Network engineer
Network engineers design, build, and automate physical and virtual, wired and wireless networks. Learn more about this important role and the skills and training you need to get into network engineering.
What is a network engineer?
Network Engineers search for opportunities to optimise IT infrastructure and ensure connectivity between phones, computers, routers, intranets, extranets, and more.
They implement solutions to automate routine tasks, and work with vendors and colleagues to integrate new technologies into existing networks.
Network engineers observe and troubleshoot their systems to keep them running smoothly, as well as analysing network performance and testing network functionality.
Why do businesses need network engineers?
Behind every IT infrastructure is a network engineer. Network engineers are experts who can apply a range of technologies to connect, secure, and automate complex networks, and it’s a critical role in companies from every industry.
What are the responsibilities of a network engineer?
Network engineers have many skills that transit over many other roles within an organisation. This includes:
- Design and implement cloud-based networking: They create and implement cloud-based network architectures and connectivity within an organization's operations.
- Streamline operations: They focus on simplifying and improving the management of network operations.
- Ensure network security: They prioritize and implement robust security measures to protect the network.
- Automate network tasks: They utilize programming and automation tools to enhance efficiency and streamline network operations.
- Involved in all phases: They participate in all stages of network lifecycle, including design, development, configuration, implementation, and testing.
- Maintain network resilience: They enforce policies and ensure that the network can withstand security threats and natural disasters.
What are the essential skills of a network engineer?
Networking fundamentals
Showcase your knowledge of networking equipment and configuration. Be able to troubleshoot connectivity issues and effectively manage networks.
IP Services
Demonstrate your ability to configure routing for different IP versions and describe the purpose of redundancy protocols. Be able to interpret the components of a routing table.
Security fundamentals
Understand threats and ways to prevent them. Identify key elements of a security program, like user awareness and training. Demonstrate practical skills like setting up secure access to devices and networks.
Insights from our IT experts
IT infrastructure and networking underpin all aspects of technology in business. Robust hardware, software, and network infrastructure support business productivity by providing stable platforms and access to cutting-edge technologies.
Without the skills learnt here around storage, networking, operating systems, security and automation businesses will struggle. This is especially true in our data focused world, as without a way to access, store, and control that data, businesses will be left behind.
Ben Davies
QA Curriculum Manager and Information Technology Expert
How to become a network engineer
Network engineer training
Explore the routes available to kickstart or progress a career as a network engineer, including courses, learning paths and apprenticeships.
Looking to upskill your team or hire IT talent? Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
Network engineer courses
Network+ verifies that you have the skills and knowledge needed to take on a pivotal role in building, managing, and protecting the critical asset that is the data network.
Cisco's CCNA program has been designed to prepare you for today’s associate-level job roles in IT technologies.
Cisco's CCNP Enterprise certification program prepares you for today’s professional-level job roles in enterprise networking technologies.
Useful reads
Let's talk
Start your digital transformation journey today
Contact us today via the form or give us a call