Stories by: Greg Schaffer

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Project Management for Networking Geeks 24 February, 2009 08:58

Network professionals are typically well versed in the technical aspects of networking: router and switch configuration, server deployment and management, and so on. They are rarely trained on how to manage projects, however. This is unfortunate, because many of the problems that networking pros face in projects can be mitigated with just a few project management skills and techniques.
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7 mistakes to avoid when applying for that tech job 23 February, 2009 07:57

My eyes are blurry from reviewing over 40 résumés for a network administrator position, and for good reason. More than half of the résumés did not make it past my initial review. While I had to reject some candidates because of lack of experience (or, rather, lack of clearly demonstrated required experience), others had errors in their application packages that lowered their ranking -- errors that could have been easily corrected.
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So you want to be a network manager, Part 2 21 August, 2008 12:34

Recently, I discussed some management strategies and skills that can help you in your pursuit of a network manager position.
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So you want to be a network manager 01 August, 2008 08:10

You've worked your way up the ladder, from cable jockey to network technician to network administrator.
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Reader favorites: 10 great free network tools 21 May, 2008 07:51

Ten great free network management tools were recently showcased. Readers responded with some of their own favorites, so I'm going to take a look at those tools and report on their capabilities and usage from my perspective as an experienced network manager.
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NAC: Now or later? 06 March, 2008 10:26

Many network and security administrators have implemented or are considering network access control (NAC) to support corporate security policies, but doubts remain about the technology.
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Real Life: Earning the CISSP 28 November, 2007 08:38

Recently, I became an International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). The pursuit was difficult, but that was to be expected, as the certification is one of the most sought-after information security credentials. Like many certifications, it can add significant bargaining weight when changing positions or jockeying for a raise.
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Building a cheap, powerful intrusion-detection system 28 September, 2007 14:06

Network-based intrusion-detection systems (IDS) are an integral component of a layered IT security strategy. As October is National Cyber Awareness Month, if your overall security system doesn't include network-based intrusion detection, now is an excellent time to consider implementing an IDS package.
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How to land that first network job 18 June, 2007 14:29

I am often asked for career advice on how to break into the networking job market. While my answers have changed somewhat over the years as the market has changed, generally my responses have remained the same. This is because the core of networking has remained the same; it's still about getting two devices to talk with each other.
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Open-source NAC with PacketFence ZEN 01 June, 2007 14:11

While there are many commercial vendors of NAC systems, turning to an open-source product can often be a cost-effective functional alternative.
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What you need to know about NAC 30 March, 2007 09:38

In today's world of data theft, worm and virus threats, and the need to comply with federal mandates, incorporating network access control (NAC) technology into your network infrastructure isn't an option but rather a critical necessity.