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Complete Guide To Become A Network Engineer

Networked devices are being used more and more by businesses to accomplish their daily activities. In order to plan, construct, install, and manage their computer networks, they frequently require expert assistance from network engineers. Determining whether network engineering is the proper career path for you might be aided by understanding how to launch a network engineering career. In this article we will cover every networking concept and provide you a complete guide on how to become a network engineer.


Table of Content:

  1. Who is a Network Engineer?
  2. Role of a Network Engineer
  3. Requirements to Become a Network Engineer
  4. How to Become a Network Engineer?
  5. Future of Network Engineering
  6. How Long does it takes to become a Network Engineer?
  7. Conclusion


Who Is a Network Engineer?
A network engineer is an information technology professional who specialises in computer networking. They typically work in an organization's IT department and are in charge of ensuring that the network hardware and computer systems are operating effectively. They accomplish this by performing diagnostics, installing new hardware, and updating software when it becomes available. Additionally, they take preventative action to guard against malware and other possible dangers to network security.


Role Of a Network Engineer

Network Engineers are primarily responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the complex systems that allow devices and networks to communicate and exchange data. They use a wide range of technologies, including cutting-edge wireless and cloud-based systems as well as conventional wired networks.

Understanding business needs, reviewing current infrastructure, and selecting appropriate hardware, software, and protocols are all necessary to establish efficient and scalable solutions.

To make sure the network can sustain ongoing operations and future expansion, they take into account variables like bandwidth, latency, security, and dependability. Network engineers are in charge of carrying out a network design once it has been established. This includes setting up firewalls, switches, routers, and other network equipment in accordance with the design guidelines. In order to track and improve network performance, they also put in place security, routing, and switching protocols.


Requirements To Become A Network Engineer

  • Get the Basic Right

Understanding the foundational principles of networking concepts is the first step. You must comprehend how things truly operate, for example, "What is a firewall?" or "What is the rationale for utilising various cable types?". Some of the basic concepts are LAN, WANs, Router, Switches, OSI Models etc.

  • Communication Skills
One crucial requirement for a network engineer that is often overlooked is strong communication skills. An ideal candidate should be able to effectively understand client requirements and convey them clearly to their internal team because they have to communicate technical information to stakeholders who are not technical, work with team members, and document network designs, settings, and processes to ensure easy execution, minimizes misunderstandings and enhances overall project efficiency

  • Virtualization & Cloud Computing

To design, deploy, and manage virtual networks and cloud-based infrastructure, one must be proficient in virtualisation technologies (like VMware and Hyper-V) and cloud platforms (like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud).

  • Network Monitoring Tools
To track key performance indicators (KPIs), monitor network performance, and proactively identify and resolve network issues, one must be proficient in network monitoring and management technologies like Nagios, SolarWinds, or PRTG.

Related Post: Best Network Monitoring Tools for Network Engineers


  • Certifications
Having some industry recognized certifications from network equipment companies like Palo Alto Networks (e.g., PCNSA, PCNSE), Juniper (e.g., JNCIA, JNCIP), or Cisco (e.g., CCNA, CCNP) would be an added advantage your show proficiency in particular networking platforms and technologies. However, it is not mandatory to acquire these certifications.

  • Problem Solving Skills
Strong analytical abilities are necessary for network engineers to evaluate various solutions, analyse complicated problems, and make well-informed decisions under pressure in order to minimise downtime and address difficulties.

  • Project Management Skills
Project delivery success is guaranteed by the capacity to organise, carry out, and oversee network initiatives (including establishing project scope, schedules, and resource allocation) and collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams.



How To Become A Network Engineer
Network engineering is a fast expanding discipline that is always in great demand. Network engineers typically make between 6 and 8 lakhs per year in India, whereas the global average is between $50,000 and $60,000. Becoming a network engineer has numerous other benefits, such as working with the latest technologies and having onsite chances. There are countless chances once you start working in networking!

Here are the requirements to become a network engineer:

  • Educational Requirements 
After completing your 10+2, you have multiple pathways to start your career in network engineering. A degree in Computer Science (BTech/BE) or Networking Technology (BSc) can provide a good basic understanding but it is not mandatory to enter the field. Many successful network engineers come from diverse educational backgrounds and gain expertise through hands-on training and professional programs. With the right skills and industry-recognized certifications, anyone can build a thriving career in network engineering, regardless of their degree.
  • Get Necessary Knowledge 
To get some good knowledge along with real time training look for programs that offer the combination of both like NDS (Network Data Specialist) which makes you job ready by providing you theoretical as well as practical knowledge of the technical concepts. Additionally, you can acquire professional certification from SolarWinds, and the beginner and mid-level certificates from Cisco.
  • Decide Devices On Which You Want To Work
Evaluate the products of Cisco, Microsoft, and SolarWinds and decide whether you want to pursue extra training and certifications pertaining to these businesses and their devices. For example, obtaining Microsoft certification could be advantageous if you wish to work with software and gadgets.
  • Master Tools & Softwares
Network engineers use a number of tools to monitor and manage networks. Learn how to use management tools and network simulation software like SolarWinds, Nagios, or Wireshark. Additionally, becoming proficient in scripting languages like Python would be a plus for your profile as it will help you to analyse data and automate activities, saving time and avoiding mistakes.
  • Network With Professionals 
Join online forums and professional networks like LinkedIn which will provide you access to employment postings and mentorship opportunities. Never undervalue the impact of a well-timed conversation, attend industry conferences, participate in discussions, and learn from other accomplished professionals.
  • Start Your Job Search 
After obtaining your professional networking qualifications and/or graduate degree, you are eligible to start looking for jobs. Make sure your CV and cover letter are properly formatted, and include a description of your network engineering qualifications. Look for network engineer openings and start applying. Additionally, try to stay updated on advancements and trends in the field while you wait for responses from potential employers.


Future of Network Engineering
The trends & technologies shaping the future of network engineering are:

1. Automation

Automation is changing network administration by eliminating the need for manual intervention and minimising human error. Network engineers can automate repetitive processes like configuration management, monitoring, and troubleshooting with the help of orchestration frameworks and network automation technologies. This increases productivity and frees up engineers to work on more strategic projects.

2. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has radically altered how businesses handle their technology and network architecture. Using network as a service models that offer scalability and flexibility, cloud-based solutions enable businesses to manage their networks more effectively.

3. Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

Network function virtualisation, or NFV, is the process of virtualizing network functions like firewalls, load balancers, and routers that are typically powered by proprietary hardware. NFV increases network flexibility and decreases hardware dependency by utilising virtualisation technology.

4. Edge Computing

Edge computing lowers latency and bandwidth consumption by processing data closer to the source. As more gadgets produce massive amounts of data, edge computing becomes critical for real-time analytics and decision-making.

5. Stronger Cybersecurity Mechanisms

Network security is critical given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Future network engineering will place a strong emphasis on incorporating advanced security measures including automatic response systems, zero-trust architectures, and AI-driven threat detection.


Conclusion

Network engineering demand is increasing more quickly than usual. With our NDS programme we will help you become a Network Data Specialist within six months. In this course we focus on four core skills which are communication skills, technical skills, real time training (our biggest USP which no one in the industry is providing) and relevant exposure. After that we will help you get placed in a top MNC with an assured package of 6-7 LPA. However, this is the minimum assured package rest depends upon your skills & knowledge you can earn much higher than that with the proper guidance, hardwork & dedication.


FAQ's

Do you need a degree to become a Network Engineer?
Yes, having a degree is required to work as a network engineer with some of the leading networking companies, including HCL, Capegemini, Accenture, IBM Siemens, Microsoft, Cisco. However, some organisations may accept an associate's degree as well as vendor certifications.
How long does it take to become a Network Engineer?
It can take five to six years to become a network engineer if you follow the conventional educational path. The first step is to finish a three- or four-year bachelor's degree program in computer science, systems engineering, network engineering, computer networking, or a similar discipline. Following that, obtaining various network engineering programmes or certifications may take between six months to three years.
What does a Network Engineer do?
Network engineers design, construct, maintain, and debug computer networks, they assure security, performance, and functioning by managing hardware and software and addressing technical challenges.
Is coding required for Network Engineers?
Network engineers are not necessarily required to learn how to code, however it is good for them to learn about programming languages.
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