book

Network Architect's Handbook

by Alim H.

January 2024

Intermediate to advanced

418 pages

11h 18m

English

Packt Publishing

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ForewordContributorsAbout the authorAbout the reviewer
Who this book is forWhat this book coversTo get the most out of this bookConventions usedGet in touchShare Your ThoughtsDownload a free PDF copy of this book
What is a network architect?Solutions architectsStorage architectsDatabase architectsEnterprise architectsCloud architectsTechnical architectsChief architectsNetwork architectsThe function of a network architectUnderstanding network architectureClient/server architecturePeer-to-peer architectureHierarchical architectureHybrid network architectureSpine-leaf architectureSummaryFurther reading
Planning, designing, installing, upgrading, and maintaining network projectsPlanningDesignInstallingUpgradingMaintenanceMaking recommendations to improve the network infrastructure and reduce operational costsCost-benefit analysisResearching new technologies and solutionsDeveloping a roadmapDocumenting the network process for future useSummary
Roles and responsibilities – entry levelNetwork support technicianNetwork technicianNOC technicianRoles and responsibilities – mid levelNetwork administratorNetwork engineerNetwork security engineerRoles and responsibilities – senior levelThe career path to becoming a network architectSummary
The network architect’s role in the businessNetwork infrastructure designNetwork securityNetwork managementNetwork procurementTechnical leadershipBusiness logistics – the structureBusiness financialsCross Functional Teams (CFTs)Managing business relationshipsVendors and suppliersInternal stakeholdersPartners and clientsIndustry groups and associationsRegulatory agenciesSummary
Principles of network architectingHierarchicalAdditional design patternsScalabilityModularityResiliencePerformantThinking like a CxOWhat other industries are doingAlways thinking – innovating, exploring new trendsSummary

Overview of the OSI modelOSI model versus TCP/IP modelPhysical infrastructureNetwork cablingSwitches and switching conceptsSwitching conceptsSwitchesKey switching functionsRouters and routing conceptsRouting conceptsRouter typesSupporting vendorsFiber opticsNetworkingSecurityVirtualizationServerSummaryFurther reading
Understanding load balancersTypes of load balancersNetwork load balancer (NLB)Global server load balancer (GSLB)Load balancing algorithmsWhich load balancer should you choose?Exploring DNSHow DNS worksConsiderations for DNS designDHCPHow does DHCP work?Benefits of DHCPKey considerations for using DHCPNetwork Address Translation (NAT)How does NAT work?Types of NATNAT considerationsWhat are ACLs?Types of ACLsUnderstanding firewall rulesWhat does this mean for a network architect?Miscellaneous network servicesConsiderations for a network architectSummaryFurther reading
Fundamental building blocks of network automationNetwork programmabilityUnderstanding the role of SDNCore principles and componentsImpact on organizationsExploring NFVKey components of NFVBenefits of NFVScripting and automation languagesThe power of automationScripting languagesAutomation toolsUnderstanding IaCWhat is IaC?Benefits to a network architectSummaryFurther reading
What is cloud computing?Cloud computing modelsThe need for cloud computingBenefits of the cloudCloud servicesCompute servicesStorage servicesDatabase servicesNetworking servicesMonitoring servicesSecurity and complianceCloud designing and architectingDesigning in the cloudArchitecting in the cloudCloud architecture componentsWhat does it mean for a network architect?Preparing for the paradigm shiftSummaryFurther reading
Network architects’ certification pathFoundational certificationsProfessional certificationsExpert certificationsDesign expert certificationsMiscellaneous certifications and othersContinued educationPreparing for certificationsCreate an environment only used for studyingRemove distractionsSchedule your studying timeUse earplugs, white/brown noise, or focus soundsCone of KnowledgeUse a timerTake breaksTraining and study materialSupplements and restHow to crack interview questionsSample questionsQuestionsSummary
Interpersonal skills – how to communicate effectivelyCommunicationListeningEmpathyAdaptabilityEngaging with your team or teamsRole of a network architect across teamsConflict resolutionTechnical disagreementsProject alignmentProcurement and relationship managementTechniques to resolve conflictsGrowing as a leaderHow do you become a leader?SummaryFurther reading
Recommended booksCisco PressArista booksOther networking booksAutomation and network programmingMethodologiesVirtualizationSecurityCloud computingOther useful resourcesWebsitesBlogsPeriodicalsCommunities and forumsTrainingSummary
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Content preview from Network Architect's Handbook

1 Understanding the Network Architect’s Role

Today, the network infrastructure (or fabric as I like to call it) is vast compared to how it was just 23 years ago, and even more sophisticated than when networks were around in the early 1970s. The infrastructure has evolved, and so has the people required to take care of and maintain them. But even in doing so, the role and responsibility have also evolved to be more. Before, the responsibility could have seen one or two people doing everything, such as racking and stacking, cabling, router configurations (as there were no switches at the time), installing hubs, and storage consolidation. Now, there are many roles in an organization that specialize in these varied tasks.

So much emphasis is put ...