You're facing non-technical stakeholders. How do you simplify complex network issues for them?

1 Use Analogies

Imagine trying to explain the concept of network traffic to someone who's never seen a router. You could compare it to a city's traffic system, where data packets are like cars, routers are intersections, and bandwidth is the number of lanes on the road. Just as a traffic jam can cause delays in a city, network congestion can slow down data transmission, potentially impacting business activities. By using familiar scenarios, you help stakeholders visualize complex network concepts and understand their importance.

2 Simplify Terms

It's crucial to break down jargon when discussing network issues. For instance, instead of saying "DHCP lease," explain it as a "temporary internet address assignment for devices." This reframing demystifies the term and makes the concept more approachable. Remember to define acronyms like "IP" (Internet Protocol) and "DNS" (Domain Name System) in simple language, emphasizing how these elements are foundational to keeping the network—and by extension, the business—running smoothly.

3 Focus on Impact

When explaining network issues, center the conversation around their impact on business operations. For example, describe how a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack can flood the network, akin to overwhelming a customer service line with calls, rendering it unable to serve legitimate customers. This approach helps non-technical stakeholders appreciate the severity of network threats and the need for robust security measures without getting lost in the technical details.

5 Encourage Questions

Encourage non-technical stakeholders to ask questions, no matter how basic they may seem. This dialogue creates an opportunity for clarification and ensures that everyone is on the same page. If they're curious about what a firewall does, explain it as a security guard that checks data entering and leaving the network, allowing only safe traffic. This two-way communication not only builds understanding but also fosters a collaborative environment where technical and non-technical minds can work together effectively.

6 Relate to Goals

Finally, align network issues with the overall goals and objectives of the stakeholders. If the company aims for rapid growth, explain how scalable network solutions can support this ambition. If reliability is paramount, discuss how redundancy and failover mechanisms ensure continuous operation. By connecting network functionality to business outcomes, you make complex issues relevant and underscore the value of network engineering in achieving strategic objectives.