Ever wonder what exactly a network administrator does? Unsurprisingly, their role is fairly self-explanatory:
Network administrators set up, manage and troubleshoot computer networks for various types of businesses and organizations.
Of course, this is only a short summary of this important position. To get the full story, we asked several leading tech specialists in the industry to weigh in. Here’s what they said about the role of network administrators.
Duties and Responsibilities of Network Administrator
Network administrators have a vastly important role within company IT departments. Head here to learn the extensive duties and responsibilities of this job.
The list of duties and responsibilities assigned to the network administrator is almost endless. Most of all, they are tasked with managing the network at a business or organization. This includes creating and updating network users, creating and resetting passwords, and much more.
The following is a list of the other duties that network administrators must undertake:
Configuring and managing hardware and software
In this day and age, all companies must focus on the technological aspects of their businesses. This means installing the proper hardware and software and making sure that both of the systems run smoothly and effectively.
Implementing best practices for the network
Each business will tell their network administrators what they want from their technology — this includes their goals for data storage, security, day-to-day business, and more. The network administrator will come up with the company’s best practices based on this curriculum.
Updating and patching the network where necessary
The network administrator is also responsible for keeping all aspects of the network and internal systems up-to-date. The administrator will coordinate updates and patches as needed to maintain adequate security and functionality.
Other roles of the network administrator:
Here is a list of the other major roles of the network administrator:
- Creating group policies for the activity directory.
- Organizing the password policy.
- Troubleshooting network connectivity issues from all points.
- Acting as a junior network engineer in updating switch configurations and routing tables.
- Working with the security group on hardening access and verifying that ACLs are correct.
- Staying updated on all current security and network vulnerabilities.
- Managing the hardware of workstations and servers.
- Educating users and all employees on system operations.
- Educating users and all employees on cybersecurity.
- Monitoring and managing firewalls and antivirus software.
- Managing network drive mapping and network printer mapping, etc.
- Ensuring the cloud network is secure.
- Ensuring all shares in the network are properly secure.
- Monitoring and managing the helpdesk, handling requests for issues concerning the access of data on the network.
- Working with management on the governance of file storage.
Challenges of the Network Administrator Position
Because network administrators have such an important role in most organizations, there are also challenges that come with the job.
“Most times, a network administrator has to be a jack of all trades, making it difficult for the individual to get the job done properly. In most smaller organizations, employers do not provide the necessary tools to do the job.”
With this in mind, it is essential that anyone hoping to become a network administrator prepares themselves for the tremendous obligations they are about to take on. While the job of a network administrator can be an extremely fulfilling one, the person who fills this role must be ready for the responsibility and duties that come with the job.
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