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.