A Network Engineer is responsible for supervising and designing the LAN and WAN networks within an organization. He is also responsible to choose the software and hardware for the use of organization and introducing new equipment and systems for an organization. The Network Engineer is also responsible to ensure the maintenance and keep a backup of all valuable data that is updated on existing systems.
Redesigning analysis and upkeeping of network to continue with altering requirements of organization, is also the responsibility of a Network engineer. Required skill sets of network engineers are almost similar to Network Administrators but network engineers work on higher levels. At this level, the expert in IT also needs to fine tune communication and interpersonal abilities as well. Responsibilities may include:
- Implementation and possible design of remote and local systems
- Execution and potential design of joint networks
- Expansion and supervising of network VPN or dial-up Connection
- Analyzing commercial client-server environments and network applications
Private networking and wireless technology have powered network engineers to turn out to be very flexible in their responsibilities and positions. As the effectiveness and speed of networks goes on to impact a company’s base line, the responsibilities of this role go further to become more important to organizations across the world.
Opportunities of advancement:
Candidates with soft skills and strong communication are usually preferred for the position. The individual with these skills are moved from Network Engineer into management positions.
Various Positions or Titles:
Senior Systems Administrator, WAN Administrator, Network Architect, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Analyst and Network Designer are the titles for network engineers.
Educational Requirements:
Certifications and training is necessary for network engineers because companies prefer Cisco technologies for their networking needs. Novell and Microsoft certificates are common in the marketplace. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science or a related field with at least an experience of 5 years is required to become a Network Engineer. The interested candidates, who wish to shape their career as a Network Engineer, need a strong background in Windows, Cisco and Novell. The background in network security will add potential opportunities for the candidate. Routing and layered communication protocols, flow control and bridging/switching are also areas that will require some information.
Industry Certifications:
There are various certifications that can help a Network engineer to strengthen his career.
These certifications include:
• A+ 2003
• CCIE
• CCDA
• CISSP
• LPIC2 Linux Junior Level
• LCPI2 Linux Intermediate Level
• Linux+
• Master CIW i-Accelerate
• Master CIW Administrator
• MCSA 2000
• MCNE
• MCSE 2000
• MCSA 2003
• MCSE 2003
• NetWare 6 CNE
• NetWare 5 CNE
• Network+
• RHCT SCE
• RHCE
• SCM
• Security+
• SCP
• Server+
• Solaris 9 SCNA
• Solaris 8 SCNA
• Solaris 9 Security
• TICSA