Are you interested in starting an IT job but not sure what you will do on a day-to-day basis? Information Technology (IT) jobs can be both challenging and rewarding. That is because you are the backbone of any organization, making sure both computers and networks work properly. With working network devices employees can work effectively and efficiently, further improving the performance of the organization. But are you still asking yourself, “What do you do in an IT job?”
What Do You Do in an IT Job?
IT professionals are responsible for computer-based information systems, managing both software applications and computer hardware. IT professionals also analyze and diagnose computer and network issues. However, most network engineers design, maintain, implement, and troubleshoot computer networks. Here are some of the fundamental IT takes a network engineer may be responsible for:
Basic Networking of Routers and Switches
Network routers and switches allow communication between devices on a network. A router connects different networks to route data packets back and forth between devices. Switches connect different devices within a network and facilitate their communication. A network engineer may connect the devices using an Ethernet cable, then use an IP address to configure devices for network settings. Routers and switches are important to establish reliable and secure network infrastructure.
Network Security
With the increase in cyberattacks, network security has become an important job for network engineers. Whether unauthorized access, data breaches or malicious activities, network engineers must safeguard an organization’s network to mitigate these cyber threats. Some of the network security measures that a network engineer can implement to secure a network include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual private networks (VPN), and virus software.
Firewalls filter network traffic to help prevent unauthorized access. Intrusion detection systems detect suspicious activity and alert the network engineer. VPNs create a secure connection between remote users, preventing data breaches and unauthorized access. Virus software detects malicious viruses, worms, and trojan horses. It then quarantines them, so they do not negatively affect the network infrastructure.
Other important network security protocols are put into place to protect the networks and company data. They include control policies, password protocols, data backups, and penetration testing.
Cloud Computing and Administration
Cloud computing has allowed organizations to access and store large amounts of data on secure servers hosted on the Internet. It provides a flexible and scalable solution allowing organizations to easily manage data and applications. Cloud administration involves the management and maintenance of cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and services. Network engineers that manage cloud administration configure security, manage access controls to monitoring performance, and implement backups.
Connect and Manage IT infrastructure
The job of a network engineer includes ensuring all devices, applications and data sources are linked and can communicate effectively. A well-connected IT infrastructure can help improve productivity, increase efficiency, and reduce downtime.
Properly managing IT infrastructure means that network engineer ensures all systems are maintained and updated regularly. This IT job includes monitoring performance, identifying, and resolving issues, and implementing new network technologies.
Troubleshoot, Configure, and Manage Network Devices
A network engineer must troubleshoot, configure, and manage network devices. Especially since they are responsible for managing the flow of data between devices and systems. Network devices can experience issues, require configuration changes, and must evolve to meet business needs.
A network engineer will troubleshoot issues with network devices. They will diagnose the problem and identify the solutions. Network engineers use a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques to locate the issues that arise with network devices, while developing a solution to the problems.
Configuring network devices involves the setup of switches to segment network traffic or managing access to external networks. This also includes ongoing management of network devices through firmware updates, device performance monitoring, and addressing security concerns.
Build Network Architecture
A well-designed network can enhance the performance of an organization’s communication, data transfer and system security. Building network architecture is a fundamental job of any network engineer. Before building network architecture, it is important to understand the needs of the organization. How many users are accessing the network? What applications and data will be transmitted?
Once these questions are answered, a network engineer can start designing the organization’s network topology that includes both the physical and logical layout of the network. Physical network topology involves the placement of hardware components like servers, switches, and routers. Logical network topology focuses on the flow of data and how it will be transmitted between devices.
Maintain Network Documentation
Part of a network engineer’s job is to maintain comprehensive records of the IT components and configuration of an organization’s network. This includes hardware, software, IP addresses, network topology, and security protocols. The network engineer will establish a system for managing documentation. This system must also be updated and reviewed to ensure documentation remains accurate and up to date.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what you can do with an IT job, it is time to learn more about CyberTex. If you have 45 weeks to prepare for a network engineer job, then this may be the right career path for you. With classroom theory, hands-on training and 10+ IT certifications, you are ready to dive into your new job. Let CyberTex teach you how to swim in the IT industry.
Want to Learn More?
IT careers have become essential not just in Austin but globally, and there is no better time to pick up than now. In 2019 Austin was ranked #1 in Best Tech City for IT jobs by CompTIA, and the demand is only growing.
CyberTex Institute of Technology, under the supervision of our expert school instructors, takes excellent care of every college student by providing hands-on training and necessary support to start a new career in the information technology field. The Network Engineer training program is designed to be completed in 45 weeks and prepares students for entry-level positions in businesses and organizations.