what is a network engineer?

Network engineers build and maintain the architecture that devices need to share information. A network may include computers, laptops, printers, scanners, routers, switches, and phones. As more businesses invest in cloud technologies, network engineers have to rethink the ways that they approach systems.

If you're building a new system, you'll design and plan the network with other technology experts, then install routers, switches, proxy servers, and other equipment. Afterward, you perform maintenance to keep the network running smoothly. You also look for ways to optimize the system, making it faster, more efficient, and compatible with the latest technologies.

Network engineers also protect their clients from viruses and data breaches. If an issue arises, you'll patch the network before hackers steal private information. Likewise, you routinely scan the network, install anti-virus software and educate workers about best practices, such as never opening links in suspicious emails.

If the worst happens, your clients count on you to repair the system and prevent further leaks. You'll upgrade the network when you learn about new technology that benefits your clients. However, you also know when the system works and doesn't need unnecessary alterations.

Would working as a network engineer suit your tech skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a network engineer role.

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average network engineer salary

Would you like to know what a network engineer earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a network engineer? Then check out this network engineer salary page and find out all about the salary of a network engineer in the USA.

male smiling while sitting behind his desk, computer screens displaying programming code.
male smiling while sitting behind his desk, computer screens displaying programming code.
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types of network engineers

Network engineers work in various industries. If you love technology, you can operate in telecommunications, online businesses, software production, search engines, and cloud technology fields, but network engineers work in any industry that needs computer systems.

Do you love entertainment? Look for positions at a streaming service company. Likewise, you could branch out into retail and fashion if you enjoy shopping or dive into healthcare to maintain some of the world's most important systems. Other industries include finance, defense, and aerospace. Over time, you can seek higher positions in your industry, such as Chief Network Engineer.

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working as a network engineer

Use your technology and people skills every day when you work as a network engineer. Here's a look at your salary, work environment, colleagues, and daily tasks.

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network engineer skills and education

Since computer networks are one of your business's most valuable resources, they seek engineers with extensive skills and qualifications. Employers look for a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as information technology. Earning a master's degree could open even more positions. Your education may include classes on risk mitigation, cyber law, project management, critical infrastructure protection, and computer forensic management.

Since computer networks are one of your business's most valuable resources, they seek engineers with extensive skills and qualifications. Employers look for a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as information technology. Earning a master's degree could open even more positions. Your education may include classes on risk mitigation, cyber law, project management, critical infrastructure protection, and computer forensic management.

Similarly, businesses often require certifications that prove that you've mastered the subject. Common certifications include:

  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Amazon AWS SysOps Administrator-Associate
  • CompTIA Cloud Essentials
  • LPI Linux Essentials
  • ITIL Foundation Certification
  • CompTIA Security+

Network engineers never end their education after earning their degree. Instead, you'll take classes and earn certifications to advance your knowledge throughout your career. Sometimes, you might seek new certifications so that you can apply for new jobs. Other times, you need to learn about the latest software upgrades.

You'll also learn through job experience. Every year in the workplace makes you more valuable because you learn increasingly diverse skills. Over time, you might become an expert that receives multiple offers from high-paying companies. You could also pass along your knowledge by mentoring younger engineers.

skills and competencies

Network engineers need technical skills, such as:

  • programming in essential languages, such as Python, Java, Perl, and Ruby
  • domain-name system (DNS) troubleshooting
  • working with LAN, WAN, MPLS, SD-branch, and other networks
  • using IoT services
  • operating network devices
  • using VPNs, firewalls, and other security measures

General skills include:

  • installing hardware and software
  • problem solving
  • working with people
  • critical thinking
  • analyzing data
  • documenting updates
  • managing teams

When an emergency strikes, you'll have to think fast. Every second of a data breach is crucial. Your problem-solving methods will keep hackers from stealing data or recover as much information as possible. Afterward, it's your job to reduce the likelihood that a breach would happen again. You can't guarantee your network's safety, but you could secure the system as much as possible.

While network engineering seems like a tech-based field, you'll still interact with colleagues and supervisors every day. You report data, discuss potential risks, talk about upgrades, deal with security issues, and share your knowledge with others. Since not everyone has your knowledge base, you need to explain technical concepts in simple, accessible terms.

monitors showing data and location status
monitors showing data and location status
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FAQs about working as a network engineer

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about network engineers.

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