What does a network engineer do?
An integral part of everyday operations for many businesses, network engineers enable professionals to communicate and work with each other virtually.
Developing conceptual, logical or physical networks, individuals in this role must stay apprised of relevant trends and innovations in information technology. They can be responsible for designing and implementing computer and information frameworks, such as local area networks, wide area networks, intranets, extranets and other data communications systems. By performing modeling and analysis, these engineers are able to plan for networks to meet the volume and capacity demands of their organizations.
The day-to-day tasks of a network engineer
Network engineers fill many roles, as they often coordinate activities from network architecture and operation to maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Before the design stage begins, they must evaluate an organization and determine the system requirements in a few key areas, such as platform, interface, bandwidth and routine schemas. They may also plan strategies to address solutions for specific issues in an existing network. As the network design process continues, these professionals make recommendations on which network and data communications hardware and software to incorporate.
Once a network design has been completed and approved, a network engineer may engage in a variety of tasks to implement the network and ensure its continued operation. These duties can include:
- Creating and sharing product documentation and training staff on proper usage.
- Designing appropriate network security measures.
- Developing procedures for network installation and use.
- Diagnosing and solving operational problems.
- Establishing procedures to track, project and report on network availability, reliability, capacity and utilization.
- Maintaining networks by performing regular activities, such as file addition, deletion and back up.
- Monitoring and analyzing network performance.
Beyond the technical aspects of a network engineering job, certain tasks may require individuals to exercise communication, leadership and project management skills. These duties range from working directly with others in a collaborative or supervisory manner to planning and organizing projects. For example, network engineers may assist colleagues with basic usage of the network — like training them on how to properly set up accounts — or work with other engineers to test systems for functionality. They may also spend time directing engineers and IT personnel in the design and implementation stages of developing a network solution. In regard to projects, network engineers can be responsible for creating and managing budgets for equipment replacement. Additionally, they may need to provide an estimate of the expected time and materials required to make upgrades or changes.
The skills and knowledge a network engineer needs to succeed
The qualifications for a network engineer primarily rest on technical skills and expertise, but may require additional competencies in management and leadership. According to Dr. Tatiana Walsh, program chair of Arizona State University’s information technology program in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the most important skills for this career go beyond the technical skills.
“The most important skills a network engineer can possess are problem-solving skills, attention to detail, communication skills, analytical skills, adaptability and teamwork skills,” Dr. Walsh said. “They also need to be willing to learn new skills and technologies to stay current with technological impacts.”
Having an assortment of both technical knowledge and leadership abilities can help you stand out when you apply for job opportunities, and one of the best ways to develop this diverse skill set is through a combination of education and work experience in IT.