A Network Administrator is a responsible for the overall health of the network, security, ensuring network connectivity throughout and company's LAN/WAN infrastructure, and all other technical considerations at the network level.
Network Admin’s Motto:
- Monitor
- Troubleshoot
- Secure
A Day in a Network Administrator’s Life
- Maintain and administer computer networks (LAN & WAN)
- Monitor network performance to determine bottlenecks and issues
- Plan and implement network security measures to protect data and hardware
- Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems
- Manage access to different devices, drives and systems on a network
- Connect servers built on different platforms using network protocols
- Work with webmasters to manage company internets and intranets
- Troubleshoot malfunctions & monitor the system’s firewall
- Configure routers and switches using networking protocols
- Work in data centre for installation/configuration of new network connections
Skills Required
- Good problem solving and troubleshooting abilities
- Clear logical and analytical thought process
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to explain complicated technologies in layman terms
- Ability to keep updated with latest technologies
- Thorough knowledge of subject matter and allied fields
- Willingness to work on-call should a system require maintenance
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Knowledge of network and internet protocols
Job Titles
- Network Engineer
- Network Technician
- Network Programmer
- Network Systems Manager
- Network Analyst
- Network Security Specialist
- Wireless Network Administrator
- Network Architect
- Data Centre Network Administrator
- Network Infrastructure Security Engineer
Certificate Courses in Networking
Areas of Specialization: Routing & Switching, Design, Voice, Security, Wireless, Data Centre, Service Provider, Service Provider Operations
- Cisco Certifications: CCNA / CCNP / CCIE
- CWNP Certifications: CWNA / CWSP / CWDP / CWNE
- CompTIA Certifications: Network+ / Security+
- Juniper Certifications: JNCIA / JNCIS / JNCIP / JNCIE
- Novel Certifications: Netware CNA / Netware CNE
Note: Certifications in the fields of Operating Systems, Security, Hardware, Storage, Virtualization are also pursued along with Networking Certifications.
Career Map
B.E. (IT) or B.E. (CS) or B.Sc. (IT) or B.Sc. (CS) or B.C.A. are preferred degrees for pursing a career in IT Networking.
Other Related Careers
- UNIX/Linux Systems Administrator
- Systems Administrator
- Backup Administrator
- SAN Storage Administrator
- Computer Engineer
- Virtualization Administrator
- Database Administrator
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Hardware Technician
- Systems Architect
- IT Help Desk Support
- IT Security Specialist
Thanks
Regards,
Farzad Minoo Damania
Career Counsellor & Corporate Trainer
