The security of a company’s communication is in the hands of a Network Administrator. Their roles and responsibilities depend on the size of the company and its needs. However, all companies have one thing in common: they need to maintain their IT infrastructure. Keeping all sensitive information secure is as important for businesses as for regular people. Be it a food order, an online business meeting, or a search for an online service that can write a paper – all of the activities online should be protected. And this is the job of a Network Administrator.
If you want to become a Network Administrator, you will need to train for a while and acquire a number of skills that are not acquired at the first attempt. You will have many different assignments during the course of your studies to delve into IT field. Ask for help with the query “write essay for me online” to reduce your workload.
Read on and find out everything you need to know about one of the most sought-after profiles in companies that are committed to digital transformation.
Table of Contents
- What is a Network Administrator?
- What does a Network Administrator do?
- What to study to become a Network Administrator?
- What competencies and skills should a Network Administrator have?
- Where you can work
- Frequently asked questions about the Network Administrator profession
- How to become a Network Administrator from scratch?
- What does a Network Administrator do and what doesn’t?
- What tools should a network administrator know how to use?
- Final words
What is a Network Administrator?
A Network Administrator is a professional with IT training who is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the entire computer network of a company: a group of computers, routers, switches, firewalls, etc.
His figure within a company is key since in his hands is the management of the different computer systems existing in the company and of the networks that allow it to communicate internally and externally.
What does a Network Administrator do?
In a nutshell, we could say that the job of a Network Administrator is to ensure that the entire internal network functions correctly. On a day-to-day basis he/she mainly performs maintenance and administration tasks such as:
- Install and maintain LANs, WANs, and network segments
- Establish and implement security measures and computer protection
- Supervise the correct functioning of the company’s computer network
- Installing and maintaining hardware and software
- Ensure the implementation of upgrades, migrations, and repairs
- Detect network deficiencies and problems and propose solutions
- Improve network performance and implement new features as the company’s needs grow
To do their job properly, a Network Administrator is trained to work with a range of complex devices such as servers, routers, laptops, printers, phones, and tablets.
What to study to become a Network Administrator?
To become a Network Administrator, it is essential to have a high level of educational background. For employers, this is a fundamental requirement, since we are talking about the person who will be in charge, among other things, of supervising activity logs and monitoring network security.
The most highly valued degrees on the market for network administrators are related to computer science, engineering, and information technology:
- Microcomputer Systems and Network Technician
- Systems, Networks and Security Course
- Master’s Degree in Computer Network Management
- Degree in Network Technology and Application Development
- Master’s Degree in Network and Systems Cybersecurity
Having certifications from computer network solution providers will also enhance your employability.
What competencies and skills should a Network Administrator have?
A Network Administrator must be a decisive person with a great ability to solve complex technical problems. He/she must be prepared to manage stressful situations and to work both in a team and individually.
Although this profession has nothing to do with sales or marketing, a Network Administrator must be a good communicator. As an expert in his field, he must be able to explain complex issues to people who lack a technical background. As for technical skills, it is mandatory for a Network Administrator to be proficient in network development tools such as Wireshark, Metrology, Nmap, IP Scanners, and Traceroute.
Where you can work
Since a person specialized in network administration does much more than just ensure the IT security of a company, he/she can perform other positions such as:
- IT manager leading and coordinating large-scale projects
- Network technician is in charge of setting up an entire network and installing all the necessary equipment (hardware, software, routers, cabling, servers, etc.)
- Systems supervisor and operating systems manager
- Technical support technician
- Internet services technician
- Web environment technician
Frequently asked questions about the Network Administrator profession
How to become a Network Administrator from scratch?
If you are considering becoming a Network Administrator, we recommend that before deciding on an apprenticeship, you should do some research on the career. At first glance, this profession may seem very attractive, but the truth is that it is a profession that requires years of study and preparation. In fact, a network administrator never finishes his or her training. Continuous studies are vital to keeping up to date in an industry that is constantly evolving and changing.
Do some research on what companies are most looking for and assess whether you can really see yourself carrying out these tasks. Another good way to get started in the world of computer networking is to read reference books such as Principles of Network and System Administration by Mark Burgess.
Once you’re clear, the best decision you can make is to train and practice!
What does a Network Administrator do and what doesn’t?
A Network Administrator is responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining a company’s computer networks. However, his job has nothing to do with the creation and design of a website, although he does ensure its security.
What tools should a network administrator know how to use?
Mainly we are talking about technical tools such as:
- NetDot (Unix/Linux). It is software that allows network administrators to collect, organize and maintain up-to-date network documentation.
- NMap (Linux/Unix/Windows). This is an open-source tool for security scans and audits.
- Filezilla (Unix/Linux/Windows). It is a free and open-source FTP application that facilitates the storage of files for later use on servers.
- DansGuardian (Unix/Linux). Content-control software designed to shield access to the web.
Final words
As you have already understood, there is a lot to learn. Meanwhile, the profession is very stressful – a kind of IT firefighter. You have to be a squirrel in a wheel: react to user complaints, solve a lot of problems, fix the printer, restore files, etc.
The other side is that it’s a good step to dive into the IT industry. There are lots of interesting tasks and people to interact with. It’s a good help for mastering other professions in development or DevOps. It may be worth putting up with the downsides and seeing more of the merits in systems administration for the sake of the experience.