Network Engineering Description

A network engineer is a technology professional who is highly skilled in maintaining the connectivity of networks in terms of data, voice, calls, videos, and wireless network services. Network engineers are also referred to as network architects. Field Engineer’s network engineering definition includes being accountable for formulating, implementing, and executing the entirety of computer networks within an organization.

 

Network engineers ensure all network systems are functioning properly and their fundamental goal is to provide maximum network infrastructure, security, and performance to the end users. Depending on an organization’s requirement or network complexity, the organization will sometimes have global network engineers in different countries who take care of technological advancements throughout the firm. This international web of engineers proves cost-effective for an organization while also meeting the needs of users and the business.

 

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Network Engineering Job Skills

A network engineer is required to have the necessary skills to plan, implement, and oversee the computer networks that support in-house voice, data, videos, and wireless network services for an organization. Network engineers focus on delivering high-availability network infrastructure to sustain the onsite and remote information technology activities of users. The virtual network poses challenges to network management systems and as more hardware components are virtualized, that challenge becomes even greater. In addition to technical skills, network engineers need analytical, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

 

Responsibilities of a Network Engineer

Network engineering remains one of the top technology fields in today’s job market. Within network engineering a wide variety of positions exist, providing plenty of opportunity for growth and increased challenges within the field.

 

Key Responsibilities

Plan for new initiatives and expand the existing network infrastructure.

Provide consistent solutions based on issues like traffic congestion, infrastructure upgrades, and routine troubleshooting.

Document solutions/blueprints for any network-related issues.

Install any hardware or software, create back-ups for all systems, and monitor the system performance.

 

Network Engineers Career Growth and Salary

 

In this digital world, technology has grown tremendously, and the demand for network engineers has grown along with it. There are a multitude of network engineer jobs available in the marketplace, where companies are looking for skilled, talented, and certified professionals who can work with their specific project needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job opportunities for network engineers will grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030.

 

The network engineer salary ranges from $76,000 to more than $159,000 annually, depending upon skills, experience, location, and industry.

 

Starting a Career in Network Engineering

Before you step into the computer networking industry, you should know what area you want to specialize in. Networking alone is a huge industry. There are many specialties you can concentrate on including security, server administration, WAN (wide area network) monitoring, NOC (network operation center) checking, work area organization, and even cabling and equipment installation, such as switches and enterprise routers. It’s important to choose a specialty that interests you.

 

Computer network engineers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field and often they will hold an advanced degree and relevant certifications.

 

Network Engineering can certainly be self-taught. You can begin with a CCNA Home Lab, for instance, for a couple hundred dollars. However, if you are just starting in this profession, professional schools, colleges, or online training that offer a specialization in networking would be beneficial—just make sure the school or training you select has the appropriate courses for your specialization.

 

If you are exploring certifications, the first certification you may want to earn is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or one of the top five networking certifications: CCIE, CCNP, JNCIE-ENT, CompTIA Network+, and WCNA. There are additional certifications listed below.

 

Network Engineer vs Network Administrator

People often confuse the terms network engineer and network administrator by using them interchangeably. Since both terms belong to the same background but have some differences in their job roles, let’s have a quick look at what distinguishes them from each other:

 

A network engineer designs and develops both the physical and wireless networks, whereas a network administrator is responsible for maintaining the network once it is developed.

A network engineer troubleshooting network problems, and a network administrator implements security programs with hardware and software.

For a network engineer, a B.S or M.S in computer science, engineering or programming is required. However, many organizations prefer network administrators to have a degree and additional certifications in programs, such as Cisco, Juniper, Microsoft, and Red Hat.

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Specific Positions

Network engineering job descriptions will vary with an organization’s requirements and culture. Each position has different responsibilities and requires a different skill set and qualifications, which we have summarized below.

 

Network Specialist

The daily activity of a network specialist consists of overseeing groups of PCs that work together, while guaranteeing that users have the right networks based on their business needs. A network specialist ensures that the network works effectively. This may include collecting information on the network’s performance, keeping up on network security and fixing issues as they emerge. A network specialist may need to remove and install software and hardware as well as oversee training new network users and providing security authorizations.

 

Network Technician

Network technicians monitor the everyday operations of an organization’s computer network, and they may also help to install software and hardware. They should communicate with clients and other network experts to develop and implement new safety measures to ensure that all systems and data are protected. Network technicians in this field help tackle PC issues and determine the best strategy to meet an organization’s technological needs.

 

Network Administrator

A network administrator (also called a system administrator) is responsible for keeping a company’s computer network up-to-date and running easily. Any company that uses multiple PCs or software platforms needs a network administrator to coordinate the different systems.

 

This position can be flexible or quite limited depending upon the company and how complex its networks are. But in general, a network administrator is responsible for the following tasks:

 

Installing computer systems and network

Maintaining, repairing, and upgrading computer systems and networks

Diagnosing and fixing issues with the network and its software, hardware, and systems

Monitoring systems and networks to enhance performance.

 

Network Analyst

A network analyst is responsible for the installation and maintenance of a network within an organization. Many network analysts discover that they become key personnel in both the business and technical sides of an organization where an important role is identifying business issues and applying a technical solution. A network analyst is required to design, plan, analyze, and provide technical help for data communication networks or groups of networks in the organization. Work can also incorporate research and assessment of network technology.

 

This position is commonly found in large retail companies and government and financial institutions. Additionally, frequent job openings are available in IT organizations that have some expertise in troubleshooting projects.

 

Network Manager

A network manager is two main responsibilities:

Responsible for the installation and maintenance of the computer networks of the company.

Staff training and preparation members to offer top quality specialized support.

If there's a problem regarding the system, the network manager's job is to ensure that there is a disaster recovery plan in place to minimize any interruption to the company. Since the majority of businesses rely on technology and technology, this is an essential element to running a successful business. In addition, depending on how big the business a network administrator may be able to manage more than one type of network that they manage.

 

Network managers also have to be tasked to develop new systems as the organization grows and changes. Network managers are a crucial part of the IT group along with team managers for projects, networking engineers and support personnel. They must be aware of the requirements of an organization from a service and operational standpoint.

 

Network Engineer

Network engineers manage the company's computer network making use of information technology to design network systems that everyone in an organization can access. The information networks they create can be areas networks (LANs) and large network (WANs) intranets, and extranets. The network's complexity is dependent on the company's needs, and an organization could include a single dedicated specialist or a number of all-inclusive, related engineers who work together with the Chief Technology Officer. Network engineers could have different degrees of security and responsibility in relation to their expertise, knowledge, experience, and their job description.

 

Network Support Engineer

Level 2 Support Engineer

Network Engineer - Field Installation

Network Engineer - Helpdesk Analyst

The Senior Managed Service Network Engineer

Network Solutions Architect

An architect of network solutions defines the current and future standards for the telecommunications and network infrastructure. The ideal candidate is familiar with firewalls, knowledge of the Linux/Unix configurations, understanding of VLANs, VSANS, and Hypervisors. They also have experience with internet connectivity and routing and the configuration and wireless connectivity points.

 

Specifications for Network Engineers

In order to advance your career in networking it is possible to focus on one or more aspects of networking. After having specialized in networking, the jobs that you could apply for could comprise the following jobs.

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Network Security Specialist

Security specialists for networks provide assistance to the computer networks by identifying threats, preventing, and solving security threats to networks. An individual in this role analyzes security threats and creates security measures to counter security threats. Other duties include installing security software for computers as well as developing and testing tools for software deployment as well as creating user documentation as well as conducting audits of security.

 

Cloud Networking Architect

Cloud-based networking architects work closely with clients by helping them in the development of infrastructure that is able to meet their business and technical requirements. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of cloud technologies as well as experience in moving networks to cloud, ability to address problems related to networks, troubleshooting abilities and strong writing and oral communication abilities.

 

The Networking Research and Development Specialist

A researcher and developer in the field of networking is a skilled communicator. The type of specialist is able to work with both external and internal clients as well as vendors and professionals in the field of information technology. They are required to communicate both in technical and non-technical terms. Working effectively both on their own and as part of a team may be necessary. A network researcher may have to lift and carry large computer equipment and travel equipment, or even install networking cables or other devices.

 

Wireless Networking QA Engineer

Networking wireless QA engineers utilize their programming expertise and testing abilities to assist software developers improve the performance of their products. Engineers are typically employed by software companies, equipment makers, wholesalers, and various other sectors.

 

Mobility and Wireless Infrastructure and Mobility Specialist

An individual in this role is accountable for the implementation of projects software delivery capacity management networking support, the implementation of new features, and operation for the core wireless network. The skills required by this person will include the management and support of wireless infrastructure, which includes HSPA voice core VoLTE/IMS, VoWiFi Enhanced Packet Core, SS7 and diameter networks including network translations, trunking and network translations and CDMA. Additionally, the person should ensure that wireless networks offer high-quality service and most efficient data and voice experience for the users. A specialist in wireless infrastructure and mobility can also provide innovative services and projects in a timely manner and in a way that is flexible to help both the business and its customers.

 

Mobility Solutions Architect

An architect of mobility solutions will be expected to work closely with developers, companies and other architects to create mobility solutions that are durable and secure. They also have the ability to scale. This position ensures the quality and reliability of architecture solutions and is shared with the team that is cross-functional and the executive management. The candidate will also need to have experience working in a variety of software and hardware environments and be comfortable working with heterogeneous systems.

 

VOIP Engineer

A VoIP Engineer designs, plans and installs the infrastructure for voice, and offers solutions to existing networks for data and voice. VoIP engineers are expected to manage their networks, fix, and provide solutions to difficult hardware and software problems, keep good relations, and effectively communicate with colleagues and clients.

 

Telecom Project Manager

An executive in the telecom industry is accountable for managing a team that includes engineers as well as client representatives. The primary function of the Project manager's job is to study the project, manage, and oversee all aspects of the project from both a technical as well as a management perspective. The most desirable skills for an effective project manager include knowing the logic behind a configuration, possessing good interpersonal skills, as well as a knowledge of the business requirements for telecom.

 

Data Center Professional in Networking

As the network's complexity managing data centers is an ongoing problem. The task of a data center network specialist is to oversee network infrastructure in a manner that makes sure that the company is efficient and stable. A specialist in data center networking will be responsible for the complicated design and installation of network equipment, which includes switches, routers, and other equipment that are typical at data centers.