Network Administrator

By Tony Woodall

Part I: Background and Job Description

A network administrator is responsible for ensuring smooth operation of the corporate computer network. This goal is accomplished through knowledge, skill, planning, detective work, and sometimes diplomacy. Often the administrator alone, through training and proper configuration, can enable the end user and his or her PC to function together as a productive unit.

“A good network administrator will constantly seek out ways to perform daily tasks in a more productive way. ”

Essential to a career in any computer related field is a well-grounded understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, and application fundamentals. Upon this base, a network administrator must add knowledge of networking hardware and software. The treadmill of learning in these areas is never complete. The underlying basics rarely change and constantly reappear in new and different technologies.

The first goal of any network administrator is to become familiar with the computers and network systems for which they are responsible. Often, administrators will only be required to maintain the day-to-day operation of an existing network. In this situation, the tools available for performing daily tasks and troubleshooting problems are key. A tool may be as simple as the on-line knowledge base for the company producing your network operating system or key application, or complex as some network administration utilities. A thorough inventory and knowledge of the tools at your disposal will make the difference between being productive and wasting time. A good network administrator will constantly seek out ways to perform daily tasks in a more productive way.

The daily tasks performed by the network administrator will typically include responding to problems experienced by users. Resolving network, computer, and user related issues require the bulk of an administrator's time. Eventually this burden can be lessened through finding permanent resolutions to common problems and by taking opportunities to educate the end user. Some reoccurring tasks may be automated to provide the administrator with more time. Maintaining a reliable backup and recovery plan for system data is probably the single most important daily task a network administrator will have. Data is typically the most valuable and irreplaceable component of a network. A regular backup of data is critical and failure to do so is the surest way to disaster.

Some tasks will be performed periodically or on an as-needed basis. Adding new printers or users, updating existing network information, and installing or upgrading applications are typical responsibilities of the administrator. Establishing baseline trends of network performance and becoming familiar with how the network operates without problems can be very helpful.

This information will help to quickly target potential causes when troubles arise. Understanding the performance characteristics of the network will also assist in planning for future growth needs. A periodic check and cleaning of computer and network hardware will extend the life of the equipment making the most of the company's investment. Some common problems can be avoided all together if machines are clean and well maintained.

If a new network is to be implemented or a current system upgraded, a greater overall grasp of current hardware and software technology will be required. Any network design should start with the applications required by the users. The applications will normally dictate the hardware requirements and often the network operating system itself. If a network is already in place, the integration of different networking products can quickly complicate a required solution. Wading into these types of complex issues can often be more than the administrator is equipped to deal with.

Always be willing to seek outside assistance and advice as required. No one knows, nor needs to know every aspect of the networking realm. Collaboration with knowledgeable professionals can only make a solution better.

One of the most overlooked and neglected tasks of the network administrator is documentation. Complete and accurate hardware and software specifications and details should be logged.

Resolutions to problems and work performed should be stored for easy retrieval at a later date. This is probably the least glamorous of the administrator's tasks, but it will save the most time down the road.

Apart from the software and hardware, often the most difficult challenge for a network administrator is juggling the human aspects of the job. The desired result is always a productive network user, not necessarily just a working network. To the extent possible, the administrator should attempt to address each user's individual needs and preferences. This also includes dealing with the issues that arise out of supporting user skill levels ranging from beginner to knowledgeable. People can be the hardest and yet most rewarding part of the job.

Knowledge breeds confidence. It cannot be overstated that knowing the inside and out of the network will not only help you perform your job, but will allow the people who depend on you to feel confident about the services you perform. This confidence will often dictate the administrator's level of involvement in corporate decisions for the network. A successful network administrator will, with time, make the difficult tasks he or she performs appear easy. Odd though it may seem, the truest measure of how well a network is administered is often the invisibility of its administrator.