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What does a data network engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Galen Duree
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Data network engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real data network engineer resumes:

  • Implement and manage Cisco AVVID architecture to support efficient use of VoIP.
  • Manage router configuration changes, coordinate site surveys develop i-plans, update NOC and engineering documentation to reflect changes.
  • Review IOS bug notices and upgrade IOS software as needed on Cisco switches and routers.
  • Configure Cisco ASA VPN certificate authentication access for company-manage mobile devices using CiscoAnyconnect.
  • Network protocols include TCP/IP, SNA/SDLC, Novell IPX/SPX, X.25.
  • Evaluate and improve downstream BGP offerings.
  • Create work around for known IOS issues.
  • Supply hardware/software support to all LAN users.
  • Upgrade to latest IOS version available from Cisco.
  • Build VPN's and set up security policies for new locations.
  • Configure OSPF over frame relay networks for NBMA and point to multipoint strategies.
  • Order network facilities and CPE bundles for branch MPLS network per design requirements.
  • Upgrade bandwidth on all regional VzB MPLS circuits and migrate to Gigabit-Ethernet hand-off.
  • Design, document, and implement LAN architecture involving complex ether switch fabrics.
  • Perform QA testing the showed the quality of all voice calls and VOIP protocols.

Data network engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Data Network Engineers are proficient in BGP, Switches, and EIGRP. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Data Network Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • BGP, 7%

    Configured various routing protocols including EIGRP and OSPF, BGP, analyzing throughput of WAN link.

  • Switches, 7%

    Saved $270K by going with Cisco 4510E gear instead of 6513 switches that were originally scoped.

  • EIGRP, 6%

    Completed troubleshooting issues on the Interactive EIGRP network.

  • OSPF, 5%

    Configured RIP, OSPF and static routing on Juniper routers.

  • Data Network, 4%

    Developed and implemented operation support plan for core data network platforms servicing core customers.

  • Nexus, 4%

    Designed/implemented Data Center architecture based on Cisco Top-of-Rack solution, leveraging the Nexus 7000 and 5000 platforms.

"bgp," "switches," and "eigrp" are among the most common skills that data network engineers use at work. You can find even more data network engineer responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a data network engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what data network engineers do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a data network engineer resume shows how data network engineers use analytical skills: "participated in the design and implementation of new wan architecture scalable for application data services using mpls technology. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling data network engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a data network engineer resume, here's how data network engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "performed redistribution with ospf, eigrp, rip version 1 and 2 to enable communication with backbone. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of data network engineers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday data network engineer duties, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "worked with emc san solution in germany while configuring cisco nexus fabric switches to communicate with the san solution. "

See the full list of data network engineer skills

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Compare different data network engineers

Data network engineer vs. System technician

A system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.

We looked at the average data network engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a system technician. Generally speaking, system technicians are paid $53,911 lower than data network engineers per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between data network engineers and system technicians are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like switches, tcp/ip, and vpn.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between data network engineers and system technician. For instance, data network engineer responsibilities require skills such as "bgp," "eigrp," "ospf," and "data network." Whereas a system technician is skilled in "customer service," "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," and "control systems." This is part of what separates the two careers.

System technicians really shine in the government industry with an average salary of $58,665. Comparatively, data network engineers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $97,521.On average, system technicians reach lower levels of education than data network engineers. System technicians are 8.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Data network engineer vs. Senior system administrator

A senior system administrator specializes in overseeing the computer system operations in an organization. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around monitoring the performance of all software and hardware, installing servers, configuring systems, and making sure every technical aspect is running smoothly. Should there be any issues, they must take charge of troubleshooting and providing solutions. As someone with more experience, a senior system administrator leads and evaluates the performances of fellow skilled professionals in the department, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

On average, senior system administrators earn a $825 higher salary than data network engineers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both data network engineers and senior system administrators have skills such as "switches," "hp hardware," and "tcp/ip. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real data network engineer resumes. While data network engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "bgp," "eigrp," "ospf," and "data network," senior system administrators use skills like "linux," "windows server," "troubleshoot," and "system administration."

Senior system administrators may earn a higher salary than data network engineers, but senior system administrators earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $104,418. On the other hand, data network engineers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $97,521.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior system administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than data network engineers. In fact, they're 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for data network engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Galen Duree

Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.

Data network engineer vs. Systems administrator

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

On average scale, systems administrators bring in lower salaries than data network engineers. In fact, they earn a $20,165 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on data network engineers and systems administrators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "switches," "hp hardware," and "tcp/ip.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a data network engineer is likely to be skilled in "bgp," "eigrp," "ospf," and "data network," while a typical systems administrator is skilled in "linux," "troubleshoot," "windows server," and "database."

Systems administrators earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $86,962. Comparatively, data network engineers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $97,521.systems administrators typically earn similar educational levels compared to data network engineers. Specifically, they're 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data network engineer vs. Service administrator

A service administrator is responsible for assisting the customers' inquiries and concerns, recommending service alternatives, processing refunds, and escalating high-level complaints to the service manager for immediate resolution. Service administrators receive and process orders, take customers' special instructions, and ensure that they get the highest customer satisfaction, generate more revenues, and improve the company's branding recognition. A service administrator also informs the customer of promotional offers and new services by utilizing sales pitches and other marketing strategies. They should have excellent communication and customer service skills to keep a customer's loyalty.

Service administrators typically earn lower pay than data network engineers. On average, service administrators earn a $42,748 lower salary per year.While their salaries may vary, data network engineers and service administrators both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "network troubleshooting," "cisco ucs," and "user accounts. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "bgp," "switches," "eigrp," and "ospf" are skills that commonly show up on data network engineer resumes. On the other hand, service administrators use skills like customer service, patients, data entry, and cms on their resumes.service administrators enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $75,691. For comparison, data network engineers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, service administrators hold similar degree levels compared to data network engineers. Service administrators are 1.0% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of data network engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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