5 Best Laptops for Networking & Network Engineers

There are many ways to make money in the IT world, but one of the best is to offer your knowledge and skills to others. Whether you’re an IT pro, or you’re looking to learn the skills to soon become one, computers are your tools. The best thing about computers is that they’re portable. Thus, it’s possible to use them anywhere, anytime, to get work done.

Networking and networking engineers are in high demand and in high demand for good reason: there is a shortage of network engineers in the U.S. and the world. The need for network engineers is growing exponentially and is expected to grow by an additional 70% over the next 5 years. Also, demand for network engineers is expected to surpass supply 50% by 2017. So, how can you get in on the action and become a network engineer?

I do not know if you are aware of this, but the world is now awash with new options when it comes to laptops. Today, there are laptops for everyone. If you are looking for an expensive laptop for gaming, then you have choices. If you are looking for a cheap laptop for browsing or word processing, then there are plenty of laptops that you can go for. If you are looking for a laptop for networking, then you have plenty of options to choose from.

Which laptops are ideal for networking and network engineers? The networking landscape and technologies are always evolving. As a result, network engineers’ jobs are not only complex but also time-consuming. I highly recommend investing in a docking station for your MacBook Pro if you want to have easy access to all of your ports and connections.

However, in our contemporary age of advanced information and technology, networking is an important component.

That is why networking and network engineer laptops must be more sophisticated in order to guarantee that all of the PCs in the network are in excellent functioning order.

If you work as a network engineer, you’ll need a laptop that makes your day-to-day duties as simple as possible.

It may include network maintenance, the sharing of large files, and the uninterrupted transmission of a large amount of data.

Virtual environments, SQL database querying, MATLAB programming, and other sophisticated applications like Cisco Packet Tracer, PRTG Network Monitor, and others should all be supported by the laptop.

Even if there are many different brands and models available on the market, selecting such a laptop is not a simple job.

This is where this article comes in useful, as it lists five excellent laptops that will meet all of the requirements of network administrators and engineers.

Laptops for Network Engineers & Networking – Price

15.6″ Full HD Predator Helios 300 by Acer Gaming Laptop, Intel Core i7-9750H, GeForce GTX 1660 Ti

$1,526.00

12 new items starting at $1,468.99

From $1,102.01, 14 were utilized.

as at 4:26 p.m. on September 9, 2021

Surface Pro 7 – 12.3″ Touchscreen – Intel Core i7 – 16GB Memory – 256GB SSD (Latest…

1631240017_421_5-Best-Laptops-for-Networking-Network-Engineers

$1,239.99

$1,499.00

8 new items starting at $1,239.99

From $1,042.99, 5 were utilized.

as at 4:26 p.m. on September 9, 2021

Intel Core i7-1065G7 4 Core, Intel Iris Plus, 13.3″ FHD Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop

1631240017_719_5-Best-Laptops-for-Networking-Network-Engineers

$1,150.00

From $1,150.00, 5 were utilized.

as at 4:26 p.m. on September 9, 2021

On September 9, 2021, at 4:26 p.m., this page was last updated.

For Networking and Network Engineers, How to Upgrade the Wi-Fi in a Laptop

A robust wi-fi connection and laptop support are required for optimal networking performance.

Most contemporary laptops come with quite effective wi-fi communication capabilities built in, but you may need to improve it using these easy alternatives at times.

Installing a wi-fi adaptor in the Express card or PC card port is an option. However, use extreme caution not to harm the antenna’s tiny protuberance at the adapter’s end.

This will not only harm the card, but it will also harm the laptop’s slot.

The performance of the wi-fi may sometimes be improved by changing the old built-in adaptor.

Make sure you use a new device that has been certified by the original equipment maker and that you follow the Federal Communications Commission’s guidelines to avoid interfering with other radio transmissions.

Finally, connecting an external wi-fi adapter to your laptop’s USB 2.0 port may solve the problem.

System Requirements for Networking and Network Engineers (Minimum and Recommended)

An Intel Core 3 or comparable AMD processor with a good base clock speed is the very minimum required in a laptop for networking and network engineers.

There must also be 4 GB of RAM and at least 80 GB of free hard disk space. The screen size should be at least 13 inches, and the graphics should be either Intel HD or Iris Plus.

This may serve for simple networking requirements, but it will fall short of the sophisticated requirements of professional network engineers.

In fact, it’s a good idea to get a laptop that meets the required system requirements, which are shown below. As a result, it will be able to take on and manage any kind of networking task with ease.

Minimum system requirements: Intel Core i7 CPU 8th generation | 16 GB RAM | 256 GB SSD storage | Intel UHD Graphics 620 or Intel Iris Plus graphics | 12.3-inch screen or bigger | 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution

9th generation Intel Core i7 or higher processor| 16 GB of RAM or more | 512 GB SSD or more | Dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or higher graphics card | 15.6-inch screen or larger | 1920 x 1080 pixels or higher screen resolution

5 Best Laptops for Network Engineers and Networking:

Best Overall: Acer Predator Helios 300

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Acer Predator Helios 300

The efficient Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics allow this laptop to offer the greatest overall performance, despite the fact that it has a 9th generation Intel i7 CPU. It also has a decent operating system, keyboard, cooling system, and other characteristics for networking and network engineers.

Characteristics

  • 15.6-inch display
  • 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage
  • DDR4 SDRAM (16 GB)
  • 9th generation Intel Core i7 9750H processor
  • Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card

Pros

  • The keyboard has a separate numeric keypad and is RGB illuminated.
  • The storage capacity is plenty, and the speed is excellent.
  • The ventilation and cooling are both excellent.

Cons

  • The trackpad is not in the middle of the screen.
  • This system does not include an optical drive.
  • The battery life is quite standard.

This is perhaps one of the most popular laptops among network administrators and engineers. It not only gives them everything they need to perform their work, but it also aids them in a variety of other computer tasks, such as gaming.

It has a dedicated and powerful Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics card with Turing architecture and its own 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM.

It also comes with a powerful Intel Core CPU from the 9th generation, which has six cores and can run at up to 4.5 GHz.

With its capabilities and 64-bit architecture, the Windows 10 Home operating system will be ideal for such tasks.

Though the battery life of this device is just enough for completing your day’s tasks, you can expect it to perform flawlessly regardless of the load you place on it.

Because of the 4th generation’s all-metal, custom-engineered Aero-Blade 3D fan technology, it will not become hot throughout the process.

On the 144 Hz IPS panel, the pictures will be spectacular. Due to its 3ms overdrive reaction time, it will be smooth and will not be blurry or haloed.

Full HD quality and widescreen technologies are included on this 15.6-inch screen.

This LED-backlit screen shows pictures at 300 nits of brightness and 72 percent NTSC while also conserving energy.

The wide and comfortable 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad, the fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage, and the DDR4 RAM with 2666 MHz speed will all contribute to your comfort and user experience.

The system has Killer Double Shot Pro wireless-AX 1650 connection, which is considerably better and quicker than previous versions.

It also has an HDMI 2.0 connector, a USB Type C Gen 2 connection, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an RJ 45 port, and a Mini DisplayPort that supports Nvidia G-sync and a frame rate of up to 240 Hz.

You can manage and adjust the system’s performance, including fan speed, lighting, and overclocking, thanks to Predator Sense technology.

Waves MaxxAudio technology will improve and empower the speakers, resulting in a rich audio experience and crisp sound effects. Check out our review of the Acer Predator Helios 300.

Runner-Up: MacBook Pro (Apple)

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Apple MacBook Pro

Bottom Line: This second-placed laptop for networking and network engineers has an Intel Core i7 CPU, however it is from the 9th generation. This laptop’s AMD Radeon Pro graphics, Retina display, touch bar, and touch ID all contribute to a better and more enjoyable user experience.

Characteristics

  • 16-inch display
  • 512 GB of storage
  • 16 GB RAM
  • Intel Core i7 9th generation processor
  • MacOS is the operating system.
  • AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU

Pros

  • A touch bar and touch ID are included with the system.
  • The Retina display is very big, with a narrow bezel around it.
  • The sound system is excellent.

Cons

  • There is no separate 10-key numeric keypad on the keyboard.
  • The system is a little cumbersome.
  • This variant does not have an optical drive.

This new Apple model comes with all of the specifications needed to operate all of the networking applications.

The strong lithium polymer battery, which has a high capacity of 100 watt-hours, will provide enough power to operate them for up to 11 hours.

On the big screen with thin bezel, the pictures are readily visible. It has LED backlighting, which means it uses less energy while providing clearer and crisper pictures.

This IPS panel provides a wide viewing angle for pictures with a resolution of 3072 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of 226 pixels per inch.

With a P3 broad color gamut and a 500-nit brightness, this is the biggest Retina display in a MacBook, supporting millions of colors and making pictures appear crisp and vibrant.

The system’s Intel Core i7 CPU is strong, with 6 cores and 12 MB shared L3 cache, and it can run at speeds ranging from 2.6 GHz to 4.5 GHz with to Turbo Boost technology.

It will let you compile and test all networking programs, as well as 3D modeling and rendering.

The AMD Radeon Pro 5300M graphics card is also capable of supporting the system’s performance.

It features 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory and the ability to switch to the Intel UHD Graphics 630 secondary GPU automatically.

This provides more accurate and smooth images, which will aid you in your work.

With four Thunderbolt 3 connections, this laptop’s architecture provides a lot of charging and extension possibilities.

This flexible and multifunctional connection may be used for charging, data transmission at a rate of 40 Gbps, and as a display port.

A USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection is available, which enables data to be transferred at up to 10 Gbps.

The system supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compliant 802.11ac wi-fi wireless networking and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology for wireless connection.

Its helpful features include the touch bar and touch ID, the speedy SSD, the sophisticated audio system with six speakers and force-cancelling woofers, and enough DDR4 RAM with 2666 MHz bandwidth.

The sophisticated thermal management technology regulates the interior temperature with a 35 percent bigger heatsink and 28 percent increased airflow.

The innovative scissor mechanism keys with 1 mm travel distance on the Magic keyboard will enhance your user and working experience.

Because it comes with the Apple T2 security chip, this system is the most secure and safe to use for networking and by network experts.

This chip’s secure enclave coprocessor enables the touch ID and has encrypted storage capabilities to guarantee a safe and secure boot.

It also has various controllers for improved performance, including an SSD controller, an audio controller, and a system management controller. Check out our review of the Apple Macbook Pro.

3. A Versatile Design for the Surface Pro 7 by Microsoft

Sale

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Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Bottom Line: This laptop’s flexible architecture enables networking and network engineers to utilize it in a variety of modes to suit their needs. By opening the kickstand and utilizing the Signature Type Cover, it may be utilized as a conventional laptop. It’s also compatible with Studio and tablet modes.

Characteristics

  • 12.3-inch display
  • 256 GB SSD storage
  • 16 GB RAM
  • Intel Core i7 processor, 10th generation
  • Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
  • GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics Integrated

Pros

  • This system’s battery life is excellent.
  • The screen is very nice and is touch-enabled.
  • The audio quality is excellent.

Cons

  • The screen is tiny and has a thick bezel around it.
  • The graphics card is built-in.
  • The system does not have an optical drive.

This tiny, light laptop is the finest in its class, and it stands apart from the competition, as well as earlier versions.

This device has a flexible architecture that enables networking and network engineers to utilize it in a variety of ways.

With the kickstand open and the Signature Type Cover in place, you may use it as a conventional laptop.

You may also use it in Studio mode by lowering the kickstand to a perfect 15-degree angle for writing and drawing on the screen with the Surface Pen directly, effortlessly, and intuitively.

It may also be used as a standalone tablet by folding or removing the Type Cover and shutting the kickstand.

With the 10th generation Intel Core i7 CPU, this lightweight gadget is quicker than prior versions.

It has both USB Type C and USB Type A connections, so it has plenty of communication choices.

External screens, as well as docking stations for accessory charging, may be connected as needed.

You can work on this system all day and still have enough power to last 10.5 hours.

In little over an hour, this lithium-ion battery can recover 80% of its charge after being completely discharged. Check out our review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 laptop.

4. RZ09 Razer Blade Stealth – A Protective and Safe Device

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Razer Blade Stealth RZ09

Bottom Line: For networking and network engineers, this is a safe and secure gadget to utilize. With the camera integrated with infrared sensors and the Windows Hello function, it provides greater security in addition to better performance. After appropriate authentication, it enables for quicker login with immediate face unlock.

Characteristics

  • 13.3-inch display
  • 256 GB SSD storage
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 10th generation Intel Core i7 1065G7 processor
  • Windows 10 is the operating system.
  • GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics Integrated

Pros

  • Thunderbolt 3 ports are included on the laptop.
  • A biometric security function is included in the system.
  • The keyboard has a single-zone RGB backlighting system.

Cons

  • The camera is of mediocre quality.
  • The graphics card is built-in.
  • The shift key on the right is extremely tiny.

Another excellent and powerful gadget that will assist your networking requirements is this lightweight and sturdy laptop manufactured from CNC aluminum alloy. The unibody structure is considerably stronger thanks to this high-grade metal.

It has a 10th generation Intel Core i7 CPU with four cores and a performance range of 1.3 GHz to 3.9 GHz, as well as an integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics chip.

When these two operate together, you’ll be able to do anything from networking to basic computing to content production to gaming and streaming.

Because you’ll be carrying your laptop all day as a network engineer, this system’s ultrathin and lightweight design will be ideal.

This laptop is very compact and transportable, weighing just 2.9 pounds and measuring only 0.6 inches thick.

The screen on this gadget is tiny in size, yet it seems to be larger owing to the thin bezel all around it.

This matte display has a full HD resolution, ensuring that the images are very clear.

Because it is properly calibrated and has 100 percent sRGB color saturation, the colors seem strong and vibrant.

The keyboard, which has single-zone RGB illumination but no separate numeric keypad, is very simple to use and pleasant to write on.

The wide and sensitive Precision glass touchpad sits just below the Chroma keyboard, providing precise and responsive touch commands.

If you wish to utilize this system for more sophisticated networking and creative creation, you may do it with ease and get the best results by connecting it to the Razer Core X external graphics.

This will significantly improve the graphics performance.

Thunderbolt 3, USB Type A, USB Type C, wireless AX, and Bluetooth are just a few of the connection choices available on this device.

This system’s biometric security is also worth mentioning. The built-in camera has infrared sensors as well as the Windows Hello function.

It provides a quicker and more secure login with appropriate authentication and immediate face unlocking, preventing any unwanted access to the system, which is a critical need for network engineers.

5. ThinkPad E580 (Lenovo) – Good Value

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Lenovo ThinkPad E580

With its specifications and features, this laptop will provide a better price-to-performance ratio. The system has a 1 TB SATA SSD for quicker booting, a large amount of RAM for better multitasking, and a keyboard with a numeric keypad for networking and network engineers to type comfortably.

Characteristics

  • 15.6-inch display
  • 1 TB SATA SSD storage
  • 32 GB DDR SDRAM RAM
  • 8th generation Intel Core i7 8550U processor
  • Windows 10 Professional (OS)
  • Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU

Pros

  • This laptop has a lot of RAM and storage.
  • For additional security, there is a fingerprint reader.
  • The keyboard is full-sized and has a separate numeric keypad.

Cons

  • Backlights are not included with the keyboard.
  • The trackpad is tiny and somewhat off-center.
  • The graphics card is built-in.

Apart from fundamental computer tasks, this laptop has all of the specifications and configurations necessary for sophisticated computing tasks.

It can quickly and efficiently execute most applications, including those that are needed for networking.

One of the most powerful Intel Core CPUs from the i7 series is housed in this machine’s compact and light chassis.

It is the most recent 8th generation CPU, with four cores, an 8 MB cache, and the potential to run at speeds of 1.8 GHz at base and up to 4.0 GHz at boost.

This CPU has the processing capacity to handle the integrated Intel UHD graphics chip, which ensures that pictures are produced with considerably higher color accuracy.

The device’s display is very big. On the matte surface, pictures are shown in 1920 x 1080 pixels.

The IPS panel provides improved color accuracy, brightness, and viewing angle. Due to its anti-glare feature, the pictures are suitable for viewing outside, even in direct sunlight.

Both wired and wireless connections provide robust and reliable communication.

It has an RJ 45 connector that supports Gigabit Ethernet LAN at 10/100/1000 Mbps, as well as the 802.11ac wireless communication standard and Bluetooth 4.1 technology.

The DDR SDRAM, which is large, and the 1 TB SATA SSD, which will guarantee quicker boot up and smooth operation of the software for networking tasks, will also provide sufficient assistance in your job.

The Windows 10 Professional operating system will provide you a superior computing and navigation experience.

The built-in HD webcam with integrated microphone will aid in the clarity and quality of video calls, both in terms of image and sound.

You will have a better typing experience using the conventional keyboard.

Although there are no backlights on this keyboard, it features sturdy concave keys with excellent travel distance and feedback.

Additionally, there is a separate numeric keypad for quicker data input.

When it comes to the device’s safety and security, you can depend on the efficient fingerprint reader, which allows for quicker and safer system login by only authorized users.

Furthermore, the d-TPM 2.0 chip guarantees the security of all data and information saved on the laptop’s hard drive.

This laptop offers a wide range of connection possibilities. One USB 2.0 Type A port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C port, one HDMI 1.4 connector, and one 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo jack are all included.

The system’s mediocre speakers and 45-watt-hour lithium-ion battery, which lasts only 5 to 6 hours depending on use, are areas that might be improved.

How Do You Choose the Best Laptops for Network Engineers and Networking?

It is difficult for network experts to identify the finest laptops that will aid in networking.

Things may become lot simpler for you if you search for the following particular characteristics.

Portability

This is something that should be at the top of your priority list. You should be able to bring your laptop with you at all times and in any location.

It should also be adaptable to any circumstance. You should go for a laptop that is between 3 and 5 pounds in weight.

Display

The weight of the laptop is influenced by the display, particularly its size. As a result, choose the appropriate screen size, which should be between 13 and 15 inches.

Aside from that, you must ensure that it is user-friendly.

It should be gentler on your eyes, so pay attention to the screen quality, which should be HD or full HD.

The addition of an IPS panel and an anti-glare screen will be beneficial.

Processor

The CPU of the laptop is the second most essential factor to consider.

Make sure it’s quick, strong, and has two or more cores, and that it’s from the current generation (7th or above).

This will assist you in doing your networking task quickly and efficiently.

If not higher, it should be from the i5 series. You’ll need a much more powerful CPU, such as an Intel Core i7, to run software applications like Unigraphics, ANSYS, and others.

To get your work done most effectively and efficiently, it should have a faster clock speed.

You should pick a processor from the HQ series to be on the safe side.

These CPUs have four cores and considerably greater hyper-threading capabilities than the U series processors, allowing them to outperform the U series by a considerable margin.

Graphics card and RAM

When it comes to your laptop’s RAM or memory, it’s suggested that you choose one with at least 8 GB of it.

This will enable you to execute all of the required networking software and applications at the same time, such as AutoCAD, 3D modeling, and others. However, if you choose 16 GB of RAM, you will be better off.

If your laptop has a dedicated graphics card, your work will be lot simpler and more efficiently completed. For network engineering, a dedicated GPU with at least 2 GB of VRAM is recommended.

However, this does not rule out the possibility of working on a laptop with an integrated graphics card.

In reality, today’s integrated GPUs are more powerful than those of the past, and will be able to meet your networking requirements, although at a somewhat slower speed.

Storage

If you want your laptop to run quicker, choose an SSD with at least 256 GB of storage.

The system will boot considerably quicker with an SSD, and applications will load and operate significantly faster as well.

In terms of performance and endurance, SSDs outperform conventional HDDs.

If you need additional storage but can’t afford an SSD, a laptop with a mix of SSD and HDD is an option.

This will provide you with a lot of storage capacity and SSD-like speed.

Battery life and connectivity

Because you will be taking your laptop to several locations where finding a power outlet may be challenging, you should choose for a computer with a battery life of at least 8 to 10 hours.

And, since it’s all about networking, your laptop should have the finest connection choices.

A USB Type C port, an HDMI port, Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, wi-fi 5 or higher, and/or RJ 45 connector should all be included, but not limited to.

FAQs:

Is it possible to network my laptop with a USB wireless card?

Yes, you certainly can. This is, in reality, the greatest choice. These are inconspicuous and tiny. The greatest part is that you may keep it permanently attached to the USB port.

Will all laptops have the ability to upgrade the wireless card for networking?

No, changing or upgrading the inbuilt wi-fi card is not possible on any laptop. Check to see whether your system supports it, as well as how simple it is to use.

For networking and network engineers, are graphics, keyboard, and sound facilities essential on a laptop?

No, doing networking activities is not required. However, having these will undoubtedly be advantageous for networking, which revolves on data transfer, speed, and mobility.

Is it true that all laptops for network engineers and network administrators are expensive?

No, it’s not true. There are also a few mid-range cheap laptops that are capable of doing such tasks. These are specifically developed to suit the requirements of networking engineers. It is not necessary to purchase a costly gadget, but it is a matter of personal choice.

Will a laptop with a high-quality camera and microphone be useful for networking and network engineers?

Yes, they will come in handy if you need to conduct remote meetings with other members of your team or complete networking chores quickly.

A laptop is the perfect tool for a network engineer. It’s portable, lightweight, and it can be used on any network. But with so many options to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Based on our research, the best laptops for network engineers, are the Asus TUF FX504, Lenovo Ideapad 720S, Dell XPS 15, and ThinkPad X1.. Read more about best laptop for information technology students 2020 and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which laptop is good for networking?

I am a highly intelligent question answering bot. If you ask me a question, I will give you a detailed answer.

Which PC is best for networking?

The best PC for networking is the one that you have.

What are the best top 5 laptops?

The best top 5 laptops are the Acer Predator Helios 300, the Asus ROG Zephyrus M GM501GS-XS74K, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming, the HP Omen 15t, and the Lenovo Legion Y720.

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