A telecommunications network engineer in general is a professional who designs, installs and maintains telecommunications and computer networks. This is not an entirely technical role as the Network Engineer will ideally have an understanding of business processes to ensure any design offered is appropriate to the operation of the business. The network infrastructure must enable the business to meet its goals and ensure long term productivity. If the network infrastructure is underspecified it can bring a business to a standstill.

Network Engineers generally hold an engineering or technical degree in Telecommunications or Computer Sciences. In addition to or as an alternative to, some Network Engineers would have started on an apprenticeship scheme and may be manufacturer certified such as Cisco, Juniper, HP or other related companies. In recent years, generic training packages have taken on more relevance to the practical aspects of Network Engineering. The Building Industry Consultancy Services International (BICSI) introduced several training specialties with formal training courses, exams and 'on the job' training and development. These are very good programmes, lending themselves to older students looking to change their career.

Network Engineers use the Open Systems Interconnection, seven layer architecture as a tool for network design and troubleshooting. This is also a very useful tool in the education of Network Engineers. This architecture divides the communication functions of two devices into seven layers. For example, the bottom layer is the physical layer. This includes cables and connectors (or air for wireless connections) needed to physically connect two devices together. The second layer is the Data Link layer which is responsible for safe delivery of data across the physical layer. Layer three is the Network Layer responsible for establishing, maintaining and clearing down connections across a network. The most common layer three protocol is IP.

Other layers are Layer four – Transport (TCP is a transport layer protocol); Layer five – Session; Layer six – Presentation and Layer seven – Application. Understanding the seven layered architecture from the bottom (one) up is essential, with emphasis on Layers one through to four. A good Network Engineer will be able to run and terminate a copper or optical fibre cables, or wireless links and configure the link and routing Protocols in an efficient and effective manner. They will also need to have a very good understanding of network security to ensure their customer's data and telecommunications links are safe from hacker, virus and malware attacks.

A Network Engineer's typically originate from structure cable installers, Network Administrators and ex military personnel (through repatriation training). The Network Engineer may progress on to specialize as a Network Architect, Wireless specialist or Security expert. Salary depends upon his/her level of experience but on an average he/she is paid between $50,000/- to $80,000/-. Good Network Engineers can travel the world as they are in great demand, especially when required to troubleshoot serious problems or redesign failing networks while the business is operational – often a very risky and complex task.

Astro Communications Ltd, a UK based specialist network communications engineering company. Astro specialize in delivering voice, data, video and network security solutions and they are about to introduce a new energy saving service. To learn how you can reduce business costs, improve productivity and secure your network, visit: http://www.astro.co.uk