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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary information is so
dependent on an IT professional’s particular skill set, experience and geographic
location. However, experienced network engineers can attain salaries between $60,000
to $80,000 USD.
