Computer network engineering

The advent of protocols such as TCP/IP revolutionized networking by enabling interoperability among various systems, which, in turn, fueled the rapid growth of the Internet.

This involves planning both the physical layout of the network and its logical topology to ensure optimal data flow, reliability, and scalability.

Fiber optics play a significant role in the backbone of large-scale networks, such as those used in data centers and internet service provider (ISP) infrastructures.

[6] Wireless technologies use a range of transmission methods, including radio frequency (RF) waves, infrared signals, and laser-based communication, allowing devices to connect to the network.

[7] Wi-Fi based on IEEE 802.11 standards is the most widely used wireless technology in local area networks and relies on RF waves to transmit data between devices and access points.

3G introduced faster data rates for mobile browsing, while 4G significantly improved speed and capacity, supporting advanced applications like video streaming.

The latest evolution, 5G, operates across a range of frequencies, including millimeter-wave bands, and provides high data rates, low latency, and support for more device connectivity, useful for applications like the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous systems.

In contrast, a mesh topology, where each device is interconnected with several others, offers high redundancy and reliability but requires a more complex design and larger hardware investment.

Engineers are responsible for designing and implementing security measures that ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted across networks.

[28] Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions are also used to monitor and respond to threats at the device level, contributing to a more comprehensive security posture.

[38] Intent-based networking systems (IBNS) help automatically identify performance deviations from established service intents, while predictive maintenance techniques, powered by machine learning (ML), allow engineers to detect hardware failures or traffic congestion before they impact users.

[41] Additionally, edge computing brings processing and storage closer to end users, which is relevant to applications requiring low-latency, such as IoT and real-time analytics.

Simultaneously, application-layer optimizations focus on fine-tuning traffic at the software level to better deliver data flow across distributed systems, reducing overhead and enhancing throughput.

[44] The advent of cloud computing has introduced new paradigms for network engineering, focusing on the design and optimization of virtualized infrastructures.

Network engineers can manage the integration of on-premises systems with cloud services with the intention of improving scalability, reliability, and security.

SDN, combined with NFV, allows the management of network resources through software, automating tasks such as load balancing, routing, and firewalling.

Engineers implement encryption, Identity and access management (IAM), and zero trust architectures to protect cloud networks.

Micro-segmentation is used to isolate workloads and minimize the attack surface, while VPNs and IPsec tunnels secure communication between cloud and on-premises networks.

[51] Cloud networking relies on protocols such as VXLAN and Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) to facilitate communication across virtualized environments.

Automation tools enable Infrastructure As Code (IaC) practices, allowing for more scalable and consistent deployment of cloud network configurations.

Projects involving low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, like SpaceX's Starlink, aim to extend Internet access to remote and underserved areas.

These advancements will most likely require new approaches to spectrum management, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure design to meet the projected growth of spending on digital transformation.

In this context, sensors and actuators seamlessly interact with the surrounding environment, facilitating information sharing across various platforms to develop a common operating picture (COP).