The Job of a Network Engineer

The availability of jobs for network engineers and systems administrators is expected to grow by more than 27% per year from 2004 to 2014, according to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A network engineer may also be referred to as a network administrator, systems administrator, network analyst, network designer, network architect, WAN administrator, LAN administrator, IT systems administrator, network operations analyst, or network technician. The principal job of a network engineer is to run and oversee computer communication systems and data transfer within an organization or between companies. Computer networks are used by companies to collect and process data, access the Internet and web-based utilities, and share files and resources. The network engineer serves as both a road engineer and a police officer directing traffic on the information superhighway.

The Duties of a Network Engineer Network engineering jobs involve the designing and maintenance of both hardware and software components of computer networks. Network engineers are specialists in constructing and maintaining local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). All of the elements within an organization's IT system, including individual desktop PCs, file servers, mail servers, backup servers, application servers, custom-designed workstations, and more, come within the purview of the network engineer's job.

Here are some of the tasks network engineers commonly perform:

* selection of hardware and software solutions for organizational needs
* implementation of hardware and software solutions and utilities
* testing and resolution of system issues, including compatibility issues
* analysis of organizational needs
* building IT networks to support organizational needs
* troubleshooting and ensuring smooth network operations
* upgrading equipment and systems
* maintaining network and data security
* establishing user accounts and passwords
* providing compatibility training
* documentation of problems and solutions
* analysis and design of networks
* researching objectives of new or current networks
* apprising existing networks and IT solutions
* designing networks to maximize productivity
* monitoring networks to find and establish regular behavioral patterns
* protecting and extending equipment life
* educating end users

The Skills of a Network Engineer

Network engineers must possess technical backgrounds; a systematic understanding of computer hardware, applications, and operating systems; and technical knowledge of networking hardware and software. A networking engineer generally must possess:

* an understanding of networking principles and influencing factors
* thorough knowledge of routing protocols and switching technologies
* an understanding of network security systems, strategies, and procedures (repetition)
* specific knowledge of WAN/LAN infrastructure
* a mastery of scripting languages
* expertise regarding server products and technologies
* familiarity with industry protocols
* experience with IP addressing, including subnetting
* experience with troubleshooting router, switch, and fault-tolerant or redundant environments
* hardware maintenance skills
* strong communication skills
* motivation
* decision-making ability

Working Hours and Environment

It is standard for network engineers to work around 40 hours per week. However, time spent installing new systems or conducting maintenance often extends beyond normal working hours. Network engineering jobs are usually in metro environments.

How Does One Become a Network Engineer?

Network engineers typically have IT backgrounds as well as bachelor's degrees or higher-level educational qualifications. Certifications from institutes and organizations like Microsoft and Cisco also carry weight with employers. Engineers with different IT-related backgrounds or specializations in network design, operations, and related fields can become network engineers. Many universities and colleges offer degrees in network engineering. There are also network management and network engineering programs at various higher education institutions. Working network engineers often upgrade themselves by acquiring specialty certifications from industry organizations like Microsoft.

Prospects for Network Engineers

As mentioned earlier, job prospects for network engineers are expected to grow at a rate greater than 27% per year. The average salary of a network engineer ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

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