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What exactly does a data-center network engineer do?

T

thirdlegstump

Banned
I may be offered this position but have little clue as to what I'll actually be doing. All they will tell me at the moment is that I'll be monitoring "activity" in a data-center and that my background is close enough to what the company requires.

What are the typical job duties and responsibilities of an entry level network engineer in a data-center?
 
Originally posted by: PhasmatisNox
Try and juggle a ton of different servers, keeping them online.
Click to expand...

Not only that, but they will require a higher posts per day average, while keeping the quality of posts up as well. After about 6 months you may be promoted to master neffer.
 
Here's an example ....Data Center Network Engineer
Responsibilities:
? Server Backups, Security updates
? Administer Servers and apps including RADIUS, DNS, Email, FTP, Web, MS SQL, Postfix, etc.
? Monitor and maintain Livingston PostMasters, Cisco Routers and Switches
? Maintain Microsoft, SUN Solaris and Linux Servers
? Monitor and maintain IP network
? Monitor, diagnose and resolve complex network issues
? Evaluate, recommend, design, and implement server hardware platforms, network adapters,
network operating systems, backup solutions, network management systems and utilities
?IP allocation

Qualifications:
? Proven experience working on Microsoft and Linux Servers in an ISP or ASP environment.
? Experience with ATM and OCXX circuit installations, load balancing and BGP routing.
? Proven ability to perform the stated responsibilities.
? Certifications such as MCSE, RHCE, MCDBA, SCSA and CCNP or related experience
? Proven trouble-shooting and problem-solving skills
? Reliable and responsible team player with good interpersonal and communications skills
? Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Click to expand...
 
You'll be monitoring the SNMP monitor (HP OpenView, Big Brother, etc.), doing some network sniffing in the event of problems and other stuff that people already mentioned.
 
Oh yeah, and you'll probably be watching an IDS/IPS console too and be responsible for updating the signatures as well.

I do kind of agree with d33pt though, you sound ill-prepared for the job even asking the question in the first place.
 
Exactly my point in asking. I don't think I'm qualified up front and I think the company itself even knows it too but maybe they're wanting to train me? I don't know.
 
You would have to monitor and maintain the connectivity and the internal network structure of the datacenter. Basically, you will need to manage the core routers (BGP, etc.), and monitor the general network activity as well as optimize it daily, so keep it running in optimal shape. If anything fails in the network, it is your job.

Like the above posters I'd say you are not ready for a job like this if you do not know what it even is. Owning servers in many datacenters, I would hope that the network engineers knew their jobs well, and could fulfil any of my needs.

Edit > saw your latest post. I think it's the former, training to be a network engineer in a large datacenter involves knowing a lot about complex networking, not something that can be done at the job, more like something you need to study in debth before even attempting to use the skills on the job.
 
Well, my recommendation then is to become familiar with as much enterprise level network equipment as you can as quickly as you can. If you don't have a CCNA cert, start reading now, it can only help. Also, play around with packet sniffers like Ethereal and maybe some Snort to get up on the IDS side of things. If you're not familiar with ACLs and firewalls, I'd recommend some reading on those too. Start frequenting the Networking forum just to see the day-to-day issues that people encounter running a network. Cisco newsgroups can't hurt either.
 
Thanks y'all. I'll be doing some serious reading over the next few weeks. Another Q would be if it's absolutely necessary to buy some Cisco training hardware in order to prepare myself for the exams? Or is there a software route to this?
 
Originally posted by: deathkoba
Thanks y'all. I'll be doing some serious reading over the next few weeks. Another Q would be if it's absolutely necessary to buy some Cisco training hardware in order to prepare myself for the exams? Or is there a software route to this?
Click to expand...


i have some cisco material on my computer if you want it.

PM if you want it
 
Finally he can apply! Hope the position is still available.

If not, look into becoming a Sanitation Engineer. It pays pretty well too. Because you know... engineer.
 
Twiddle their thumbs and wait for shit in the data center to break, mostly.

They also occasionally get to provision some new server racks with networking, hardware, power, and cooling if they're lucky.
 
I believe there is an Edison quote that is relevant here. Data Center Engineering is 1% perspiration and 99% masturbation.

😀
 
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