Network engineering is a crucial role in today’s technology-driven world, as businesses of all sizes depend on robust, secure, and efficient networks to operate smoothly. Whether you’re designing, implementing, or maintaining networks, the role of a network engineer is highly technical, requiring both a broad understanding of networking principles and the ability to troubleshoot and optimise performance in complex environments.
If you’re passionate about technology and problem-solving, a career as a network engineer could be the right fit for you. Here’s how to get started, what to expect, and how you can work towards this rewarding career.
What Does a Network Engineer Do?
Network engineers are responsible for the design, deployment, and maintenance of an organisation’s network infrastructure. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and even cloud-based networks. Their goal is to ensure data flows smoothly and securely between systems, users, and locations.
Some of the typical responsibilities include:
- Configuring and maintaining network hardware and software
- Monitoring network performance and optimising configurations for efficiency
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing network issues
- Ensuring network security, including firewalls, VPNs, and encryption
- Collaborating with IT teams to integrate and implement new technologies
Network engineers are often the backbone of an IT department, ensuring seamless connectivity, reliability, and security for the business.
What Skills Are Needed?
To become a network engineer, you’ll need to develop a specific set of skills:
- Networking Fundamentals: A deep understanding of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and routing protocols like BGP and OSPF is crucial. You’ll need to understand how devices communicate within and between networks.
- Network Security: With the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, security is a top priority for network engineers. Knowledge of firewalls, VPNs, encryption, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) is vital.
- Hardware Proficiency: Being able to configure and maintain routers, switches, and wireless access points is a core part of the job. Brands like Cisco, Juniper, and HP are commonly used in enterprise settings.
- Cloud Networking: As more businesses move to cloud environments, familiarity with platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud is becoming essential. Understanding how to design and manage hybrid or cloud-based networks will set you apart.
- Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: Network issues can arise unexpectedly, and your ability to diagnose and resolve them quickly and efficiently is key to minimising downtime.
Which Courses Will Help?
While formal education (such as a degree in computer science or a related field) can help, many network engineers start their careers with certifications that prove their expertise. Here are some of the most relevant certifications:
- CompTIA Network+ – This entry-level certification covers essential networking concepts, including the basics of networking hardware, protocols, and services. It’s a good starting point for beginners.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – This is one of the most popular and widely recognised certifications in networking. It covers IP networking, routing, switching, and network security, providing a solid foundation for a career in network engineering.
- Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-Junos) – If you want to specialise in Juniper hardware, this certification provides the foundational knowledge you’ll need to work with their devices and services.
- CompTIA Security+ – For those interested in the security aspect of networking, Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification that covers the fundamentals of securing networks and managing risk.
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – As cloud networking grows in importance, this certification from Amazon Web Services will help you design, manage, and maintain cloud-based networks.
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – After gaining some experience, you can pursue this advanced certification, which demonstrates your ability to manage complex networks.
Gaining Experience
Experience is key in becoming a proficient network engineer, and there are several ways to build it, even before you land your first job.
- Home Labs: Setting up your own network at home is one of the best ways to gain hands-on experience. You can use old hardware or virtual machines to simulate network environments, configure routing protocols, and test security measures. Platforms like GNS3, Cisco Packet Tracer, and EVE-NG allow you to create virtual networks for practice.
- Volunteer Work: Many small businesses, charities, or non-profit organisations may need help managing their networks. Volunteering to assist with their IT needs can give you real-world experience while also contributing to the community.
- Internships and Apprenticeships: Many companies offer internships or apprenticeships where you can learn on the job. These opportunities are invaluable as they provide a way to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings while gaining industry contacts.
- Lab Simulations and Practice Exams: As you study for certifications, taking advantage of lab simulations and practice exams can enhance your skills. Many certification providers, such as Cisco, offer lab environments for candidates to practise in real-world scenarios.
How to Spend Your Spare Time
If you’re serious about becoming a network engineer, investing your free time into learning and practising is crucial. Here are some productive ways to use your spare time:
- Stay Updated on Technology Trends: Networking technology is always evolving, and it’s important to keep up with the latest innovations. Follow blogs, read whitepapers, and listen to podcasts such as “Packet Pushers” or “Heavy Networking.”
- Join Networking Communities: Engage with other aspiring and experienced network engineers. Sites like Spiceworks, Reddit’s /r/networking, and Cisco’s Learning Network can provide support, answer your questions, and expose you to a range of topics.
- Learn Scripting: Learning how to automate network tasks with scripting languages like Python or PowerShell can be a huge advantage. As networks grow in size and complexity, the ability to automate mundane tasks is becoming a sought-after skill.
- Tinker with Open-Source Tools: There are many free tools that network engineers use daily. Wireshark (for network traffic analysis), Nmap (for network scanning), and NetFlow (for traffic monitoring) are just a few examples. Familiarising yourself with these tools will improve your troubleshooting skills.
Where to Find Work
Network engineers are in demand across a variety of sectors, and some of the industries that commonly hire network engineers include:
- Telecommunications Companies: Large telecoms like BT, Vodafone, and Virgin Media need network engineers to manage their vast networks.
- Financial Institutions: Banks and financial companies rely heavily on secure and high-performance networks for their operations. Firms like HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds are typical employers.
- IT Service Providers: Managed services companies like Computacenter, Capita, and CDW provide network design and support services to clients across different industries.
- Government Agencies: Public sector organisations such as local councils, the NHS, and government departments need secure, reliable networks to handle sensitive data and maintain public services.
- Large Enterprises: Corporations across all sectors, from retail to manufacturing, employ in-house network engineers to manage their internal IT infrastructure.
Salaries in the UK
Salaries for network engineers in the UK can vary based on experience, certifications, and location. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Entry-level: £25,000 to £35,000 per year
- Mid-level: £35,000 to £50,000 per year
- Senior-level: £50,000 to £70,000 per year
- Network Architects/Consultants: £70,000+ per year
London-based roles or those in large corporations tend to offer higher salaries, while opportunities in smaller towns or for smaller companies may pay slightly less. However, remote working is becoming more common, allowing network engineers to find flexible roles with competitive pay across the country.
So, What Now?
A career in network engineering is both challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the smooth operation of businesses. By gaining the right skills, certifications, and experience, and investing your spare time in continuous learning, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful network engineer.
The demand for skilled network engineers remains high, and with opportunities across various industries, it’s a career with excellent job security and growth potential. Good luck in your journey!
