What emerging network technologies and trends should you follow?

1 Edge Computing

Edge computing is the practice of processing and storing data closer to the source, rather than in centralized servers or cloud platforms. This reduces latency, bandwidth consumption, and security risks, and enables faster and more efficient delivery of services and applications. Edge computing is especially relevant for scenarios that require real-time or near-real-time data analysis, such as IoT, AI, VR, AR, and 5G. As a network engineer, you should be familiar with the concepts and benefits of edge computing, and how to design and manage network architectures that support edge devices and applications.

2 Software-Defined Networking

Software-defined networking (SDN) is the paradigm of decoupling the control and data planes of a network, and using software to manage and optimize network resources and functions. SDN enables more flexibility, scalability, automation, and innovation in network operations, as well as better integration with cloud and virtualization technologies. SDN also facilitates the implementation of other network trends, such as network function virtualization (NFV), network slicing, and intent-based networking. As a network engineer, you should be aware of the principles and advantages of SDN, and how to use SDN tools and platforms to configure and monitor network performance and behavior.

3 Zero Trust Networking

Zero trust networking is the security model of assuming that no network element, user, or device can be trusted by default, and applying strict verification and enforcement policies to every network transaction. Zero trust networking aims to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks, by minimizing the attack surface and implementing granular controls and visibility. Zero trust networking requires a shift from perimeter-based to identity-based security, and relies on technologies such as encryption, authentication, segmentation, and microservices. As a network engineer, you should be able to understand and apply the principles and practices of zero trust networking, and how to use zero trust solutions and frameworks to secure your network infrastructure and data.

4 Wi-Fi 6 and 6E

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E are the latest standards for wireless networking, offering significant improvements in speed, capacity, efficiency, and reliability. Wi-Fi 6 and 6E use technologies such as orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA), multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO), target wake time (TWT), and 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) to enhance the performance and quality of wireless connections. Wi-Fi 6 operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, while Wi-Fi 6E extends to the 6 GHz band, providing more spectrum and less interference. As a network engineer, you should be able to install, configure, and optimize Wi-Fi 6 and 6E networks, and leverage their benefits for various use cases and environments.

5 Quantum Networking

Quantum networking is the emerging field of using quantum physics and mechanics to transmit and process information over networks. Quantum networking leverages the properties of quantum entanglement, superposition, and teleportation to enable faster, more secure, and more powerful communication and computation. Quantum networking has the potential to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, distributed computing, machine learning, and sensing. Quantum networking is still in its infancy, but some experiments and prototypes have been conducted and demonstrated. As a network engineer, you should be curious and open-minded about the possibilities and challenges of quantum networking, and keep an eye on the developments and breakthroughs in this area.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?