What is network administration? (NA)

What is Network Administration? Definition Network administration professionals are responsible for making sure organizations’ computer networks are operating properly and smoothly.  Why is network administration important? Most large enterprises hire network administrators to run their computer networks, as, once a network gets large enough, it can be almost impossible to manage without dedicated staff.  In this article, we’ll dive deeper into network administration and possible careers in the field. Major responsibilities for network administrators

1.   Designs

Network administrators can help design organizations’ computer networks and may provide project management or consultation services during networks’ construction. 

2.   Installation

Network administrators are also responsible for the installation of different network files and network operating systems and for ensuring that important files all have backup copies.  

3.   Network evaluation

Network administrators are also responsible for network evaluation – that means they continuously monitor their organization’s network to ensure it is running properly. They will also draw up network diagrams and cabling documents as references.  

4.   Network  authentication

Network administrators are responsible for ensuring authentication systems are working properly – i.e., those who should have access to a network do, while those who should not have access to a network don’t.

5.   Troubleshooting

If issues arise with any part of a network, the network administrator is responsible for troubleshooting until a proper solution is found.

6.   Network security

Network administrators are responsible for keeping their networks secure against any threats such as viruses or hacks. Keeping security software installed and up-to-date is an important part of this aspect of the job. If a virus or other malicious intrusion is detected, the network administrator is responsible for responding and securing the system in a timely manner. 

7.   Maintenance

To keep networks operating smoothly, network administrators perform routine maintenance. They focus on both the hardware and software portions of a network, including switches, routers, firewalls, and VPN gateways. 

8.   Software development

In smaller organizations, network administrators may also be responsible for auxiliary tasks, such as software development. For larger organizations, networks are expansive enough, and require enough attention, that network administrators are rarely assigned responsibilities not directly related to the network. How does network administration differ from system administration? Some people may think that network administration and system administration are interchangeable terms – but that’s not the case. Though their responsibilities may overlap, these are each distinct jobs within a large organization.   Network administrators focus on Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and other network-specific elements of an organization’s computer system. System administrators focus on individual computers’ software and hardware – they may also be responsible for installations. The system administrator is also responsible for individual computer maintenance and data recovery. What are important technical skills for network administration? To get their jobs done properly, network administrators will need to have a solid technical foundation in areas such as Linux, SQL, Windows Servers, and VMware.  Conclusion We hope this brief article has offered you some helpful insights on network administrators responsibilities within large and small organizations. If this article is interesting to you, a career in network administration may be a good option.    Apprentice Now offers an immersive online learning experience that can help you land a network administration job. With employer-paid learning, it’s a risk-free pathway to a fulfilling, high-paying career.