A network engineer is a technology professional. Network engineers have the skills needed to plan, implement, and monitor computer networks to support in-house voice, data, video, and wireless network services. Sometimes network engineer and network administrator are used as synonymous terms. But a network engineer usually has more executive responsibilities than a network administrator. Network engineering is more related to side deals, design, and technical specifications. In this blog, we will tell you how to become a network engineer and the main functions of a network engineer and about a network.
Who are network engineers?
A network engineer is a technical professional who has the skills to plan, implement and maintain a computer network that supports indoor voice, data, video and wireless network services. The position of a network engineer is sometimes called a network administrator. However, a network engineer has more responsibilities than a network engineer. The main functions of a network engineer are designing , planning and technical specification.
Why choose Network Engineering course?
Along with knowing how to become a network engineer, it is also important to know why one should do network engineering, which is given below-
- You will have access to new technology: As you know, new technology is constantly advancing. You will also constantly learn about new technology. If you are comfortable with technology, then you will never feel bored in this job.
- You’ll be valuable to your organization: The role of a network engineer is considered one of the most valuable in most companies, so you’re likely to have a large amount of responsibility. All businesses rely on their computer networks for their day-to-day operations. When a company’s network is disrupted, it affects the bottom line. You’ll be best able to resolve any network problems quickly and effectively, making you an indispensable part of the company.
- You’ll have opportunities for advancement: Network systems are central to almost every business, from non-profit organizations to manufacturing and education. As a network engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to work in almost every industry and be an integral part of a team. Once you’ve established yourself within an organization, you can take on any job that interests you and understand its value. Whether your goal is to stay in the technology field or you’re looking to change your role for a while, being a network engineer will make it easier for you. As a network engineer, doors will always be open to you in many different types of businesses, and you can also work internationally.
- You will get a good salary package: You will get a very good salary package as per your profile while working in this position. You get the opportunity to work in many multinational companies at national and international level and your salary hike also increases with many percentages. Most network engineers work full time for 40 hours a week and a quarter of them work a little more than that. Most companies provide health insurance, paid leave and many other benefits to their full time workers.
network devices
The main devices that make up any network are as follows:
- Desktops, Computers, Laptops, Mainframes and Servers
- Consoles and thin clients
- firewalls
- Briseis
- Repeaters
- network interface cards
- Switches, Hubs, Modems and Routers
- Smartphones and tablets
- Webcams
Types of network
The types of networks can be understood based on their use –
- LANs – Local Area Networks, for linking a limited area, for home offices and small group buildings.
- MANs – Metropolitan Area Networks, for linking large areas, such as campuses.
- WANs – Wide Area Networks, to create networks nationally and internationally.
- WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network.
- GANs – Global Area Networks, to combine upper satellite mobile communication technologies.
- SAN – Storage/System/Server/Small Area Network
- CAN – Campus Area Network, to cover corporate campuses and education.
- PAN – Personal Area Network.
- DAN – Desk Area Network.
- VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol, a group of technologies that deliver voice communications and multimedia sessions.
Main functions of a network engineer
Along with knowing how to become a network engineer, we also know what are the main tasks of a network engineer, which are as follows:
- A network engineer focuses on providing high availability and reliability of network infrastructure to support users’ online and on-site information technology activities.
- Network engineers may sometimes overlap with other roles, such as computer network architects or computer security systems engineers.
- Network engineers work within an organization or as external consultants.
- A network engineer designs, implements configurations, troubleshoots problems, and monitors your network.
- In addition, it also works to configure security systems such as firewalls.
- After a network is established and maintained, network engineers share reports, updates on network status, policies, and business goals with superiors and other business leaders.
- Sometimes network engineers work with project managers and others.
Responsibilities of a Network Engineer
Along with knowing how to become a network engineer, let us also know that as a network engineer, your responsibilities can be as follows-
- Designing a system configuration, directing system installation, and setting up a networking environment by designing, documenting, and implementing the system.
- Designing and implementing new solutions and improving existing environments.
- Maximize network performance by monitoring network performance, troubleshooting network problems and outages, scheduling upgrades, and collaborating with network architects on network optimization.
- Investigating data network faults in local and wide area environments using information from as many sources as possible.
- Build secure network systems by establishing and enforcing policies and defining and monitoring enforcement.
- Support and administer firewall environments in accordance with IT security policies.
- Reporting network operations status by gathering information, prioritizing, and managing projects.
- Upgrading data network equipment to the latest table firmware release.
- Configure routing and switching equipment, hosted IP voice services, and firewalls.
- Providing onsite engineers and onsite support to end-users/customers during installation.
- Remote troubleshooting and fault finding if problems are encountered upon initial installation.
- Capacity management and IP address auditing of equipment hosted within and on data centers.
- Liaising with project management teams, third line engineers and service desk engineers on a regular basis.
- Establishing contact with customers by speaking with them via email and phone to meet the most basic needs.
Skills to learn the job of a network engineer
Along with knowing how to become a network engineer, let us also know what skills are required to move forward in this profession, which are as follows:
- A network engineer must have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of his or her employer’s business and business requirements as well as technical demands.
- A network engineer needs to have customer focus and the skill to recognize the importance of meeting end-user needs.
- Good communication skills are required to communicate with people who are not technically trained.
- The ability to perform a variety of tasks and attention to detail is a must.
- Ability to solve any type of problem related to networking.
- Skill in working in a team and being comfortable interacting with clients and other staff across teams in a group.
- Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize important tasks and complete other tasks from the workload available to you.
Step by Step Guide to Become a Network Engineer
Along with knowing how to become a network engineer, it is also important to know what is the step by step guide for this profession, which is given below-
Step 1: Obtain a degree in the relevant subject
To get a job as a network engineer, it is most important that you have at least a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field. However, sometimes an associate degree is also sufficient to get this job. Most students have a degree in information technology, information systems, computer science or computer engineering. Some institutions also offer programs specifically for network engineering. Although a master’s degree is not so much required for all these roles, you can also get a master’s degree to get specialization in your work.
Step 2: Look at the job post
One of the best ways to get an idea of the qualifications required to get this position is to look at current job postings. Nowadays, companies usually outline what kind of work is required from an engineer including the education requirements and work experience. Doing this will help you understand how you can plan your future and what certifications, degrees and experience are required for some specific positions.
Step 3: Get an entry level job first
The most important thing about becoming a network engineer is that you have a lot of experience in the field. Positions like network engineering often require 5 to 10 years of experience working in a computer-related position. After you get your engineering degree, you can gain work experience by looking for positions like network technician, systems administrator, network administrator, computer network analyst, and similar titles. Working in these positions will give you real-world experience in managing and working a business network.
Step 4: Talk to industry experts
This is one area where you need to focus on a different kind of networking, so it is most important that you expand your professional circle. For this, you can find a mentor for yourself and connect with an industry leader and ask them about their experience. This will help you in making a strategy to reach your goal.
Step 5: Get the right certificate
To excel as a network engineer, you need a variety of skills and there are a number of networking certifications that will help you achieve them.
Here are some certifications for you to consider:
- CompTIAA+
- CompTIASecurity+
- CompTIANetwork+
- CompTIAProject+
- ITIL Foundation Certification
Step 6: Learn about specific products
Another way to get a better job in this field is to gain knowledge about the specific equipment and brands that you will be using in your position. For example, some companies require that you have experience using their products. So you will either have to learn about those products or know how they work. Some companies allow you to become certified specifically for their products, which can be helpful when looking for a job as a network engineer. For example, Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, and Linux all offer brand certifications.
List of top Network Engineering courses
To become a professional network engineer, the areas from which you need to get your degree are as follows:
Undergraduate Courses
- BSc Hardware and Networking
- BSc Networking Technologies
- BTech Network Engineering
- BCA Hardware and Networking
Post Graduate Course
- ME Digital Communication and Networking
- MSc Network Protocol Design
- MSc Network Technology & Management
- MSc System Administration & Networking
- MTech Computer Systems and Networking
- MTech Network Management & Information Security
- MTech Computer Network Engineering
- ME Network Engineering
Other certificate courses are as follows –
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Routing & Switching
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Cisco Certified Interwork Expert (CCIE)
- VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP–NV)
Topics that a network engineer needs to specialize in –
- First learn how to become a Network Engineer, Cloud Networking Architect, assisting organizations with cloud infrastructure development.
- Local Area Network Engineers set up and maintain large LANs for enterprises.
- Becoming a network security specialist involves detecting and preventing network security threats.
- Network Engineers may also specialize in VoIP telecom and data center implementations.
Best foreign universities and their courses to become a network engineer
Here is a list of some selected foreign universities for networking courses:
| Course | Name of the University | Location | degree level |
| Computer Networking and Cybersecurity Security with Work Experience | London Metropolitan University | United Kingdom | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer networking and infrastructure security | London Metropolitan University | United Kingdom | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Networks | Bournemouth University | United Kingdom | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Networks and Communications | california state university | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Science (Networking) | university of greenwick | United Kingdom | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Science – Networking | University of Nebraska Lincoln | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Science: Cloud Computing and Networking | Louisiana State University | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Science: Computer Networks(STEM) | california state university | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Science: Distributed Systems and Networking | Louisiana State University | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer System Technician -Networking | Centennial College Montreal | canada | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer System Technology -Networking | Centennial College Montreal | canada | Bachelors Degree |
| Computing: Computer Networks Engineering | university of northhampton | United Kingdom | Bachelors Degree |
| Computing: Computer Networks Engineering with Placement Year | university of northhampton | United Kingdom | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Networking and Techno Communications | University of Nebraska at Kearney | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Technology with Computer Networking | Charles Sturt University Brisbane | Australia | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Technology with Computer Networking (12 subjects) | Charles Sturt University Sydney | Australia | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Technology with Computer Networking (12 subjects) | Charles Sturt University | Australia | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Technology with Computer Networking (16 subjects) | Charles Sturt University Sydney | Australia | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Technology with Computer Networking (16 subjects) | Charles Sturt University Melbourne | Australia | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Technology: Networking | Seattle Central College | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Networking | Saint Charles Community College | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Technology Management: Computer Network Systems Administration | South East Missouri State University | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer Networks | university of ports mouth | United Kingdom | Bachelors Degree |
| Computer and NetworkEngineering | RMIT University | America | Bachelors Degree |
| Information Technology (Network Engineering) | Charles Sturt University Melbourne | Australia | Bachelors Degree |
Best Indian Universities to become a Network Engineer
Apart from Indian IITs and NITs, some other colleges are as follows-
| Name of the University | Location | Fees (INR) |
| Amity University, Noida | Uttar Pradesh | -Bachelor – 3-4 lakhs-Master – 1-2 lakhs |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | Karnataka | -Bachelor– 3-4 lakhs-Master– 2-3 lakhs |
| PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | -Bachelor– 8-10 lakhs-Master– 1-2 lakhs |
| Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar | Odisha | -Bachelor– 4-5 lakhs-Master– 3-4 lakhs |
| Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | -Bachelor–1-2 Lakh-Master–1-2 Lakh |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Krishnakovil | Tamil Nadu | -Bachelor–1-2 lakh-Master–8-9 lakh |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | -Bachelor – 1-2 lakh-Master – 1-2 lakh |
| R V College of Engineering, Bangalore | Karnataka | -Bachelor – 6-7 lakhs-Master – 1-2 lakhs |
| Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore | Karnataka | -Bachelor – 1-2 lakh-Master – 1-2 lakh |
| BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore | Karnataka | -Bachelor – 2-3 lakhs-Master – 1-2 lakhs |
| Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur | Karnataka | -Bachelor – 1-2 lakhs-Master – 1-2 lakhs |
Qualifications for Network Engineering
To pursue the above courses after 12th Science Maths from top universities abroad, you must fulfil certain eligibility conditions. While the eligibility criteria may vary from one university to another, here are some general conditions-
- Candidate must have completed basic schooling from 10+2 PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) from any recognized board.
- Applicant must have 12th result more than 70%.
- Some colleges and universities also conduct entrance exams. SAT or ACT scores are required for bachelors abroad.
- For Masters courses, it is necessary that the candidate has obtained a Bachelors degree in any stream from a recognized university or college.
- Some universities conduct entrance exams for admission in masters courses, only after which you can be eligible for these courses. Some universities abroad require GRE score for masters.
- Also for abroad you need IELTS or TOEFL score along with the above requirements.
- SOP , LOR , CV/Resume and Portfolio also have to be submitted for admission in foreign universities .
Application process for Network Engineering
The procedure to apply for Bharti University is given below-
- To get admission in any Computer Science or Network Engineering course in IITs and NITs, Indian students have to demonstrate their ability by taking the JEE Advanced entrance exam and students get admission based on the rank obtained in it.
- Many universities like BITS Pilani or other colleges take the entrance exam of the students at the college level and based on their subsequent performance, they get admission.
- First of all, go to the official website of your chosen university and register.
- After registering on the university website you will receive a user name and password.
- Then after signing in to the website select your chosen course which you want to do.
- Now fill the application form with educational qualification, category etc.
- After that submit the application form and pay the required application fee.
- If admission is based on entrance exam then first register for the entrance exam and then wait for counseling after the result. You will be selected on the basis of entrance exam marks and the list will be released.
Application process for foreign universities
To apply, the candidates need to follow the below given process:
- The first step in your application process is to choose the right course, for which you can shortlist your preferred courses with the help of our AI Course Finder .
- The next step is to collect and organize all your documents like SOP , essay, certificates and LOR and required test scores like IELTS , TOEFL , SAT , ACT etc.
- If you haven’t prepared for your IELTS , TOEFL , PTE , GMAT , GRE etc. exams yet , which is definitely an important factor in studying abroad, you can join our World of Tech News Live classes. These classes can prove to be a key factor in helping you score high in your tests.
- After submitting your application and all required documents, experts will start the application process for accommodation, student visa and scholarships/student loans.
- Now it is time to wait for your offer letter which can take around 4-6 weeks or more. Once you receive the offer letter, accepting it and paying the required semester fee is the final step in your application process.
Documents required for doing network engineering
The necessary documents that you will need to take admission in any Indian or foreign university can be as follows.
- Proof of having passed 12th class with sufficient marks to pursue Bachelors degree course.
- Proof of Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Institute for taking admission into Masters degree.
- Test scores of English language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL .
- statement of purpose
- All identity proofs
- Passport
Job scope after network engineer course
After completing their studies, students can work in any big networking or IT company and increase their experience. There are many companies that hire freshers such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro etc.
Talking about salary, an entry level network engineer gets a salary package of up to INR 2.50 lakhs at the beginning of his career. With 3–4 years of experience, it easily becomes INR 3.20 lakhs. After specializing in his work, any network engineer gets a salary package of up to INR 8-10 lakhs depending on his experience.
FAQs
Only those students get good job opportunities in network engineering who have studied computer science or related subject?
No, this is just a myth, although computer science students are given preference in this but based on your experience and skills you can work on a good post.
What tasks should a network engineer be proficient in?
A skilled network engineer must have complete knowledge of software as well as hardware.
What areas should a network engineer master?
Network engineer should have specialization in routers, java, python, c++, wide area networks.