nettechniek

Nettechniek is the field concerned with the design, deployment, management and maintenance of data communication networks and related services. It covers both the physical infrastructure, such as cabling, switches, routers, wireless access points and data centers, and the logical layers, including network topologies, addressing, routing, switching, and the protocols that enable communication, such as TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP.

In practice, nettechniek includes network planning and installation, configuring devices, monitoring performance, ensuring reliability and security, and providing ongoing support. Key activities include integrating local area networks and wide area networks, configuring virtual private networks, implementing wireless networks, managing IP addressing, and deploying services like DNS, DHCP and directory services.

Common standards and technologies involved are Ethernet and fiber for physical media, IEEE 802 networks, IP networking, routing and switching concepts, and security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and VPNs. Professionals work across sectors, from small businesses to large enterprises, universities and public institutions. Education paths include vocational training and higher education programs in information technology or computer engineering, with specialization in nettechniek or network engineering.

Emerging trends influence the field, including software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), cloud connectivity, edge computing, and heightened focus on cybersecurity and resilience. The term nettechniek is primarily used in Dutch-speaking contexts to describe this multidisciplinary area that combines hardware, software and services to enable reliable data communications.