Overview
Network engineers design, deploy, and maintain the wired and wireless networks that connect enterprise systems, data centres, and user devices. The role spans traditional enterprise networks (Cisco, Aruba, Juniper kit), cloud networking (AWS VPCs, Azure VNets), SD-WAN, 5G transport, and the network infrastructure for hyperscale data centres. Demand is steady-to-high at telcos (Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea), enterprise IT services, and hyperscale data centre operators (CtrlS, Yotta, ESDS).
Day-to-day responsibilities
Design and implement LAN, WAN, and wireless networks; configure routers, switches, and firewalls (Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, Arista EOS); troubleshoot network issues using packet captures and SNMP monitoring; manage network security policies and VPNs; implement and maintain SD-WAN and SASE architectures; coordinate with cloud architects on hybrid network designs; document network topologies; respond to incidents and outages.
Skills required
- TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, MPLS
- Cisco / Juniper / Arista CLI configuration
- Network security (firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS)
- SD-WAN (Cisco Viptela, VMware VeloCloud)
- Wireless networks (Wi-Fi 6, Cisco Meraki, Aruba)
- Cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure VNet)
- Network automation (Python, Ansible, NetMiko)
- Packet analysis (Wireshark, tcpdump)
Education path
B.Tech CSE / IT / ECE, BCA, or M.Sc CS. Cisco CCNA / CCNP / CCIE certifications are the dominant credential and heavily weighted at hiring. Diploma in Computer Networking and ITI Computer Operator pathways open junior NOC and field engineering roles.
Career progression
- 1Network Engineer (0-3 yrs)
- 2Senior Network Engineer (3-7 yrs)
- 3Network Architect (7-12 yrs)
- 4Principal Network Architect (12-18 yrs)
- 5Head of Network Engineering (18+ yrs)
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Useful certifications
- Cisco CCNA
- Cisco CCNP Enterprise
- Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
- AWS Advanced Networking Specialty
- Juniper JNCIA / JNCIP
- Palo Alto PCNSE