What are careers in networking?

Network engineer, network technician, and network administrator are careers in networking.

• Network Engineer

A network engineer is a technology professional who is highly skilled in maintaining the connectivity of networks in terms of data, voice, and calls, as well as videos and wireless network services.

Network engineers ensure all network systems are functioning properly and their fundamental goal is to provide maximum network infrastructure, security, and performance to the end users. They focus on delivering high-availability network infrastructure to sustain onsite and remote activities of users.

Depending on an organization's requirement or network complexity, the organization will sometimes have global network engineers in different countries who take care of technological advancements throughout the firm.

• Network Technician

A similar role in networking is that of a network technician. Network technicians are IT professionals who handle implementing, maintaining, and repairing computer networks. They set up internet connections in many different environments and connect them with physical cables or wireless frequencies.

They are responsible for monitoring the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer network. Some of their typical responsibilities include:

• Troubleshooting computer software and hardware issues

• Repairing software and hardware issues

• Performing scheduled updates

• Ensuring that software is correctly installed on employee computers

• Providing technical support for clients and end-users

• Ensuring the computer network is secure from cyber-attacks (including installing antivirus software)

• Educating and training employees on appropriate use

• Network Administrator

Another role in networking that is similar to that of a network technician is a network administrator. A network administrator ensures that their organization's computer networks are operating appropriately and meeting the needs of the organization and their end-users.

They maintain and troubleshoot the networks and use security principles to ensure the network is secure. Some of their typical responsibilities include:

• Installing, configuring, and maintaining network hardware and software such as routers, firewalls, and switches

• Protecting networks from unauthorized access using both physical and technical means

• Setting up and maintaining virtual private networks (VPNs)

• Resolving network connectivity issues for employees and end-users

• Maintaining and troubleshooting storage networks

Network administrators need to have knowledge of different types of networks including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and storage area networks (SANs). They also need to have an understanding of network security components like firewalls, VPNs, and access control.