As a computer network administrator your duties will depend on the size of the organisation you work for and the level and type of experience you have. At the time of writing, network skills are in demand.
A typical computer network will include computers, laptops, printers, servers, switches, routers and some type of network security. You may work as part of a team specialising in one area such as maintaining the firewall and security, while another specialist looks after the servers.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Maintenance of a local area network might mean you look after the individual end stations such as pcs, laptops and networked printers. You might have to make sure they are all configured correctly such as a suitable IP addressing scheme.
The switch makes sure that data from each end station can move around the network so Joe in accounts can send read a file on Mandy’s laptop in Admin. This is usually the entry level into networking as a career.
Wide area network (WAN)
A wide area network (WAN) is where data is sent across a larger area. While LANs usually exist across one building a WAN means that buildings miles apart can communicate. Anyone who understands router hardware, routing and routing protocols together with sound technical skills would be suitable for this type of work.
WAN & Network security
A firewall guards your network from uninvited intruders. Their reasons for wanting to enter your network are usually malicious, perhaps to steal information or crash your network because of a grudge against the company.
Either way they are bad news and their intrusion could lead to costly or even embarrassing consequences. As a security specialist you will want to have a good understanding about how data travels across networks including network protocols, port numbers, routing and security protocols.
Computer network Administration and Servers
There are many different makes of servers and used for many purposes such as email servers, file servers and web servers. Your job would be to maintain the servers, manage updates, carry out backup procedures, troubleshoot failures and make configuration changes.
You might specialise in a particular flavour of server such as Microsoft or Novel.
Computer network administrator training
Degree courses are available, specialising in computer network administration. Alternatively you can make a start on your training by contacting your local college and ask them about any Cisco courses they run. If you pass your first Cisco exam you can apply for entry level positions. If you choose to take the Cisco route you’ll get a good foundation in LAN networking, moving onto the more advanced courses as you wish.
Alternatively there are many other industry standard qualifications out there to get you started in a career as a computer network administrator. Most are designed by the vendors themselves so you gain specific knowledge in your chosen field of study and your efforts will certainly enhance your career prospects.
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