Q & A with Nasir, Our Network and Technical Resource Engineer
As a globally managed IT Service, our aim is to stretch our expertise to all corners of the world…M25 included. Our London based Engineer, Nasir Chaudhry, with years of experience under his belt, has shared his insights on life as an engineer. It goes without saying that no day is the same and each project poses new challenges. Take a look at what Nasir had to say…
“As Network and Site Technical Resource, I operate within Greater London and its surrounding areas, reaching out up to a 25-mile radius from the M25 circular ring.
Network engineering offers a combination of problem-solving challenges, continuous learning opportunities, and the chance to play a crucial role in maintaining the infrastructure that powers communication and connectivity in today's digital world.
Personally, I enjoy the challenge of troubleshooting complex issues, the satisfaction of optimising network performance, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the prospect of playing a vital role in ensuring seamless connectivity for businesses and individuals fuels my passion for entering this field- not to forget the demand for skilled network engineers is consistently high, providing good job security and potential for career advancement.”
Troubleshooting Experience That Illustrates The Importance Of Starting From The Basics
“An example of a challenge that I have faced with a past project would be intermittent connectivity issues in clients network. Users were reporting slow performance and occasional outages, which impacted their ability to work effectively. As the network engineer responsible for troubleshooting, I immediately began investigating the issue.
Following my usual approach, I started with the basics:
Physical Layer Inspection: I conducted a physical inspection of network cables, connectors, and equipment to ensure everything was properly connected and in good condition. I found no visible issues or cable damage.
Network Device Checks: Next, I checked the status lights and configurations of switches, routers, and other network devices. While reviewing the logs, I noticed some errors related to network congestion and dropped packets.
Bandwidth Utilisation Analysis: I used network monitoring tools to analyse bandwidth utilisation and traffic patterns. I observed spikes in traffic during peak hours, which indicated possible congestion issues.
Topology Review: I reviewed the network topology to identify any potential bottlenecks or points of congestion. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that some network segments were experiencing higher than usual traffic due to inefficient routing.
Based on my findings, I implemented the following solutions:
Traffic Optimisation: I optimised the network routing configuration to distribute traffic more evenly across multiple paths, reducing congestion in high-traffic segments.
Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation: I configured QoS policies to prioritise critical traffic, such as VoIP and video conferencing, over less time-sensitive data, improving overall network performance.
Capacity Planning: I initiated discussions with stakeholders to assess future bandwidth requirements and plan for capacity upgrades where necessary, ensuring scalability and performance as the organisation continues to grow.
By starting with the basics and systematically troubleshooting the issue, I was able to identify and resolve the underlying issues causing the network connectivity problems. This experience reinforced the importance of thorough investigation and the value of having a solid foundation in network fundamentals.”
What resources do you use to stay on top innovations in the industry?
“To stay abreast of innovations in the network engineering industry, I heavily rely on a variety of resources mentioned below:
Online Communities and Forums supported with end user experiences.
Blogs and Websites for finding the relevant guideline which may be useful in troubleshooting.
Industry Publications always provides inside to upcoming paths industry is taking with new innovations.
Vendor Documentations is vital for any deployment to reduce any surprises.
Professional Associations to help being part of recognised body.
Training Courses and Certifications for constant growth of technical networking abilities
Social media like Twitter to be in touch with peers and people in the networking field ”
How would you start scaling an organisation's network?
“As a network engineer, scaling up an organisation’s IT network involves a systematic approach to accommodate growth, enhance performance, and ensure reliability. Here's are some of the key points I prefer to work my way through:
Assessment and requirements gathering
Capacity planning
Network design
Hardware and software selection
Implementation
Scalable technologies
Security implementation
Monitoring and optimisation
Documentation and training
Regular Review and update ”
What do you think has caused the network engineer drought this year, and what can we do as a company to encourage young people to start a career in network engineering?
“The network engineer shortage can be attributed to several factors:
Increased Demand: With the proliferation of digital technologies, the demand for skilled network engineers has surged. Every industry, from finance to healthcare, relies heavily on robust and efficient network infrastructure.
Rapid Technological Advancements: Networking technologies are evolving rapidly, driven by trends such as cloud computing, IoT (Internet of Things), 5G, and SDN (Software-Defined Networking). Keeping up with these advancements requires continuous learning and upskilling.
Aging Workforce: Many experienced network engineers are approaching retirement age, leading to a shortage of seasoned professionals in the field.
To encourage young people to pursue a career in network engineering, companies can take several initiatives:
Educational Partnerships: Collaborate with educational institutions to develop networking courses and curriculum that are aligned with industry needs. Offer internships, apprenticeships, and scholarships to students interested in pursuing careers in network engineering.
Promote Awareness: Organise workshops, seminars, and career fairs to raise awareness about the opportunities available in network engineering. Highlight the importance of networking skills in today's digital economy and showcase success stories of professionals in the field.
Mentorship Programmes: Establish mentorship programs where experienced network engineers can mentor and guide young professionals entering the field. Provide opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing within the organisation.
Professional Development: Invest in training and certification programs to help young professionals develop the skills and expertise needed for successful careers in network engineering. Offer opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company.
Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion in the field of network engineering by actively recruiting and supporting individuals from underrepresented groups. Create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Industry Collaboration: Collaborate with industry organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address the skills gap in network engineering. Advocate for policies and initiatives that support workforce development and training in the field.
By taking these proactive steps, companies can help cultivate the next generation of network engineers and ensure a steady pipeline of talent to meet the growing demand in the industry.'“