  • Knowledge of wireless standards (e.g., 802.11ac, 5G).

Wireless Network Design

  • Designing wireless networks, access points, and coverage areas.

  • Planning for capacity and signal strength.

Wireless Security

  • Implementing wireless security measures, including encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection.

  • Securing Wi-Fi networks against unauthorized access.

Wireless Spectrum Management

  • Knowledge of wireless spectrum allocation and interference mitigation.

  • Spectrum analysis and optimization.

Antenna Design and Placement

  • Designing and optimizing antenna systems for wireless communication.

  • Understanding antenna characteristics and propagation models.

IoT and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN)

  • Designing and implementing IoT and WSN solutions.

  • Managing low-power and low-data-rate wireless devices.

Wireless Protocols and Standards

  • Familiarity with wireless communication protocols such as MQTT, CoAP, and LoRa.

  • Compliance with wireless standards and regulations.

Network Performance Optimization

  • Skills in optimizing the performance and reliability of wireless networks.

  • Troubleshooting connectivity and performance issues.

Wireless Network Testing and Monitoring

  • Using wireless network testing tools and spectrum analyzers.

  • Monitoring and analyzing wireless network performance metrics.

Continuous Learning

  • Staying updated with the latest wireless technologies, standards, and trends.

  • Engaging with the wireless communication community, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.

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