Joep Veenboer
At NL-ix, we're proving that a company from a small country can play a big role in shaping the future of global connectivity
Who is NL-ix?
Behind the world of the Internet, behind the world of fibers, protocols, peers, and terabytes, are actual people making it all work. But who are these people? In other words: Who is NL-ix?
Today: 🤝 Joep Veenboer, Network Engineer/Field Engineer
I've been with NL-ix since 1st January, 2021, serving as a Field Engineer based in Hoorn. In my role as Field Engineer (or Network Engineer), I'm part of the team that keeps all of NL-ix's hardware components running smoothly. It's a role that perfectly combines what I love most about technology - the blend of hands-on engineering and technical problem-solving.
When I got to NL-ix, I knew I wanted to be a service engineer who could make a real difference. Technology has been woven into my life since I was a kid - it all started when I got my first Nintendo at age four. That early spark of interest in what goes on behind those screens never faded.
After completing my HBO studies in IT and various additional courses, I started my career as an installation technician. Back then, I learned one of my favorite ways to explain what we do in network engineering. When people ask, I tell them we're like the suppliers to a bar - if you go to a bar and order a drink, you get it from the bartender, but we're the ones supplying the drinks to the bar. We're the ones creating the connections that make the internet possible.
While I graduated as a system administrator, the appeal of field work pulled me in a new direction. I really like the technical aspects of working with systems, but also the hands-on satisfaction of field engineering. Now at NL-ix, I get to embrace both sides fully.
I work with a fantastic team of four. We're also lucky to have a recently retired colleague who still loves to help out with projects. That just shows how great working at NL-ix is – people never really leave. Together, we tackle everything from routine maintenance to complex problem-solving challenges. When we face particularly tricky issues, we put our heads together as a team - those moments of collaborative problem-solving are when I find my work most rewarding.
The world of network engineering has changed dramatically over my career. Everything is getting faster and smaller - the machines, the connections, the timeframes. It's fascinating how a single piece of equipment today can handle what used to require multiple larger machines. While this means any issues can affect more customers, the technology has become much more reliable.
At NL-ix, we're proving that a company from a small country can play a big role in shaping the future of global connectivity.
Joep Veenboer
What makes NL-ix special is how personal it feels. In larger corporations, it's easy to become just another employee number, but here, everyone knows each other by name. We're a relatively small team making a massive impact - our network handles a large chunk of Dutch and European internet traffic.
That's an enormous responsibility, but it's also incredibly motivating. It's also a great reminder that size isn't everything. It's about the impact you make and the connections you build - both in terms of network infrastructure and human relationships. At NL-ix, we're proving that a company from a small country can play a big role in shaping the future of global connectivity.
