Hi Can you give any context ? Size, geography, bandwidth, users, endpoints ?
Here is one perspective ... And as a caveat this is more likely to be relevant large organisations. The UK created a standard called "Skills Framework for the Information Age" which is a classification system for IT jobs. This was to establish a level playing field when contractors were offering the likes of "Senior Developers", and each contractor had a different definition of "Senior Developer". If you look at the network jobs you have on a Skill level scale of 1-7 Network Planner Skill level 5-6 Network Designer Skill level 5-6 Network Support Skill level 2-5 Level 5 is described below. The idea is that you would need to hit this level in a Network Support to transition to Designer or Planner. The implication is that Planning and Design are very different skill sets to Support. "Works under broad direction. Work is often self-initiated. Is fully accountable for meeting allocated technical and/or project/supervisory objectives. Establishes milestones and has a significant role in the delegation of responsibilities. Influences organisation, customers, suppliers, partners and peers on the contribution of own specialism. Builds appropriate and effective business relationships. Makes decisions which impact the success of assigned projects i.e. results, deadlines and budget. Has significant influence over the allocation and management of resources appropriate to given assignments. Performs an extensive range and variety of complex technical and/or professional work activities. Undertakes work which requires the application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Understands the relationship between own specialism and wider customer/organisational requirements. Advises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications relevant to own specialism and can make appropriate choices from alternatives. Analyses, designs, plans, executes and evaluates work to time, cost and quality targets. Assesses and evaluates risk. Communicates effectively, both formally and informally. Demonstrates leadership. Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who have diverse objectives. Understands the relevance of own area of responsibility/specialism to the employing organisation. Takes customer requirements into account when making proposals. Takes initiative to keep skills up to date. Mentors colleagues. Maintains an awareness of developments in the industry. Analyses requirements and advises on scope and options for continuous operational improvement. Demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying solutions for the benefit of the customer/stakeholder. Takes account of relevant legislation." Network Designer is defined as Level 5 - Produces outline system designs and specifications, and overall architectures, topologies, configuration databases and design documentation of networks and networking technology within the organisation. Specifies user/system interfaces, including validation and error correction procedures, processing rules, access, security and audit controls. Assesses associated risks, and specifies recovery routines and contingency procedures. Translates logical designs into physical designs. Level 6 - Takes responsibility for major aspects of network specification and design within the organisation. Produces network design policies, philosophies and criteria covering connectivity, capacity, interfacing, security, resilience, recovery, access and remote access." Thanks John -----Original Message----- From: Michael Sims <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 12:05 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Network Design Advice Hello, I am new to network design, I have mainly come from an operational background. Honestly I’m struggling to wrap my head around all the parts you need to consider in all designs. I feel I’m back to square one and need mentoring. How did you all get confident with the designing role overall? And any suggestions for home revision? I feel operational you can fix problems but when it comes to designs and you need to build a full hld/lld it’s a whole different world. Commercial variance of designs? For an example how did you all learn how to approach these in designs? Regards Mick
