The field of network engineering requires you to have a very vast knowledge of computers, communication equipment, video equipment, peripherals, software and the different cabling methods. With the computer industry advancing so quickly there is a need for highly trained workers to design and develop innovative hardware and software systems and to integrate new technologies. "Network engineers may also be known as Computer Engineers, Network Consultant, Network Developers/Designers, Network Management Software Engineer, Network Software Engineer, Network System Development Engineers, Operations Engineers, Service Engineers, or System Integrators." (MOIScript #438-Network Engineer 1) And they can specialize in many different areas like administration, Infrastructure analyst, hardware design engineer, systems engineer, etc .
There are many different job duties involved in network engineering. Working with people and being able to communicate well is one of the most important things. Going over the plans for a network with the customer is the first step in designing a network. When consulting a customer on the design of a network always take into consideration the cost and how he/she wants to use this network. Local area networks (LAN's) and wide area networks (WAN's) are managed by network administrators. A network engineer may or may not be this person. As a network administrator one of your jobs will be to "monitor the daily performance of the network infrastructure including cable lines, hubs, routers, switches, servers, and satellites/towers". (MOIScript #438 - Network engineer 1) Resolving problems is a major role in network administration. Administrators are usually skilled in one or several types of networking software like Novel, Windows NT, Linux, and Unix. Being physically strong is not necessary in this field of work. But being able to solve problems quickly in stressful situations is critical.