First Education News

So you want to be a Network Engineer. Where do you start?

Here’s the good news — Network engineers are in high demand. Companies are investing in newer, faster technology and mobile networks every day, increasing the need for highly trained network engineers.

A Network Engineer is a technology professional who has the necessary skills to plan, implement and oversee the computer networks that support in-house voice, data, video and wireless network services.

As a network engineer, you are responsible for establishing the IT system of an organization (and the entire organization  by default). You will create and implement physical and wireless networks, troubleshoot problems, and research and integrate new technologies depending on the company.

If you want to break into the network engineering sector, here’s how to get started.

Qualification:

Companies typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or computer engineering. Some organizations also ask to earn a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or computer science before applying, depending on role.

Roles and responsibility

Designing and implementing new network solutions and/or improving the efficiency of current networks.

• Installing, configuring and supporting network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP.
• Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation.
• Configuring firewalls, routing and switching to maximize network efficiency and security
• Maximizing network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting
• Investigating faults in the network.
• Updating network equipment to the latest firmware.

Courses

CompTIA A+ Certification

• Duration: 20 days
• Fees: appox Rs 20,000/- to Rs 50,000/-

CompTIA Network+ Certification

• Duration: 90 days
• Fees: appox Rs 30,000/-

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

• Duration: 115 days
• Fees: appox Rs 1,58,000/-

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

• Duration: 20 days
• Fees: appox
  Rs 2,26,000/-

VMware Certified Professional

• Duration: 5 days
• Fees: appox
  Rs 75,000/- to Rs 1,00,000/-

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

• Duration: 10 days
• Fees: approx Rs 1,28,000/-

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Duration: 5days
• Fees: approx Rs 20,000/- to Rs 1,00,000/-

Cisco Certified Network Professional Level (CCNP)

• Duration: 3 months
• Fees: approx Rs 40,000/- to Rs 1,00,000/-

You need other skills to be a network engineer

• Analytical Skills.
• Attention to Detail
• Leadership Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Teamwork
• Critical Thinking
• Communication

Types of networking jobs :

For those who are just beginning a networking career, here is a brief list of accessible job kinds and networking  employment:

• Network Specialist.
• Network Administrator.
• Network Technician.
• Network Analyst.
• Network Manager.
• Network Engineer.
• Network Solutions Architect.

You may decide to specialize in one or more networking fields as you develop your networking career further.  The networking positions you would be applying for at this stage could include:

• Network Security Specialist
• Cloud Networking Architect
• Networking Research and Development Specialist
• Wireless Networking QA Engineer
• Wireless Infrastructure and Mobility Specialist 
• Mobility Solutions Architect
• VoIP Engineer
• Telecom Project Manager
• Data Center Networking Specialist

There are also plenty of networking jobs in sales and consulting, so be sure to check out:

• Networking Sales Specialist
• Networking Account Manager
• Networking Consultant
• Networking Program Manager

Salary

Depending on academic skills and work experience, A network Engineer can receive Salary of around Rs. 1.2 lakh per year and up to Rs. 6 lakh per year.