What does a network engineer do?
Design and build
Network engineers design, build, and automate physical and wireless networks. Their goal is to ensure connectivity between phones, computers, routers, intranets, extranets, and more.
Optimize
Network engineers look for ways to improve infrastructure. For example, they implement solutions to automate rote tasks, and work with vendors and colleagues to integrate new technologies into existing networks.
Monitor
Network engineers observe and troubleshoot their systems to keep them running smoothly. They analyze network performance, test network functionality, and more.
Top network engineering tasks
Network configuration
Network maintenance
Performance optimization
Troubleshooting networks
Why become a network engineer?
Network engineers are in-demand — plain and simple. Every organization with a complex IT infrastructure needs a network engineer, and the field is growing rapidly to match the pace of technological innovation.
It might be the role for you if . . .
You enjoy:
- Teaching others about technology
- Collaborative problem solving
- Researching and learning new technologies
You excel at:
- Analytical thinking
- Communication
- Time management
Meet a network engineer
Popular certifications for network engineers
CCNA certification
The CCNA covers a broad range of fundamentals based on the latest networking technologies, software development skills and job roles. These skills and knowledge can springboard your career aspirations.
CCNP Enterprise certification
The CCNP Enterprise certification can help you prove your skills in the ever-changing landscape of the enterprise network technologies. The certification covers core technologies and an enterprise focus area of your choice.