Network Infrastructure Engineer, Planning and Deployment
A Network Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for designing, deploying, and securing the network of an organization. The individual performs site surveys and audits to ensure that the organization’s network site has the proper specifications.
Network infrastructure entails using the software and hardware assets of a network that facilitates the communication of the organization’s entire network, besides communications, network connectivity, management, and operations. It enables the interface between users, applications, services and the Internet and more.
The various components of network infrastructure include switching, routers, firewalls, servers, personnel, equipment, and infrastructure software, among others.
Engineers have to ensure further that their networks operate with minimal downtime. They also have to ensure that their organizations are complying with the network architecture policies and procedures.
Engineers have to come up with approaches to reduce operational costs and improve their growing infrastructure’s efficiency and to ensure their organization’s information security. Importantly, they have to work flexible hours.
Network Infrastructure Engineer’s Job Description
Engineers need to provide technical support to the development of the infrastructure systems and services. They define, order, and monitor installation and integration of hardware in the network, including routers, switches, servers, power systems, and cables. Engineers’ also plan, design, and deploy networks.
Engineers need to specify, test, and deploy new or enhanced servers, including applications and software services. They carry out troubleshooting of servers and decide on prioritization during service breakdowns and partake in detailed research to determine the sources and resolve them.
Technicians need to provide support to the existing LAN/WAN network environment and plan and implement new technologies, such as routers, switches, and wireless infrastructure. They have to make sure that operations’ workflow and practices and server maintenance are working effectively and efficiently to aid the improvement of performance, security system, and availability of systems and dependent ecosystems.
It is the responsibility of network engineers to ensure data backup is happening and processes and practices for recovery are in place. They need to generate and maintain technical documentation of the systems.
Engineers will also have to manage switching, routing, firewalls, LANs, WLANs, TCP/IP, VPNs, and VoIP. They must see to it that only the best practices are used for protecting network security.
Engineers plan and deploy data center networks for their organizations. They review so that they are on the top of their organizations’ standards for the network architecture. Engineers have to plan solutions for network solutions of very high bandwidth. They develop project plans to ascertain resource requirements.
They coordinate with vendors, management, and individuals to ensure that their organization is meeting its targets. Also, they manage project budgets.
Engineers also need to see to it that the resources of their organization are being used effectively. They need to update all site records accurately.
Engineers restructure and regulate implementation measures and processes that are scalable. They regularly provide reporting and estimating concerning project budgets.
Prospects for Network Infrastructure Engineers
Job opportunities for network administrators are estimated to increase six percent during the period 2016-2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The government agency adds that the requirement for information technology workers is high and will continue to be so, as companies invest in emerging technologies and mobile networks.
As the numbers of computers, laptops, and mobile devices that the workforce is using organizations are increasing exponentially, software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) is becoming the new flavor of networking. It is not only dynamic and manageable but is also cost-effective and seamlessly manages high-bandwidth applications, as it lets administrators conveniently manage automation and network control.
With SD-WAN, a network administrator can tap a suite of software tools to programmatically control, set, modify, and oversee network behavior dynamically. An SD-WAN application allows network administrators to improve and adjust the methods in which network devices, such as routers, switches, and other network components operate data packets. It also allows complete management of network policies and procedures with a control panel.
Also, its various analytical capabilities enable the system to allow administrators to recognize network errors seamlessly. SD-WAN also allows administrators to easily handle, configure secure, and optimize the network’s resources quickly.
The other advantages that SD-WAN provides include enhanced security, agility, cost-efficiency, open network foundation, and centralized management.
With most companies transitioning to cloud computing to manage their servers, networking, software, analytics, business intelligence, and databases, among others, network engineers are needed there too. Aspirants who want to work in the technology of the future could opt for a course in CCNA Cloud, MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure or VCP7 – Cloud Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA) to be working as cloud network engineers.
Educational Qualifications and the Requirement for Network Infrastructure Engineers
While hiring a Network Infrastructure Engineer, employers look for a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or a related discipline. Moreover, they should have experience in designing and deploying networks and must have worked with optical technologies and routing protocols.
Salary of a Network Infrastructure Engineer
The average salary of a Network Infrastructure Engineer is $71,888 per year in the United States, according to payscale.com. If you are mulling joining as a freelance Red Hat Linux System Engineer in the Telecom Marketplace, visit Fieldengineer.com. This portal connects you with employers who are seeking candidates with the relevant skill sets. With over 40,000+ engineers belonging to diverse fields in more than 170 countries listed here, it is a comprehensive directory for employers to search for qualified people.
