Network Support Engineer

Network support engineers are an occupation in the IT (IT) field that is concerned with the creation and ongoing maintenance of different Internet intranet, intranet, and online storage options for companies. They typically are employed by larger organizations who depend on connectivity to the internet for business. The engineer might be focusing on two aspects of network performance. For businesses that depend on sales via online retailers from customers outside, the reliability of servers that provide accessibility to Internet in general is crucial. The engineer should make sure that there are multiple systems in place to ensure that the website is online throughout the day.

The other aspect of the equation involving networking is internal communications requirements that a company might have. Larger corporations typically have an intranet for the simple and secure transfer of information and data. The network support engineer is responsible to ensure that the intranet is maintained continuously and that users who require access to it have the appropriate equipment in the form of tablets, smartphones, and computers to access it. For banks, employers, and financial institutions, secured inside Internet connections are required for connecting to the central market and exchanges, too.

Alongside keeping this connection another major concern for network support engineers is security. They are required to maintain external connection to servers in retail environments to ensure that the data of customers is secured in a manner that is transparent and is in line with best practices within the business. In internal networks, the support engineer ensures that employees only use accepted protocols to access the network, and the engineer is required to monitor every device connected to it for intrusions by viruses and malware.

The engineer who supports the network typically is available during normal working hours. However, it's not uncommon to have the IT needs of a business for network support engineers to remain "on on call" and ready to deal with any emergencies that may occur.

Network support engineers usually have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science or another related area. Employers may also consider applicants who have completed relevant education from technical or vocational institutions. Engineers are likely to keep some type of accreditation to work with different operating systems, as required by the company.

As a Network Support Engineer with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

• Troubleshooting network issues, diagnosing problems, and implementing effective solutions to ensure smooth network operations.
• Configuring and maintaining network hardware, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Monitoring network performance, analyzing data, and identifying areas for improvement to enhance the overall network infrastructure.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including system administrators, developers, and network architects, to design and implement network upgrades and expansions, ensuring seamless integration and scalability.

For a Network Support Engineer job role, the following qualifications are required:

• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, and LAN/WAN setups, to troubleshoot and resolve network issues effectively.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control, to implement and maintain secure network infrastructure.
• Proficiency in network monitoring and diagnostic tools to proactively identify and rectify network performance issues and optimize network resources.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to communicate technical concepts effectively with team members, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring smooth collaboration and problem resolution.

The role of a Network Support Engineer is key to maintaining network infrastructure and resolving technical issues. For individuals with 6-9 years of experience in the UK, here are following alternative roles to consider:

• Network Architect: A role that involves designing and implementing network solutions, planning upgrades, and evaluating new technologies.
• IT Project Manager: A position focused on overseeing network-related projects, coordinating resources, managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Cybersecurity Analyst: A role that focuses on protecting network systems from security threats, conducting vulnerability assessments, and implementing security measures.
• Cloud Engineer: A position involved in designing, implementing, and managing network infrastructure on cloud platforms, ensuring scalability, availability, and security.

The role of a Network Support Engineer in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the job role has witnessed a steady rise in demand, with increasing reliance on technology and network infrastructure. This trend is expected to continue in the future, creating a substantial number of employment opportunities for professionals in this field. According to data from Google, the need for Network Support Engineers is expected to remain high due to the continuous expansion of digital networks and the growing complexity of IT systems.