In this discussion, Kam Agahian, a cloud network engineering expert at Oracle with over 20 years of experience, shares the evolution of networking from the 90s to the cloud era. He highlights the transition from traditional roles to specialized cloud engineers and stresses the importance of a cloud-native mindset. Kam explains vital skills like load balancing and BGP configurations, while addressing the financial complexities of cloud migration. He also underscores the necessity of continuous learning in this fast-paced field, showcasing its significance in adapting to new technologies.
The evolution of network engineering has shifted from traditional roles to specialized cloud networking, emphasizing both legacy systems and cloud technologies.
Cloud network engineers must possess a diverse skill set that integrates foundational routing knowledge, application awareness, and familiarity with security practices and emerging technologies.
Deep dives
Evolution of Cloud Network Engineering Roles
The role of cloud network engineers has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from traditional network administration to a more specialized focus within the cloud domain. This development reflects a shift from managing purely on-premise networks to overseeing complex cloud infrastructures that require a solid understanding of both legacy systems and new cloud technologies. Today, cloud network engineers (CNEs) are responsible for a body of work that starts at edge devices, such as routers and firewalls, and extends to cloud infrastructure, including virtual machines and applications. The speaker emphasizes the layer of work that CNEs manage, highlighting the need for a robust understanding of cloud-native networking concepts and collaboration with cloud infrastructure engineers.
Required Skills for Cloud Network Engineers
Cloud network engineers need a diverse skill set that incorporates traditional networking knowledge and new cloud-specific expertise. Key skills include foundational routing concepts, particularly Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), static routes, and an understanding of how to configure route tables in a cloud environment. The evolution towards less reliance on physical hardware means that many of the intricate configurations cloud engineers once managed have been simplified or automated, emphasizing the importance of application awareness and system performance. In addition to routing knowledge, familiarity with security practices, load balancing, and emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning are increasingly important in successful cloud networking.
Understanding the Application Environment
As cloud network engineers engage with their projects, an understanding of the applications they support becomes critical to ensuring effective communication and performance. Applications that are overly chatty—those that require excessive data exchanges—can magnify latency issues when moved to cloud environments, necessitating careful design and optimization. The importance of collaborating with application developers is underscored, as network engineers must facilitate appropriate connectivity while being mindful of performance constraints imposed by the architecture. This shift towards application awareness helps engineers not only to configure networks effectively but also to advocate for necessary changes in application design when required.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
In the rapidly changing landscape of IT, continuous learning is fundamental for cloud network engineers looking to remain competitive. Engaging with structured training programs, such as certifications from cloud service providers, provides foundational knowledge and can effectively guide new professionals entering the field. In addition to formal training, reading technical documentation and staying informed about industry trends through blogs, forums, and community interactions are vital practices that support ongoing education. Ultimately, fostering a mindset of curiosity and consistent self-improvement leads to greater opportunities and success in a field where technological advancements occur at a breathtaking pace.
Curious about the evolution of network engineering from the 90s to the age of the cloud? Join us as we have an enlightening conversation with Kam, a seasoned expert with over twenty years in the field, now at the helm of cloud network engineering at Oracle Cloud. Kam walks us through the transformation from traditional network admin roles to today's specialized cloud network engineer, detailing how significant technological shifts and responsibilities have morphed over the decades. From the rise of Active Directory and WAN/LAN advancements to the game-changing impact of automation and private clouds, this episode offers a panoramic view of the journey and milestones that have paved the way for modern cloud networking.
Unpack the essential skill sets that define a Cloud Network Engineer today in the second segment of our discussion. As we navigate through the layers of networking, discover why traditional physical layer concerns have become obsolete and how layer three configurations like BGP still hold critical importance. Learn about the nuanced responsibilities that cloud environments introduce, including the significance of load balancing and managing firewalls in a software-defined ecosystem. This is your chance to grasp the core competencies that are now indispensable for any aspiring cloud network professional.
Finally, we shift gears to focus on practical advice for transitioning to cloud networking roles. Kam sheds light on the importance of a cloud-first mindset and shares strategies for adapting to multi-cloud environments and Kubernetes. Understand the necessity of continuous learning and certifications for staying competitive in this fast-evolving field, and gain insights into managing application performance and costs effectively. Whether you're just starting your cloud journey or looking to refine your expertise, this episode is packed with actionable tips and invaluable perspectives to help you thrive in cloud network engineering.
*Disclaimer* Kam's opinions expressed in this episode do not reflect the opinion of his employer.