Communications network engineering and specializations
Communications network engineering
Network Engineering: The engineer specializes in maintaining effective network connectivity in terms of data display, voice strength, and uninterrupted calls, providing wireless network services, and taking responsibility for all computer networks within companies and institutions. Network engineering ensures that systems and communication services work properly, and the engineer works By providing a secure infrastructure and better network performance, at an appropriate financial cost that meets all the needs of users and businesses. Studying network engineering takes 4 years full-time for a student, and it may take 5 years, and this is due to the university’s regulations and laws.
Communications engineering aims to study, design, improve, and maintain the systems and technologies used in communications networks, starting from entering the information into the transmitter and ending with its arrival and extraction at the receiver via the appropriate channel. All of this is to improve communications performance, expand its range, and develop new technologies to meet the needs of users and the requirements of growing networks in the modern era.
What is the difference between electronics engineering and communications engineering?
After we got to know what the communications specialty is, we move on to knowing what the difference is between communications engineering and electronics and communications engineering in order to understand the fields of study that each specialty is interested in.
The Communications Engineering major focuses on studying concepts related to communications, the Internet, and telecommunications, and understanding methods of transmission and reception for all devices and systems such as phones, satellites, radars, etc..
The specialty of electronics and communications engineering focuses broadly on the electronics used in communications. This specialty is concerned with the design and development of equipment used in communications.
I hope that I was able to answer the questions in a way that makes you understand the difference between them. If there is a question or inquiry, you can leave a comment below the article and I will answer it for you.
What are the departments of communications engineering major?
Departments of communications engineering related to studying applied fields such as mobile communications (5G/6G), sensor networks (Industry 4.0), 3D orbital ground networks (5G/6G NewSpace, LEO satellites), are the following:
Signal Processing and Communications Department
The Department of Signal Processing and Communications is concerned with studying all signals in wired and wireless communications, computer networks, telematics, and distributed and consensus-based processing/processing within the network. Taking training courses and integrated studies in the principles of sensors for transmitting and receiving communications and related computer technologies.
Department for studying the communication mechanism. This section is concerned with studying concepts related to the communication mechanism in many fields such as:
- Neural networks.
- Information bottleneck method.
- Distributed/unified learning.
- Probabilistic/Bayesian inference.
Department of Technological Concepts and Communications. In this department, the student is trained in teaching all techniques used in communications, such as:
- 5G URLLC and mMTC.
- 6G industrial radio.
- Low power/low-cost sensors and IoT devices.
- Rate of division and formation of beams.
Important programs for students and communications engineers.
It includes a set of tools and simulators based on advanced technologies, in addition to some important programs for analyzing and designing communications and Internet systems and networks, which contributes to enhancing knowledge and developing the necessary skills for a communications engineer in this diverse field. Knowing that these important programs contribute to enhancing the knowledge and skills of communications students and engineers, and help them deal with the various challenges and requirements in the field of information technology, communications, and electronic engineering, we will share with you the most prominent of them so that you can use them and achieve distinguished results in your professional career:
- MATLAB: Used to analyze and simulate engineering and technical systems as well as complex mathematical calculations.
- Packet Tracer: Used to simulate and test Cisco networks and validate their configuration.
- Also, GNS3 software: allows engineers to create, test, and analyze virtual networks using real Cisco devices.
- OPNET program: It is used to simulate and analyze the performance of network systems of various types
- Omnet and NS2++: To obtain simulations programmed through ready-made scripts from the Internet or programmed manually.
- Also, the Radio Mobile program: It is used to study and design wireless and radio communications links.
- Proteus, Multisim, and Eagle: Allow engineers to design and simulate electronic circuits virtually.
- Wireshark: Used to analyze network traffic and troubleshoot problems, and integrates with GNS3 software.
- VMware: Allows the creation of virtual machines that run within your device's existing operating system.
- GNURadio program: used in wireless communications to program, modify, and deal with radio devices.
- Atoll program: It is used to design, plan, and analyze cellular communications networks, and we wrote an article about it that you can read here.
- HFSS software: allows engineers to design and analyze antennas in communications accurately and efficiently.
Should a communications engineer learn a programming language?
Certainly, a telecommunications engineer is advised to learn programming languages due to their importance in the fields of radio, electronics, and networking. Some important points:
Using MATLAB: In simulation, analysis, and prototype development. If you work in the field of signal processing, you will likely need to use MATLAB first and then rewrite it in another application.
C and C++ programming language: It is the most important for writing embedded systems software. It is not necessary to be a professional in the C language, but you must be able to understand the software written in it discover errors, and fix them if the program was written by someone else.
Wireless programming language: for writing programs and scripts to automate network work, control, testing, and development. Its use in signal processing via libraries such as SciPy is also common in embedded systems.
Java programming language: Usually used in software development and not used in embedded systems or engineering design and development.
Languages intended for specific functions: There are languages such as R, which is popular in statistics, and Erlang, which is used in switching systems and real-time messaging.
Courses of study for the network engineering major.
To obtain a bachelor’s degree certificate in the network engineering specialty, the student must interrupt and complete the specialization courses. The most prominent of these courses are:
- Circuit analysis.
- Digital logic.
- Information systems.
- Network operating systems.
- Database management systems.
- Digital communications.
- Network programming.
- Wireless networks.
- Network engineering and design.
- Information technology project management.
- Cloud Computing.
- Ethical hacking.
- Cooperative learning.
- Programming in the language of being.
- Digital logic design.
- Microprocessor systems.
- computer networks.
- Network protocols.
- Modern encryption.
- Design and analysis of algorithms.
- Systems and signals.
Areas of work in network engineering.
Network engineering work fields vary for those with a bachelor’s degree, and the most prominent of these fields are:
Network Specialist: The engineer’s task in this field is to supervise computers within companies to ensure that users receive appropriate services that meet their needs and work, in addition to ensuring effective network connectivity between users. The engineer collects information about network performance, maintains network security, and fixes problems when they occur.
Network Technician: The technician's task in this field is to monitor the operation of networks on a daily basis, and communicate with network users and other network experts, to develop plans that ensure the security and protection of all systems and data.
Network Manager: The engineer’s responsibility in this field is limited to installing, operating and maintaining computer and network systems, addressing and programming network problems and devices, in addition to improving and developing network services.
Network Analyst: The engineer's responsibility in this field is to identify the problem and develop technical solutions to address it. The analyst designs, plans, and analyzes communication networks within institutions and companies.
Network engineer workplace.
The field of work in the network engineering specialty is broad, and therefore there are many workplaces for a network engineer, and the most prominent of these places are:
- Banks and building societies.
- Retail collections.
- Large government departments.
- Schools, hospitals, and local authorities.
- Public utility companies.
- Transportation providers.
- Management consulting.
The best universities that teach network engineering
Many universities offer network engineering specializations, the most prominent of which are:
- Charles Sturt University, Melbourne.
- DePaul University.
- FLIR College of Management and Technology.
- Sheridan College.
- University of Greenwich.
- Suffolk University.
Skills required for network engineering specialization.
Working as a network engineer requires the individual to have a set of personal and professional skills to perform the required tasks to the fullest extent, and these skills include:
The engineer's ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally with clients effectively.
- Paying attention to the details of network systems, including discovering simple errors in the network's operation.
- Ability to solve complex problems by gathering information, analyzing data, and applying and testing solutions.
- Ability to adapt to changing technology developments and use logical and critical thinking to keep pace with this development.
- Planning and organizing the desired goals of networks and organizing and exploiting resources effectively.
- Work within groups and project teams in a sportsmanlike spirit.
- Have the patience to understand others and the problems they face.
- Deep thinking and the ability to apply creative ideas to useful work.
- Time management and organization in professional life.
Master's majors available for network engineering.
Among the most prominent master’s specializations available to graduates of the Bachelor of Network Engineering are:
- MSc in Applied Statistics with Network Analysis.
- Master of Computer Engineering (ME).
- Master in Computer Science - Future Networked Systems or Augmented and Virtual Reality.
- Master's degree in Communications and Network Engineering.
- Master of Science in Communications Networks.
- Master in Digital Technologies, Networks, and Big Data.
- Master's degree in Network Management and Cloud Computing.
Pros and cons of working in the network engineering specialty.
Positives.
- One of the most important advantages of working in the network engineering specialty.
- There are many job options. An engineer may work in computer systems design companies, medium-sized and large-sized institutions, and non-profit organizations.
- Challenge and competition in the field of work and continued development and progress.
- Great educational opportunities for network engineers and many fields.
- High salaries and many incentives.
Negatives.
- One of the most prominent disadvantages of working in the network engineering specialty.
- To get a promotion and a good position, it is necessary to continue education and obtain various certificates.
- Work under pressure and be fully prepared to face sudden problems at work.
- Job opportunities are more available to males than females in the field of network engineering.
- Work on weekends, and work overtime during work hours.
