Search for Classes

IT CAREER TRACKS:

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer, also known as a senior systems administrator, network analyst, WAN administrator, infrastructure engineer, network architect and network designer, is an IT professional who designs and manages an organization’s LAN and WAN networks. This includes choosing (or at least recommending) the hardware and software to meet an organization’s IT needs as well as managing the rolling out of new equipment and systems, and ensuring that corrective and preventative measures are performed on existing equipment and systems.


network engineer; network training; network courses

DUTIES

Duties of a network engineer include the analysis of an organization’s business needs and then the related design, implementation and maintenance of the network infrastructure to support those business needs. This role has overlap with that of a network administrator but is higher level in that analysis and design work is done in addition to the possible sourcing of equipment. Network engineering is a highly technical role. A very good understanding of available network operating systems, network equipment and networking protocols is essential, as well as is the ability to program scripts and batch files. Strong interpersonal skills are also important, as the network engineer must understand the networking needs of not just users but the organizations as a whole and be able to sell management on the best infrastructure solutions. Lastly, a network engineer must be able to create network plans, get various technologies to talk to each other and know which ones just won’t communicate well, document the existing network infrastructure, negotiate with technical solution providers, and troubleshoot and find solutions to problems that lower level staff can’t solve.


PREREQUISITES

A person may consider entering this field after attaining a Computer Science or Computer Engineering university degree or a one or two year computer diploma from a local technical institute. However, some network engineers may also have a technically related MBA degree. Either way, a fair amount of dedicated training and related certification in one or more leading network operating systems is highly recommended as is training and certification on network equipment and protocols. A large dose of caution is also important when choosing infrastructure solutions just as it is when it comes time to roll out or adjust those solutions. Also, the ability to prepare for the unexpected and to deal with it calmly is a great asset.


ADVANCEMENT

A network engineer often starts out as a network administrator and may move on to more specialized roles such as a wireless expert or security pro. Those with better than average communication and interpersonal skills can also migrate into IT management or project management. In either case, these folks are rewarded with higher salaries.


Certification Examples Include:

A+; CCDA; CCIE; CCVP; CISSP; Linux+; LPIC1-Linux Junior Level; LPIC2-Linux Intermediate Level; Master CIW Administrator; MCNE; MCSA 2003; MCSE 2003; NetWare 5 CNE; NetWare 6 CNE; Network+; RHCE; RHCT; Security+; Server+; Solaris 8 SCNA; Solaris 9 SCNA; Solaris 9 Security; TICSA