What is the Role of a Network Administrator? How to Become One?
One of the most crucial factors for businesses to gain a competitive edge is to boost their operational efficiency. Otherwise, businesses struggle to perform functions quickly and make decisions in real time. Ultimately, operational efficiency is also highly dependent on the network system. A fast, secure, and efficient network system makes it easier for companies to scale their activities. On the other hand, a poor network system can slow down everything. Hence, the network administrator role is one of the fastest-growing career opportunities. This blog discusses the role of a network administrator and how you can become one.
Understanding the Role of a Network Administrator
Key Responsibilities
Before you move on to the network administrator career path, it’s crucial to learn the roles and responsibilities of the job.
1. Network Maintenance
As the name suggests, the role of a network administrator is to administer network requirements and ensure efficient and smooth functioning. This requires network administrators to continuously monitor network performance and identify issues.
2. Troubleshooting and Support
Once the issues are identified, network administrators address them promptly to reduce network downtime and ensure work efficiency. Moreover, a network administrator is also responsible for providing technical support to individual team members or departments facing software or hardware connectivity or configuration issues.
3. Network Security
Data being one of the most valuable assets for organizations, needs to be handled securely. Hence, network security management is also one of the key roles of a network administrator. This responsibility involves implementing security measures, such as setting up firewalls or double verification to prevent unauthorized access to data. Moreover, network administrators also need to ensure network management and cybersecurity policies to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks.
4. Upgrades and Improvements
Another key responsibility of a network administrator is network planning and expansion. This involves scaling the network and planning its design and implementation so that it can achieve the organization’s needs. Hence, network administrators also continuously monitor new technologies and solutions in the market to improve the network system.
5. Backup and Disaster Recovery
Companies can lose up to $15 million in case of data loss. To prevent such losses, network administrators implement effective strategies for data backup and data recovery procedures in case of network failures.
6. Policy Development and Compliance
A network administrator also needs to stay updated with and ensure compliance with data privacy policy requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Tools and Technologies Used
1. Hardware and Software
To become a network administrator, you must be familiar with different hardware and software requirements and how they function in a network system. Here are the components you should know:
- Routers: Devices that connect data networks and facilitate transfer of data among them in the form of packets
- Switches: Hardware element that lets you connect multiple devices across a data network
- Modems: These devices enable Internet access
- Firewalls: Elements that control and filter the incoming and outgoing data
- Operating Systems: Deciding which network operating systems will be more efficient, such as Windows, Linux, or MacOS
- Protocols: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
- Cloud Services: Network-based cloud services such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services
2. Monitoring Tools
In addition to the above hardware and software components, a network administrator should also use the following tools to administer the network:
- SolarWinds: Provides features such as fault monitoring and advanced reporting
- Nagios: Open-source monitoring tool that provides real-time alerts and reports
- Zabbix: This tool also provides real-time tracking of various devices and systems
ALSO READ: What is a Firewall: A Guide to Safeguarding Computer Networks
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Now that you know the roles and responsibilities of a network administrator, here are some skills you need to learn to advance your career.
A. Technical Skills
The key technical skills required for a network administrator are:
- Understanding network protocols—TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and VPNs
- Knowledge and proficiency in operating systems—Windows, Linux, and Unix
- Managing and securing cloud-based networks such as Azure and Microsoft
- Hardware and software installation
- Technical support and troubleshooting
B. Soft Skills
In addition to the technical skills, you also need the following soft skills to grow your career:
- Problem-solving abilities to identify bottlenecks and resolving network issues
- A network administrator should have excellent communication skills to guide teams and stakeholders in using network systems safely and efficiently
- They also need keen attention to detail to manage complex networks
- Being open and eager to adapt to new technologies is also critical
ALSO READ: How to Prevent Cyber Attacks Using Network Penetration Testing: All You Need to Know
Educational Pathways
1. Formal Education
Skills take priority over theoretical knowledge in many jobs, especially tech-related ones. However, formal education in a related field should also be a priority. It is essential to secure a well-paying network administrator job. You can pursue a degree in computer science, IT, or a related field.
Additionally, practical and skill-oriented courses in network design, network security, and computer systems can help students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
2. Certifications
Formal education can make you a generalist in network administration. However, you need professional certifications to gain specialization in this industry. Here are some popular certifications you can get:
- CompTIA Network+ is a foundational certification for network professionals
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is widely recognized and validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is great for those focusing on network security
ALSO READ: What is Zero Trust: The Ultimate Guide to Effective Security
Gaining Practical Experience
1. Internships and Entry-Level Positions
Now that you have relevant skills and theoretical learning, you also need to have fundamental practical experience in network maintenance or troubleshooting before you apply for high-level jobs.
One of the best ways to gain practical experience is to do internships or seek entry-level opportunities, such as a network administrator. These roles can help you gain practical industry know-how and also boost your CV.
2. Continuous Learning and Professional Development
Network administration, being a tech field, is highly dynamic. You need to continuously learn the new trends, practices, and technologies to become an expert in this domain. For this, you can pursue specialized online courses and workshops.
They can help you boost your career even as you continue to work. Moreover, attending networking events and conferences is an excellent way to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. It also helps you build a professional network and gain mentorship.
Career Advancement and Specialization
1. Advanced Roles
Once you gain sufficient practical experience, you can apply for advanced and high-paying in roles in network administration, including:
- Senior Network Administrator: This role involves managing a team of network administrators and solving complex network challenges. The average salary is $92,549 per year
- Network Architect: This role involves designing and planning large-scale network systems based on an organization’s needs. The average salary for a network architect is $122,807
- IT Manager: Once you gain four to five years of experience as a network administrator, you can become an IT manager. This role involves overseeing broader IT operations and the average salary is $143,228 per year
ALSO READ: 8 Steps to Become a Leading Systems Administrator
2. Specializations
While you can move to senior generalist roles, another option to scale your career as a network administrator is to gain specialization in a niche. Here are some of the most in-demand specialized roles you can pursue:
- Network Security Specialist: You can have specialized experience in network security and help businesses secure their data. The average salary of a network security specialist is $99,803
- Cloud Network Engineer: This role is also in high demand as companies switch to cloud-based networks. You can help companies integrate cloud networks and migrate their data. They can command an average annual salary of $79,424
- Wireless Network Engineer: You can also specialize in wireless networking technologies and help businesses advance their operational efficiency. The expected average annual salary is $94,511
Challenges and Opportunities in Network Administration
Common Challenges
While you are planning to build a career in network administration, it is only fair that you also learn the common challenges faced in this field.
Keeping up With Technological Advances
Rapidly evolving technologies and industry-specific requirements make it mandatory for a network administrator to keep up with technological advancements, which can be a challenge.
Managing Network Security
Cybercriminals often switch to advanced technologies and practices to breach security systems. Hence, a network administrator has to deal with the constant threat of cyber attacks.
Handling High-Stress Situations
Ensuring network security and efficiency at all times becomes stressful, and it can be difficult to maintain a proper work-life balance.
Future Opportunities
Even though the network administration field has its challenges, it also offers lucrative career opportunities. Here is how:
Growing Demand for Network Professionals
Around 89% of companies have adopted digital-first business strategies. This number is likely to increase in the future. Therefore, the demand for network administrators will also increase to enable efficient networks.
Career Growth Potential
Computer network administrator jobs are expected to increase by 8300 by 2029, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Impact of Emerging Technologies
The growing adoption of disruptive technologies like AI and IoT are also creating complex networks. Hence, businesses need skilled network administrators to integrate these technologies successfully into business networks.
With increasing digital transformation and the use of cloud-based systems and other modern technologies, the demand for skilled network administrators is increasing. Now is the ideal to build a career in network administration. However, you need relevant skills and experience to secure a lucrative opportunity. Emeritus’ online cybersecurity courses can help you here. These courses teach relevant cybersecurity skills and practical experience to advance your career.
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