Network engineers aka network architects are responsible for building a strong foundation for a business’s IT system. They plan, create and manage networks that are optimized to provide high functional value to the users, as intended. This means that the everyday job duties of an enterprise network engineer are quite fluid. With the right Cisco training, they do whatever it takes to ensure complete alignment between business goals and the network’s capabilities.
With the advent of 2019, one thing is clear, the role of a network engineer is evolving fast, and they need a broader skill set, one that enables them to successfully liaison between the network, storage infrastructure and the servers. Designing and improving systems for the modern enterprise is a high-level challenge. And only the right kind of training and Cisco certifications can afford network engineers the necessary skills needed to excel at this challenge.
Depending on the organization you are working for, you may have to create and execute physical and wireless networks, troubleshoot issues, research new technologies and find exciting ways of integrating them into the network workflow.
The fact of the matter is that network engineers are at the heart of the infrastructure; they must have a deep appreciation for the application and data using their network. This holds truer when we take into account the silos of server and storage administration that are being torn down in favor of newer technologies. With buzzwords like hyperconvergence, virtualization and cybersecurity abound, the need for expertise and certification becomes all the more apparent.
The networks work as a nucleus, binding together many technologies to create an effective system… and the network engineer ensures end-to-end integration.
5 Distinct Ways Cisco Certified Professionals Have Better Functional Expertise
These are some of the most sought-after training and certifications in the IT industry, all over the world. CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE can give you a definite edge over the others in the industry. Many employers mandate that the candidate have these certifications. A Cisco certified professional is considered to be at the pinnacle of their game, with assured proficiency in networking fundamentals. They have an edge over others in the following departments:
Network automation
For years, network engineers were sufficiently sheltered from scripting and automation, unlike other IT departments. They were the burly strongmen of IT because the networks were a static architecture that was utterly self-sufficient thanks to the redundancy protocols. You could just ‘set it and forget it’ with IT networks doing the rest all by themselves.
Modern IT networks, however, have a more organic presence. Network engineers have to be dynamic in their approach to traffic, the push policy as well as the provisioning of new resources. Cisco certifications take this ever-changing nature into account, teaching scripting skills that help automate many network processes.
Virtualizing network components and services
SDN was all the rage in 2017 and worked its way well into the first quarter of 2018, but then virtualization came along. It is evident that SDN will not be helpful beyond the realms of WAN and data centers. That’s why IT organizations are feeling the need to virtualize network components and services before they can make the most of end-to-end SDN networks. Cisco training and certification such as CCNA certification and CCNP certification, offer an in-depth look at this phenomenon, preparing the network engineers of tomorrow with practical skills in virtualization of network functions and services.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The IoT is revolutionizing the IT industry and causing a lot of headache for professionals who are used to doing things as usual. Network engineers are expected to be an integral part of the massive IoT rollout planned in 2019. They will be the ones setting policy and providing guidance regarding connectivity and security. Cisco training can help them better understand their roles, and learn how to scale their wired and wireless networks to make way for possibly thousands of new IoT sensors coming their way.
Cybersecurity
Traditionally, network engineers were charged with keeping a lookout at the network edge, which limited their efforts to intrusion prevention with firewalls, etc. But now, they are being charged with the security of a number of IT functions, such as email and endpoint security just to name two. These days, network engineers are expected to play a more significant role in network security, safeguarding it from Internet-based threats with end-to-end unified solutions that offer protection all the way to cloud, and beyond.
Hyperconverged systems
Data storage, computing, and network functions are now being consolidated into a unified system. This phenomenon is known as hyper convergence, and only certified and trained network engineers will have the know-how to deal with it successfully. The right Cisco training can equip them with an understanding of how hyper-converged systems can be optimized for apps and incorporate all kinds of technology stacks.
Supplement Your Network Engineering Skills with Cisco Certification
Cisco offers a range of popular training options for network engineers. Their courses offer in-depth guidance on the theory of computer networking, building up a solid knowledge base and then testing the practical application of this knowledge as well. These certifications include hands-on learning on how to perform networking tasks. The core Cisco networking certifications are:
- Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) — Routing and Switching
- Cisco Certified Network Professional Level (CCNP) — Routing and Switching
Cisco Systems has a range of general and specialized certifications that require candidates to sit through an exam. The general-level certifications have four levels of expertise in 7 paths, including storage networking, security, design, and routing & switching.
Get in touch with one of our Cisco experts today, to learn more.