Network Engineers design, implement, and manage the communication systems that allow computers, servers, and devices to connect with each other. They ensure reliable internet, internal networking, VPNs, firewalls, and security across organizations.
A strong network is the foundation of every company’s IT infrastructure, so Network Engineers are in high demand in industries like healthcare, finance, government, and tech. Some specialize in enterprise networking, cloud networking, or even security-focused roles.
Skills
The foundation of networking is understanding how data moves. That means knowing TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, and switching. You’ll also need to understand protocols like BGP, OSPF, MPLS, HTTP/S, and SNMP, which define how traffic is directed and managed.
Hardware knowledge is key — routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers are your daily tools. Increasingly, you’ll also work with cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network, GCP networking) and network security practices like VPNs, IDS/IPS, and zero trust models.
Troubleshooting skills are central to the role. Tools like Wireshark, traceroute, and ping help you diagnose performance issues and outages. Modern networking also involves automation (Python, Ansible) and virtualization/SDN platforms such as VMware NSX, Cisco ACI, or OpenFlow. Wireless networking knowledge — designing, managing, and securing Wi-Fi — is another valuable area. Strong documentation and communication skills tie everything together, since networks are complex and shared across teams.
Tools
You’ll work with a range of hardware (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Fortinet, Palo Alto) and often practice using simulation and lab tools like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG. Cloud networking services (AWS, Azure, GCP) are a growing part of the job.
For automation, Python and Ansible are common, with libraries like Netmiko or Nornir to manage device configurations. Monitoring tools such as Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios, PRTG, and Zabbix help track performance. Security-focused tools might include pfSense, Palo Alto firewalls, or Cisco ASA. Collaboration typically happens through Jira, Confluence, ServiceNow, or Slack.
Certifications
Certifications can help prove your skills, especially if you’re just starting:
- CompTIA Network+ (beginner-friendly)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA)
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
- Fortinet NSE certifications (for security-focused networking)
Practice Projects
Hands-on projects are one of the best ways to grow:
- Build a home lab with routers, switches, and firewalls (physical or virtual).
- Design a secure corporate network using VLANs, routing, and ACLs.
- Configure a site-to-site VPN between two networks.
- Automate network device configurations with Python or Ansible.
- Create an AWS VPC with subnets, NAT, and VPN.
- Simulate an enterprise WAN using GNS3 or Packet Tracer.
Industry-specific examples: a secure banking network, a hospital patient-data network, or an ISP-style backbone.
Free Learning Resources
- Cisco Packet Tracer (free simulation tool)
- FreeCodeCamp Computer Networking Full Course
- Juniper Open Learning
- AWS Networking Documentation
- Practical Networking (YouTube channel)
- Subnetting practice resources
Interview Tips
Interviews for networking roles often mix theory and practice. Expect to answer scenario-based questions like, “How would you troubleshoot a slow network?” You may be asked to subnet on the spot, explain routing protocols (like BGP vs OSPF), or configure a router or VLAN.
Employers value calm, methodical troubleshooting and familiarity with both on-prem and cloud networking. Highlight projects where you improved performance, secured a network, or automated configurations. Show that you can communicate clearly — both with technical teams and non-technical staff who rely on the network every day.
Roadmap to Becoming a Network Engineer (6–9 Months)
Months 1–2: Foundations
Learn networking fundamentals — the OSI model, IP addressing, routing, and switching. Practice subnetting and basic protocols like OSPF and BGP.
Months 3–4: Hands-On Skills
Use tools like Packet Tracer or GNS3 to simulate real environments. Configure VLANs, routing, and access control lists. Start experimenting with firewall setup and VPNs.
Months 5–6: Cloud and Automation
Explore cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network). Learn Python and Ansible to automate common network tasks. Practice wireless networking concepts.
Months 7–9: Monitoring, Security, and Portfolio
Get comfortable with troubleshooting tools (Wireshark, traceroute). Learn security principles like zero trust, IDS/IPS, and firewall tuning. Build projects — secure networks, automated configs, cloud networking labs — and pull them into a portfolio.
Then apply for roles like Network Engineer, Network Administrator, or Infrastructure Engineer.