Network Administrator: An Easy Guide In 5 Points

Introduction

If you have always had a love for computers, and you have always been your family’s go-to person for technical problems, it is self-evident that you should consider having a career in the IT sector. Since almost every industry is dependent on computers, the demand for network administrators has increased in the market. Among all the heavily required roles in the IT sector, the one position that stands out is the network administrator so if you want to know more about this job that keeps reading on till the end.

1. What is a Network Administrator?
2. What does a network administrator do?
3. What are the skills required for NA?
4. How do I become a system administrator?
5. Is a network administrator a good career?

1. What is a Network Administrator?

A network administrator is a person who is responsible for the organization’s computer network running smoothly and solving any problem that is related to them. Every company that has more than one computer needs him to coordinate and connect all the devices.

Some people might confuse network administrator skills and responsibilities with system administrators, but in reality, they are entirely different. The area of their expertise generally includes the wide-area networks(WAN), local area networks(LAN), etc. But the work of network administrators includes organizing, installing, and providing support to these systems. As the company grows, the network administrator duties increase with its size and needs. 

2. What does a network administrator do?

The network administrator’s roles and responsibilities differ with the organization. The responsibilities can increase with the needs of the company, but some of the everyday duties of the job include the following:

• To install and configure the proper computer network and system.
• Prepare and provide properly maintained documentation of configurations and cabling layouts.
• Provide full technical oversight support to organisation including planning, implementing, maintaining and troubleshooting. 
• Timely update and repair the computer hardware and recommend new equipment and applications to the company.
• Training all the team members for new hardware and softwares.
• Recommend new approaches for system administration tasks with proper research.
• Monitor the server security system and implement the solution and patches to address the potential security loopholes.
• Provide both hardware and software support to the organisation along with operating the UNIX, LINUX, Windows and storage.
• Consulting with customers to provide design solutions and specify system requirements.

3. What are the skills required for NA?

No doubt becoming a NA will need a fair amount of technical knowledge. But some soft skills and personal qualities are highly in demand for this particular profession. These non-technical skills and abilities will come handy for all the NA aspirants. 

• Critical thinking: The job of NA will require them to solve and explore different problems logically and critically. Even though you have never solved a problem before, or you don’t know the solution at the spot, the ability to analyse the situation and think critically will go a long way.

• Time management: The network admins will have to manage a lot of problems at the same time, dealing with people and solving the errors. This is obvious that they have to keep themselves organised and manage their time accordingly. 

• Communication skills: The network admins will have to meet different peoples in the company and understand their problems. So while working with a broad range of people, they should be able to bridge the gaps between them. So good communication skills should be a top-most priority for the network admins. 

• Ready to learn and evolve: The IT field is renowned for its continuous development and changes. Network admins should always keep renewing their knowledge and grow with time if they wish not to become entirely obsolete. 

• Patience: The network admins will have to deal with a lot of people at the same time. They cannot afford to lose their patience while working, so they need to be utterly patient with their work.

• Teamwork: While working in an organisation, it is reasonably evident that the network admins will have to work with several people together. Cooperation will help them in juggling the work without any hassle. 

4. How do I become a system administrator?

Typically network admins hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other computer-related fields. However, there are ways of entering this career for both graduates and undergraduates. 

Most of the candidates also asked for two or three years of experience in this field. In this ever-changing industry, the network admins should keep learning new things. They should know how to connect devices from fast and efficient networks. Therefore having early experience in this industry will help the aspirants to understand the role of network administrators in a better way. 

The undergraduate candidates can take up a short course in network designing, which will give them an idea about this job. Once taking up this job, the network admins will understand all the professional qualifications.

5. Is a network administrator a good career?

The IT industry is one of the hottest careers in the industry. With a considerable number of companies and increasing demand for people who can handle the company’s computer network, this job is in high order. There are significant advantages to network admins ranging from job security to increased wages. 

Besides working for a company, many people also consider giving freelance services at potentially high payouts. This means that you can work with a large variety of people which will keep your interest high in this field. This is one of the best jobs for a person who loves meeting new people. Unlike other mundane jobs, you will get the opportunity to meet new people and solve their problems. 

As a person who keeps the computer systems running for an organisation, you automatically become one of the most influential people, and this will also help in securing your position in the company. Other than this, the skills you develop in this job also prepares you for real-world problems.

Conclusion

The role of a network administrator is one of the most important in a company. We hope that through this article, you might have got a deeper understanding of who is a network administrator, what does a network administrator do, and key skills for a network administrator.

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