How to Become a Network Engineer

What is a network engineer? 

A network engineer is an individual assigned to assist in devising, accomplishing, and sustaining an organization's computer networks. They use several tools and techniques like firewalls, routers, load balancers, and switches to elevate network performance in an IT Infrastructure. 

Network engineers link, defend, and automate complex networks. The main network engineer roles and responsibilities are configuration, maintenance, performance optimization, and troubleshooting networks. hush they effectively ensure the safety and performance of the overall network security ecosystem.

They make sure the web of communication within and outside the organization stays alive. Network engineer defends the network from potential malware, phishing, or denial of service attacks.  

How to become a network engineer? 

A network engineer is someone who knows the whole organization's network inside out whether it is hardware, software, infrastructure, or systems.  

Becoming a network engineer is a very easy task once you set your heart on it. There are no prescribed educational criteria for it except a bachelor's degree or master's in a relevant field. You can choose network engineer certifications like CCNA, and CCNP for better understanding and opportunities of network engineering.

If you are looking for a career shift, then it is always good to follow the right network engineer career path which goes as follows. 

Five Easy Steps of becoming a Network Engineer 

1. Education

Getting the right education is the first and foremost step in becoming successful in any career. Your future depends on your deep understanding of modern IT environments.  

This can be done in two small steps getting an entry-level certification and then stepping to the advanced ones. 

Learn Network Engineer Skills 

✔️ Getting a basic idea and awareness about networking 

We can't build something without a strong foundation. So you have to grab a general understanding of the elements in networking theory such as TCP/IP, OSI model, routing protocols( OSPF, BGP), switching, VLAN, VPN, firewalls etc. Network safety measures. 

The major basic-level certifications in Networking are 

- CompTIA Network+: This is a nice starting level certification to enter the field of networking since it is a vendor impartial certification that covers foundational rudiments and prowess of networking. 

- Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician(CCENT):  CCENT covers all the concepts and Principles of networking aiding an individual to get an entry-level job.  

- Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA): CCNA is a more holistic study of networking technologies than CCENT.

 - Cisco Certified Devnet Associate: The qualified individual will be able to develop and maintain applications built on the Cisco platform.  

-Juniper Network Certified Associate - Junos: The Certified person can work on Juniper Networks Junos OS. 

✔️Climb up the ladder with Advanced-level courses 

Show off your expertise in Networking by completing the advanced level Network security courses and certifications. They will help you in your job search as the number of people who opt for specializations is very limited. 

The following are different proficiency certifications in this field 

- CCNP: Cisco Certified Network Professional is a course that indicates your in-depth knowledge in designing, executing, and handling issues relating to complex networks.  

- CompTIA security+: Networking areas like security, cryptography, access control, and others are covered under this valuable course  

-Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist: JNCIS is a moderate-level certification of Juniper Networking Technologies  

-Cisco Certified Internet Work Expert: CCIE is a highly advanced course relating to networking infrastructure.