A network administrator is an individual that is responsible for the maintenance of computer
hardware and software systems that make up a computer network including the maintenance
and monitoring of active data network or converged infrastructure and related network equipment.
Network administrators are generally mid-level support staff within an organization and do
not typically get involved directly with users.
Network administrators focus upon network components within a company's LAN/WAN infrastructure
ensuring integrity.
Depending on the company and its size, the network administrator may also design and
deploy networks.
The actual role of the network administrator will vary from place to place, but will commonly
include activities and tasks such as network address assignment, management and implementation
of routing protocols such as ISIS, OSPF, BGP, routing table configurations and certain implementations
of authentication.
It can also include maintenance of certain network servers: file servers, VPN gateways,
intrusion detection systems, etc.
In smaller organisations, network administrators may also be technically involved in the maintenance
and administration of servers, desktop computers, printers, routers, switches, firewalls, phones,
IP Phones, personal digital assistants, smartphones, software deployment, security updates and
patches as well as a vast array of additional technologies inclusive of both hardware and
software.
Duties of a network Administrator The role of the network administrator can
vary significantly depending on an organizations size, location and socio-economic considerations.
Some organizations work on a user-to-technical support ratio, whilst others implement many
other strategies.
Generally, in terms of reactive situations, IT Support Incidents are raised through an
Issue tracking system.
Typically, these issues work their way through a Help desk and then flow through to the relevant
technology area for resolution.
In the case of a network related issue, an issue will be directed towards a Network Administrator.
If a network administrator is unable to resolve an issue, a ticket will be escalated to a
more senior network engineer for restoration of service or a more appropriate skill group.
Network Administrators are often involved in proactive work.
This type of work will often include: Network monitoring
Testing the network for weakness Keeping an eye out for needed updates
Installing and implementing security programs In many cases, E-mail and Internet filters
Evaluating implementing network management software
Monitoring network traffic and bottleneck Network administrators are responsible for
making sure that computer hardware and network infrastructure related to an organization's
data network are effectively maintained.
In smaller organizations, they are typically involved in the procurement of new hardware,
the roll out of new software, maintaining disk images for new computer installs, making
sure that licenses are paid for and up to date for software that need it, maintaining
the standards for server installations and applications, monitoring the performance of
the network, checking for security breaches, and poor data management practices.
Typically, within a larger organization, these roles are split into multiple roles or functions
across various divisions and are not actioned by the one individual.
In other organizations, some of these roles mentioned are carried out by system administrators.
As with many technical roles, network administrator positions require a breadth of technical knowledge
and the ability to learn the intricacies of new networking and server software packages
quickly.
Within smaller organizations, the more senior role of Network Engineer is sometimes attached
to the responsibilities of the Network Administrator.
It is not uncommon for smaller organizations to outsource this function.
Training and certifications specifically for network administrators
Juniper Cisco
CWNA BCNE
Training and certification that may be of assistance to a Network Administrator
Microsoft Novell
CompTIA Red Hat
See also Network analyzer
Network architecture Network management system
System administrator References
External links The US Department of Labor's description of
"Network and Computer Systems Administrators"