Network Architect's Handbook : An Expert-Led Journey to Building a Successful Career As a Network Architect / Alim H. Ali ; foreword by Steven Parker and Russell Ware.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ali, Alim H., author.

Contributor:

Parker, Steven, writer of foreword.

Ware, Russell, writer of foreword.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Computer network architectures.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (418 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Birmingham, England : Packt Publishing Ltd., [2024]

Summary:

Follow a step-by-step roadmap to developing essential competencies in network architecture design, relationship management, systems, and services, coupled with certification guidance and expert tips Key Features Grasp the big picture of information technology infrastructure to become a successful network architect Overcome challenges in network performance and configuration management Enhance your skills for career advancement using real-life examples and tips Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook Book Description Becoming a network architect is challenging--it demands hands-on engineering skills, encompassing hardware installation, configuration, and fabric layout design. Equally crucial, it involves collaboration with internal teams and C-Suite stakeholders, and adeptly managing external entities like vendors and service providers. The Network Architect's Handbook comprehensively covers these vital aspects, guiding you to evolve into an effective network architect within an organization, fostering seamless communication with leadership teams and other stakeholders. Starting with a clear definition of a network architect's role, this book lays out a roadmap and delves into the attributes and mindset for success. You'll then explore network architect design, physical infrastructure routing and switching, and network services such as DNS, MLAG, and service insertion. As you progress, you'll gain insights into the necessary skills and typical daily challenges faced by network architects. And to thoroughly prepare you to advance in your career, this handbook covers certifications and associated training for maintaining relevance in an organization, along with common interview questions for a network architect's position. Armed with essential concepts, techniques, and your newfound skills, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a career as a network architect. What you will learn Examine the role of a network architect Understand the key design makers in an organization Choose the best strategies to meet stakeholder needs Be well-versed with networking concepts Prepare for a network architect position interview Distinguish the different IT architects in an organization Identify relevant certification for network architects Understand the various de facto network/fabric architect models used today Who this book is for This book is for network engineers and technicians aspiring to transition into the role of a network architect. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or seeking guidance along the path, this book will support you with its deep coverage of key aspects such as design concepts, architectural requirements, relevant experience, certifications, and advanced education with a special emphasis on cloud best practices. A practical understanding of IT networking is necessary to get the most out of this book.

Contents:

Cover

Title Page

Copyright and Credits

Foreword

Contributors

Table of Contents

Preface

Part 1 - Navigating the Architectural Blueprint of Networking

Chapter 1: Understanding the Network Architect's Role

What is a network architect?

Solutions architects

Storage architects

Database architects

Enterprise architects

Cloud architects

Technical architects

Chief architects

Network architects

The function of a network architect

Understanding network architecture

Client/server architecture

Peer-to-peer architecture

Hierarchical architecture

Hybrid network architecture

Spine-leaf architecture

Summary

Further reading

Chapter 2: Network Architect in an Organization

Planning, designing, installing, upgrading, and maintaining network projects

Planning

Design

Installing

Upgrading

Maintenance

Making recommendations to improve the network infrastructure and reduce operational costs

Cost-benefit analysis

Researching new technologies and solutions

Developing a roadmap

Documenting the network process for future use

Chapter 3: Roadmap to Becoming a Network Architect

Roles and responsibilities - entry level

Network support technician

Network technician

NOC technician

Roles and responsibilities - mid level

Network administrator

Network engineer

Network security engineer

Roles and responsibilities - senior level

The career path to becoming a network architect

Part 2 - Crafting the Architectural Mind: Attributes and Mindset of a Network Architect

Chapter 4: Attributes of a Network Architect

The network architect's role in the business

Network infrastructure design

Network security

Network management

Network procurement

Technical leadership

Business logistics - the structure.

Business financials

Cross Functional Teams (CFTs)

Managing business relationships

Vendors and suppliers

Internal stakeholders

Partners and clients

Industry groups and associations

Regulatory agencies

Chapter 5: The Mindset of the Network Architect - the Principles of Design

Principles of network architecting

Hierarchical

Additional design patterns

Scalability

Modularity

Resilience

Performant

Thinking like a CxO

What other industries are doing

Always thinking - innovating, exploring new trends

Part 3 - Constructing the Core: Building Blocks of a Network Architect

Chapter 6: Foundations of Network Architecture - Part 1: Route/Switch

Overview of the OSI model

OSI model versus TCP/IP model

Physical infrastructure

Network cabling

Switches and switching concepts

Switching concepts

Switches

Key switching functions

Routers and routing concepts

Routing concepts

Router types

Supporting vendors

Fiber optics

Networking

Security

Virtualization

Server

Chapter 7: The Foundation of Network Architecture, Part Two - Network Services

Understanding load balancers

Types of load balancers

Network load balancer (NLB)

Global server load balancer (GSLB)

Load balancing algorithms

Which load balancer should you choose?

Exploring DNS

How DNS works

Considerations for DNS design

DHCP

How does DHCP work?

Benefits of DHCP

Key considerations for using DHCP

Network Address Translation (NAT)

How does NAT work?

Types of NAT

NAT considerations

What are ACLs?

Types of ACLs

Understanding firewall rules

What does this mean for a network architect?

Miscellaneous network services

Considerations for a network architect

Further reading.

Chapter 8: Foundations of Network Automation

Fundamental building blocks of network automation

Network programmability

Understanding the role of SDN

Core principles and components

Impact on organizations

Exploring NFV

Key components of NFV

Benefits of NFV

Scripting and automation languages

The power of automation

Scripting languages

Automation tools

Understanding IaC

What is IaC?

Benefits to a network architect

Chapter 9: Paradigm Shift to Cloud Computing

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing models

The need for cloud computing

Benefits of the cloud

Cloud services

Compute services

Storage services

Database services

Networking services

Monitoring services

Security and compliance

Cloud designing and architecting

Designing in the cloud

Architecting in the cloud

Cloud architecture components

What does it mean for a network architect?

Preparing for the paradigm shift

Part 4 - Mastering the Craft: Advancing Your Journey as a Network Architect

Chapter 10: Preparing for Certifications and Cracking the Job Interview

Network architects' certification path

Foundational certifications

Professional certifications

Expert certifications

Design expert certifications

Miscellaneous certifications and others

Continued education

Preparing for certifications

Create an environment only used for studying

Remove distractions

Schedule your studying time

Use earplugs, white/brown noise, or focus sounds

Cone of Knowledge

Use a timer

Take breaks

Training and study material

Supplements and rest

How to crack interview questions

Sample questions

Questions

Chapter 11: The Skills to Become a Better Network Architect and Overcome Daily Challenges.

Interpersonal skills - how to communicate effectively

Communication

Listening

Empathy

Adaptability

Engaging with your team or teams

Role of a network architect across teams

Conflict resolution

Technical disagreements

Project alignment

Procurement and relationship management

Techniques to resolve conflicts

Growing as a leader

How do you become a leader?

Chapter 12: Additional Information and Recommended Books

Recommended books

Cisco Press

Arista books

Other networking books

Automation and network programming

Methodologies

Cloud computing

Other useful resources

Websites

Blogs

Periodicals

Communities and forums

Training

Index

Other Books You May Enjoy.

Notes:

Includes index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781837635290

1837635293

OCLC:

1417450539