NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

Contents

Overview

Responsibilities of a Network Administrator

Links

References

See also

Overview

The terms 'network administrator', 'network specialist' and 'network analyst' designate job positions of engineers involved in computer networks, the people who carry out 'network administration'.
Network administrators are basically the network equivalent of system administrators: they maintain the hardware and software that comprises the network.
This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network gear: switches, routers, firewalls, etc. Network administration commonly includes activities such as network address assignment, assignment of routing protocols and routing table configuration as well as configuration of authentication and authorization – directory services.
It often includes maintenance of network facilities in individual machines, such as drivers and settings of personal computers as well as printers and such. It sometimes also includes maintenance of certain network servers: file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems, etc.
Network specialists and analysts concentrate on the network design and security, particularly troubleshooting and/or debugging network-related problems. Their work can also include the maintenance of the network's authorization infrastructure, as well as network backup systems.

Responsibilities of a Network Administrator

Communications

★ Plans, defines, designs, develops, coordinates, and implements voice and/or data communication systems.

★ Knowledge of troubleshooting or problem solving, must be able to quickly and correctly diagnose problem and know how best to fix it and communicate the solution to either co-workers or end-users effectively.

★ Understand the behavior of software, hardware and systems in relation to their use of communications technology in order to deploy solutions and to troubleshoot problems.

★ Understanding of radio frequency regulations and spectrums

★ Strong understanding of radio communications including packet transfer over radio frequencies

★ Maintains current knowledge of technology and voice and data communications systems.

★ Knowledge of the purposes and methods of communication used by employees, servers and systems.
Networking

★ perform network management functions

★ ensure prescribed service-quality objectives are met

★ Knowledge of network and communication hardware and software

★ Knowledge of operating systems and applications and specific methods of network communication

★ Identifies and resolves complex voice and/or data communications network problems; arranges for vendor support if necessary.

★ Understanding of IP Telephony and Voice Over IP solutions with respect to network design characteristics and related configuration of hardware and end-user devices

★ Understanding and integration of Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)

★ Understanding the use of point-to-point radio communications to extend Ethernet network infrastructure to outlying enterprise properties.

★ Understanding of video and surveillance technology
Administration

★ Coordinates voice network services, technical and maintenance support with outside service providers.

★ Particularly with our Internet-facing systems, must have a strong grasp of network security, appliances, infrastructure, and concepts.

★ Knowledge of methods for detecting and preventing intrusion and other security

★ Knowledge of current computer, component, and network security systems and techniques in order to prepare for such attacks and recommend new techniques and methods of defense.

★ Researches and evaluates voice and/or data software and hardware, services and other communications equipment; applies hardware and software release upgrades; recommends improved and most efficient hardware, software and procedures.

★ Maintains records and prepares periodic and special reports of work performed.

★ Creates and maintains logical, physical and protocol maps, and backups of all equipment configurations parameters, and network documentation standards and procedures.

★ Server maintenance and troubleshooting. Including software security patches, operating system updates, performance tuning, log analysis, maintaining application updates and bug fixes.
Development

★ Develops communication network plans and strategies including standards, current and future network topology, and capacity planning.

★ Validation of new technologies proposed for use.

★ Conducts customer needs assessments; analyzes costs; develops project plans for communications projects; orders necessary voice and/or data communications equipment; installs and/or coordinates equipment installation, moves and reconfigurations; configures and tests procedures and equipment.

★ Assists in short and long term planning including the development of strategic plans to leverage emerging technology to support future enterprise needs.

★ Meets with vendors to hold product demonstrations and to resolve communication network issues.

★ Provides training to technical support staff in various voice and/or data communication network functions.

Links

★ The Network Engineer - A practical guide for those interested in becoming network administrators.

★ The System Administrator - Free Tip and Tricks for IT System and Network Administrators.

★ Oidview Tools for Network Fault Management - Free download for network professionals.

References

★ Service Management Functions - Network Administration [1]

See also

★ Network architecture

★ Network engineering

★ Network management system