How to Be Network Support Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 16, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Network support engineers are critical in ensuring a smooth and efficient operation of information systems. Their role is to provide technical assistance and expertise to ensure that any technical problems are quickly resolved. Poorly maintained networks can lead to inefficient performance, increased downtime, and even security issues.

As such, network support engineers are responsible for ensuring that networks are maintained in optimal condition, allowing for maximum efficiency and security. This is achieved through a variety of tasks such as performing regular maintenance, installing upgrades, troubleshooting problems, and providing training to users. The effects of these tasks are clear; with regular maintenance, networks can remain reliable and secure while providing optimal performance.

With proper training and guidance, users can better understand their systems and reduce the risk of issues arising. the work of network support engineers plays an integral role in keeping information systems running smoothly.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Degree. To become a Network Support Engineer, you will need at least an associate's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
Get Certified. Earning industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can help you stand out from the competition and land a job as a Network Support Engineer.
Gain Experience. Many employers look for candidates with hands-on experience in network support. Consider interning at an IT company, working as an IT technician, or taking a job in help desk support to gain relevant experience.
Develop Soft Skills. Network Support Engineers need strong problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills to effectively troubleshoot and resolve network issues. Consider taking classes or workshops to develop and refine these skills.
Look for Job Opportunities. Once you have the necessary qualifications, start applying for Network Support Engineer positions with local IT companies or network service providers. You can also search online job boards or attend networking events to find job openings.

In order to stay ahead and remain qualified as a Network Support Engineer, it is essential to stay up to date with the latest developments in the field. An effective way to do this is to continuously pursue further education and training in the field, such as IT certifications. Keeping abreast of new technologies and trends in the industry, and attending relevant professional development seminars and conferences is another great way to stay ahead of the competition and remain qualified.

developing practical skills by participating in projects and working in a team environment can help Network Support Engineers stay current and gain valuable experience. maintaining and expanding one's knowledge base is the key to staying ahead and qualified in the Network Support Engineer profession.

You may want to check Network Support Analyst, Database Support Specialist, and Help Desk Support Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Troubleshoot, analyze, and resolve network-related problems on both local and remote networks.
Monitor network performance and health, detect and diagnose network problems, and suggest solutions.
Install, configure, and maintain LAN/WAN hardware, such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
Configure and install network protocols and services, such as DHCP, DNS, WINS, VPN, etc.
Implement and maintain security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
Create and maintain network documentation, such as diagrams, procedures, and policies.
Research and evaluate new technologies to improve network performance and reliability.
Train users on how to use the network and its associated hardware, software, and services.
Provide technical support to network users in person or via phone/email.
Manage user accounts and access privileges.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, FTP, SSH, and NFS
Understanding of network security concepts and best practices
Proficiency in configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and other network hardware
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot network problems
Ability to install and maintain hardware and software related to networks
Knowledge of cloud computing services, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure
Familiarity with monitoring tools, such as Splunk and SolarWinds
Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python and PowerShell
Proficiency in Linux OS systems administration
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Good network support engineers must possess a wide range of technical and interpersonal skills in order to be successful. One of the most important skills for a network support engineer to have is problem-solving ability. A successful engineer must be able to identify problems quickly, diagnose the root cause, and develop efficient solutions.

network support engineers need to be knowledgeable in a variety of operating systems, hardware platforms, and networking protocols. They must also be able to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical personnel in a way that is easy to understand. The ability to communicate effectively is also essential for network support engineers, as they may need to provide both onsite and remote technical support.

Finally, strong customer service skills are critical to ensure customers have an excellent experience with the organization's services. With these skills, a network support engineer can confidently provide technical assistance and help keep networks running smoothly and efficiently.

Application Support Manager, Hardware Support Technician, and System Support Administrator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in network support engineering?
Describe a difficult network support problem you have solved.
How do you troubleshoot and diagnose network issues?
How do you stay up to date on the latest technologies and best practices for network support?
What is your experience with network security protocols?
What experience do you have with installing and configuring network hardware and software?
How do you handle customer requests and resolve their issues?
Describe how you would approach a project to upgrade a network infrastructure.
What experience do you have with virtualization technologies?
How do you prioritize tasks and ensure that projects are completed on time?

Common Tools in Industry

Network Protocol Analyzer. A tool used to capture and analyze network traffic, including individual packets, which can help identify patterns or anomalies. (eg: Wireshark)
Network Configuration Management. A tool used to manage and maintain network devices, ensuring consistency and configuration across the network. (eg: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager)
Network Performance Monitoring. A tool used to monitor the performance of network devices and connections, providing insight into what is happening on the network. (eg: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor)
Bandwidth Monitoring. A tool used to monitor the amount of bandwidth being consumed by a particular device or connection, allowing for improved capacity planning. (eg: SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack)
Network Troubleshooting. A tool used to diagnose and troubleshoot network issues, helping identify the source of the problem. (eg: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor)
Network Security Scanner. A tool used to scan networks for vulnerabilities and malware, helping ensure the security of the network. (eg: Qualys Cloud Platform)
Network Automation. A tool used to automate tasks associated with managing and configuring a network, providing time savings and improved accuracy. (eg: Ansible)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)
International Association of Computer Consultants (IACC)
International Association of Network and Data Science (IANDS)
Society of Information Management (SIM)
Association of Computing Machinery (ACM)
Network Professional Association (NPA)
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
Network and System Administrators Guild (NSAG)

We also have Network/Systems Support Administrator, Desktop Support Technician, and Customer Support Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Networking. The practice of connecting two or more devices, such as computers, routers, and switches, to share resources, exchange data, and access the internet.
Router. A device that connects two or more networks and forwards packets of data between them.
Switch. A device that connects two or more computers on a network and manages the flow of traffic between them.
IP Address. A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a network that is used to route traffic between them.
TCP/IP. A suite of protocols used to connect computers to the internet and exchange data.
Firewall. A system designed to protect a private network from unauthorized access.
NAT. Network Address Translation, a method used to allow multiple computers to share one public IP address.
DHCP. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a network protocol used to assign IP addresses to devices on a network automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Network Support Engineer?

The primary role of a Network Support Engineer is to provide technical support and maintenance for computer networks and associated systems, including LAN/WAN networks, internet connections, routers, and firewalls.

What qualifications are needed for a Network Support Engineer?

To become a Network Support Engineer, most employers require a minimum of an Associates Degree in Computer Science or related field, as well as experience with computer systems, networks, and hardware.

What are some of the tasks performed by a Network Support Engineer?

Network Support Engineers typically perform tasks such as troubleshooting network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software, maintaining network security, and providing technical support to users.

What type of environment does a Network Support Engineer typically work in?

Network Support Engineers typically work in an office environment. They may also be required to travel to different locations to provide on-site support.