The Job of a Network Engineer

The availability of jobs for network engineers andequipment life * educating end users
systems administrators is expected to grow by moreThe Skills of a Network Engineer
than 27% per year from 2004 to 2014, according toNetwork engineers must possess technical
data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Abackgrounds; a systematic understanding of computer
network engineer may also be referred to as ahardware, applications, and operating systems; and
network administrator, systems administrator, networktechnical knowledge of networking hardware and
analyst, network designer, network architect, WANsoftware. A networking engineer generally must
administrator, LAN administrator, IT systemspossess:
administrator, network operations analyst, or network* an understanding of networking principles and
technician. The principal job of a network engineer is toinfluencing factors * thorough knowledge of routing
run and oversee computer communication systemsprotocols and switching technologies * an
and data transfer within an organization or betweenunderstanding of network security systems, strategies,
companies. Computer networks are used byand procedures (repetition) * specific knowledge of
companies to collect and process data, access theWAN/LAN infrastructure * a mastery of scripting
Internet and web-based utilities, and share files andlanguages * expertise regarding server products and
resources. The network engineer serves as both atechnologies * familiarity with industry protocols *
road engineer and a police officer directing traffic onexperience with IP addressing, including subnetting *
the information superhighway.experience with troubleshooting router, switch, and
The Duties of a Network Engineerfault-tolerant or redundant environments * hardware
Network engineering jobs involve the designing andmaintenance skills * strong communication skills *
maintenance of both hardware and softwaremotivation * decision-making ability
components of computer networks. NetworkWorking Hours and Environment
engineers are specialists in constructing and maintainingIt is standard for network engineers to work around 40
local area networks (LANs) or wide area networkshours per week. However, time spent installing new
(WANs). All of the elements within an organization's ITsystems or conducting maintenance often extends
system, including individual desktop PCs, file servers,beyond normal working hours. Network engineering
mail servers, backup servers, application servers,jobs are usually in metro environments.
custom-designed workstations, and more, come withinHow Does One Become a Network Engineer?
the purview of the network engineer's job.Network engineers typically have IT backgrounds as
Here are some of the tasks network engineerswell as bachelor's degrees or higher-level educational
commonly perform:qualifications. Certifications from institutes and
* selection of hardware and software solutions fororganizations like Microsoft and Cisco also carry
organizational needs * implementation of hardware andweight with employers. Engineers with different
software solutions and utilities * testing and resolutionIT-related backgrounds or specializations in network
of system issues, including compatibility issues *design, operations, and related fields can become
analysis of organizational needs * building IT networksnetwork engineers. Many universities and colleges
to support organizational needs * troubleshooting andoffer degrees in network engineering. There are also
ensuring smooth network operations * upgradingnetwork management and network engineering
equipment and systems * maintaining network andprograms at various higher education institutions.
data security * establishing user accounts andWorking network engineers often upgrade themselves
passwords * providing compatibility training *by acquiring specialty certifications from industry
documentation of problems and solutions * analysisorganizations like Microsoft.
and design of networks * researching objectives ofProspects for Network Engineers
new or current networks * apprising existing networksAs mentioned earlier, job prospects for network
and IT solutions * designing networks to maximizeengineers are expected to grow at a rate greater
productivity * monitoring networks to find and establishthan 27% per year. The average salary of a network
regular behavioral patterns * protecting and extendingengineer ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.