Network administrators are teasingly referred to as the highest level of techie you get before you get turned into a fatty belly boss and made into management.
Network administration is a grueling profession where the person is accountable for the maintenance of computer hardware and software that comprises a computer network. This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network equipment. A related role is that of the network specialist, or network analyst, who concentrates on network design and security. And the responsibility doesn’t limit only to this but often involve many different aspects and may include such tasks as network design, management, troubleshooting, backup and storage, documentation, security and virus prevention as well as managing users.
The actual role of the Network Administrator will vary from company to company, but will commonly include activities and tasks 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. but the common responsibilities include:
Oversee administration of networks
Designs, manages and maintains LAN network server, IBM AS/400 application and data servers, SQL server, state interface server, E911 phone company interface server and remote access devices; Develops and monitors system security procedures to protect the system from physical harm, viruses, unauthorized users, and data damage; Conducts the installation, configuration and maintenance of servers, network hardware and software; Establishes and maintains network user profiles, user environment, directories, and security.
Provide system support
Implements and maintains connectivity standards allowing PCs to communicate with network and server applications; maintains a technical inventory of current configuration of all servers, PCs, shares, printers and software installations; prepares and maintains accurate and detailed problem/resolution records. Tracks frequency and nature of problems; assists the System Analyst with second-level user support when necessary.
3. Identify and recommend computer system needs
Conduct product evaluations of upgraded or new hardware and software identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential benefits; assist with on-going statistical analysis of system load, to determine optimal operating efficiencies and assist in capacity planning algorithms.
Performs additional duties as needed
Provides assistance to management and users regarding NIBRS and NCIC connectivity as applied in the application software; assesses user accounts, upgrades, removes and configures network printing devices, directory structures, rights, network security and software on file servers; performs network troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose problems while maintaining minimal system outages.
To become a successful network administrator one should have a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and thorough knowledge of server level operations and software principles utilizing Windows NT 4.0 to 2003 and Linux/Unix operating systems; good knowledge and experience with LAN systems and hardware such as Cisco and HP, including experience with managed switches and VLAN capability preferred; knowledge of local area networks and wide area networks, including experience with networking essentials such as DNS, DHCP, NAT, WINS, packet filtering and advanced routing; in-depth knowledge of application packages must include Antivirus, backup routines, network sharing, group e-mail suites and open source software; knowledge of current network and computer system security practices; ability to install and maintain a variety of operating systems as well as other related hardware and software; ability to clearly and concisely communicate technical information to non-technical users at all organizational levels; ability to accurately prepare and maintain various records, reports, correspondence and other departmental documents; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and exercise tact when dealing with governmental officials, outside agencies, co-workers and supervisors.
No comments:
Post a Comment