What Does a Network Administrator Do?

So, what does a network administrator do? As the backbone of many organizations, network
administrators are responsible for ensuring that data can be transmitted quickly and securely
between users. To fulfill this role, they must have a deep understanding of networking
hardware and software and the ability to troubleshoot problems when they arise.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of a network, network administrators are

also responsible for planning and implementing upgrades and expansions. It may include
adding new users, increasing bandwidth, or installing new equipment. As new technologies
emerge, network administrators must keep up to date on the latest developments to ensure that
their network can take advantage of the latest advances.

The role of a network administrator is essential to the smooth operation of many

organizations.

Network administrators have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include the
following:

 Installing and configuring networking hardware and software

 Monitoring network performance and troubleshooting issues
 Managing network security
 Setting up user accounts and permissions
 Providing technical support to users
 Planning and implementing network upgrades
 Creating and maintaining documentation
Network administrators typically work in an office environment, but they may also be
required to travel to different sites to troubleshoot problems or install new equipment. The
hours of a network administrator can be irregular, and they may be required to work evenings
or weekends to solve problems or perform maintenance.

Check out the ITIL certification online and drive the creation, delivery, and continual
improvement of tech-enabled products and services in your organization with immersive
learning.

Skills of Network Administrator

Network administrators must have a wide range of skills to be successful. In addition to being
patient and having excellent technical skills, they must also be good problem solvers and have
strong interpersonal skills. They must also be enthusiastic about learning new things and be
able to work well in a team. Finally, attention to detail is also important.

1. Patience

One of the most important skills for a network administrator is patience. With the constantly
changing technology landscape, it is important to be able to stay calm and collected when
things go wrong. When troubleshooting network issues, it is important to be able to take a step
back and methodically go through each possibility until the issue is resolved. It can be a
frustrating process, but it is important to maintain a sense of calm to resolve the issue as
quickly as possible.

2. IT and technical skills

Of course, technical skills are a must for any network administrator. With the ever-changing
landscape of technology, it is important to be able to keep up with the latest trends and
developments. It means being able to quickly learn new software and hardware, as well as
being able to troubleshoot issues that may arise.

3. Problem-solving skills

Another important skill for network administrators is the ability to solve problems. When
something goes wrong with a network, it is important to be able to identify the problem and
find a solution quickly. It often requires being able to think outside the box and come up with
creative solutions. Problem-solving skills can be developed by working on puzzles and
brainteasers, as well as taking on challenging projects.

4. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are also important for network administrators. With the ever-growing
trend of remote work, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with team
members who may be located in different parts of the world. It includes being able to use
different communication tools, as well as being able to resolve conflict. Interpersonal skills
can be developed by taking communication courses as well as practicing active listening.

5. Enthusiasm

Another important skill for network administrators is enthusiasm. With the constantly
changing landscape of technology, it is important to be excited about learning new things.
This enthusiasm will not only make it easier to learn new technologies, but it will also make it
more fun. Enthusiasm can be developed by setting goals and taking on challenges.

6. Teamworking skills

Teamworking skills are also important for network administrators. With the ever-growing
trend of remote work, it is important to be able to effectively work with team members who
may be located in different parts of the world. This includes being able to use different
collaboration tools, as well as being able to resolve conflict. Teamworking skills can be
developed by taking teamwork courses, as well as practicing active listening.

7. Initiative

Another important skill for network administrators is initiative. With the constantly changing
landscape of technology, it is important to be able to take the initiative in learning new things.
This means being proactive in seeking out new technologies and being willing to experiment
with new solutions. The initiative can be developed by setting goals and taking on challenges.

8. Attention to detail

Finally, attention to detail is an important skill for network administrators. Attention to detail
can be developed by taking communication courses as well as practicing active listening.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Network Administrator

So, what is a network administrator's role? As a network administrator, it is your

responsibility to ensure that the network is up and running properly and that it is secure from
outside threats. To do this, you must deeply understand network protocols and architecture.
You must also be able to troubleshoot network problems and have the skills to resolve them
quickly.

1. A network administrator is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining an

organization's network infrastructure. It includes ensuring that the network is up and
running properly and secure from outside threats. They must deeply understand network
protocols and architecture to effectively manage the network.
2. They must be able to troubleshoot network problems and have the skills to resolve them
quickly. It requires a strong understanding of the network and how it functions. The
administrator must be able to identify the root cause of the problem and take steps to
resolve it.
3. They must be able to communicate effectively with users and other IT staff to resolve
network issues. It includes being able to explain technical concepts in layman's terms and
able to provide clear instructions on how to resolve problems.
4. They must have the ability to create and maintain documentation for the network. This
documentation must be accurate and up-to-date to be useful. The administrator must also
be able to create network diagrams that illustrate the network's architecture.
5. They must have the ability to plan and implement network upgrades and expansion
projects. It includes assessing the needs of the network and determining what upgrades
are necessary. The administrator must also be able to create project plans and manage the
budget for the project.
6. They must be able to monitor network performance and identify potential bottlenecks. It
requires a strong understanding of network monitoring tools and how to interpret the data
they provide. The administrator must be able to identify when the network is
underperforming and take steps to resolve the issue.
7. They must be able to work with vendors to resolve hardware and software issues. This
includes opening and managing support tickets and working with vendors to resolve
problems. The administrator must also be able to negotiate service-level agreements with
vendors.
8. They must be able to train users on the use of network resources. It includes creating
training materials and delivering them engagingly and effectively. The administrator
must also be able to answer questions from users and help them resolve problems.
9. They must be able to provide Tier 3 technical support for network users. It includes
troubleshooting complex problems and providing detailed instructions on how to resolve
them. The administrator must also be able to escalate problems to vendors when
necessary.
10. They must work effectively in a team environment. It includes being able to
communicate well with other members of the team and being able to collaborate on
projects. The administrator must also be able to take direction from a supervisor and
work independently when necessary.
Firewall

Firewalls control incoming and outgoing traffic on networks, with predetermined security rules.
Firewalls keep out unfriendly traffic and is a necessary part of daily computing. Network
Security relies heavily on Firewalls, and especially Next Generation Firewalls, which focus on
blocking malware and application-layer attacks.

Network Segmentation

Network segmentation defines boundaries between network segments where assets within the
group have a common function, risk or role within an organization. For instance, the perimeter
gateway segments a company network from the Internet. Potential threats outside the network
are prevented, ensuring that an organization’s sensitive data remains inside. Organizations can go
further by defining additional internal boundaries within their network, which can provide
improved security and access control.

What is Access Control?

Access control defines the people or groups and the devices that have access to network
applications and systems thereby denying unsanctioned access, and maybe threats. Integrations
with Identity and Access Management (IAM) products can strongly identify the user and Role-
based Access Control (RBAC) policies ensure the person and device are authorized access to the
asset.

Remote Access VPN

Remote access VPN provides remote and secure access to a company network to individual hosts
or clients, such as telecommuters, mobile users, and extranet consumers. Each host typically has
VPN client software loaded or uses a web-based client. Privacy and integrity of sensitive
information is ensured through multi-factor authentication, endpoint compliance scanning, and
encryption of all transmitted data.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

The zero trust security model states that a user should only have the access and permissions that
they require to fulfill their role. This is a very different approach from that provided by
traditional security solutions, like VPNs, that grant a user full access to the target network. Zero
trust network access (ZTNA) also known as software-defined perimeter (SDP) solutions permits
granular access to an organization’s applications from users who require that access to perform
their duties.

Email Security

Email security refers to any processes, products, and services designed to protect your email
accounts and email content safe from external threats. Most email service providers have built-in
email security features designed to keep you secure, but these may not be enough to stop
cybercriminals from accessing your information.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Data loss prevention (DLP) is a cybersecurity methodology that combines technology and best
practices to prevent the exposure of sensitive information outside of an organization, especially
regulated data such as personally identifiable information (PII) and compliance related data:
HIPAA, SOX, PCI DSS, etc.

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

IPS technologies can detect or prevent network security attacks such as brute force attacks,
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and exploits of known vulnerabilities. A vulnerability is a
weakness for instance in a software system and an exploit is an attack that leverages that
vulnerability to gain control of that system. When an exploit is announced, there is often a
window of opportunity for attackers to exploit that vulnerability before the security patch is
applied. An Intrusion Prevention System can be used in these cases to quickly block these
attacks.

Hardware tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues

Most of the cases the network requires troubleshooting and maintenance, which may require
some hardware as well as little manual work. In case most hardware tools are very efficient and
it won't require more muscle to work. Mainly most of the hardware tools include both the
hardware and software components. The hardware tools include cable tester, cable certifier,
crimper, butt set, toner probe, punch down tool, protocol analyzer, loop back plug, TDR, OTDR,
multimeter and external monitor. Below section will make you understand the hardware tools to
troubleshoot the connectivity issues.

Cable tester

The cable tester is also known as media tester. It is defined as a range of tools which is proposed
to test whether the cable works properly or not. Any tool which facilitates the testing of the cable
can be considered as a cable tester. Anyway, the specific tool called the media tester which
enables administrator to test a part of the cable, improperly attached connectors, cable faults or
looking for shorts. Most of the media testers will confirm whether a cable works correctly and
also where the issue on the cable exists.

If the patch cable which is made by the cable vendor, then there is great chance that it will be
pinned perfectly and that a connector will crimped surely. Else, if inherit the patch cable which
was made by some technician. If it is not possible to make connection from 1 device to another
and suspect the cable, then fix it immediately by trying another cable for connection. If the new
changed cable works properly, then the adjacent cable was faulty and may be it was not created
correctly in the initial place.

Before starting repairing and throwing it away, it is necessary to use the cable tester to check
whether there was any fault with it. If there was any fault it is easy to find fault on which wire or
problem is located on wire. The cable is the tool with which connects both the ends of the cable
to check its connectivity on its each wire. There are so many types of cable tester available and it
differs greatly in design. Most of the cable tester uses LCD screens or lights to denote the
connectivity via the cable. It will be very useful when it is required to take a decision whether to
replace, continue to use, discard a cable or fix.

Cable certifier

In todays most recent networks, it is not at all enough to say that the cable is working properly or
not and it is proper setup. In case, if you install the CAT 6 type cable, then it has to provide
bandwidth of 1000Mbps for the data. The only path that it can do this if all the patch panels,
connector, wall jacks, and so forth are the things which should be installed properly. By using
the device, it is possible to test all the network segments to compare the result and identify the
fault. This testing device is known as a certifier.

The cable certifier is one among the type of tester which makes to certify cabling by checking it
for performance and speed to check that this implementation can live up to a rating. Most tests
and stress the system depend upon the error and noise testing. It is required to know whether the
Gigabit cable which is running is providing necessary speed to the network. There are many
different varieties of certifiers available and which is for fiber, copper and for wireless networks
too. Some of the devices can combine few aspects of all 3 types of networks.

Crimper

The wire crimper is the tool which helps to attach the media connectors to end of the cables. It is
possible to use any 1 type of wire crimper to attach with the RJ-45 connectors on UTP-
unshielded twisted pair cable at the instance. Additionally, different type of the wire crimper is
suitable to attach to the British naval connectors to the coaxial cabling. To attach the RJ-45 type
connector to end of the cable, for that it is necessary to strip nearly 1 inch of the outer insulation
cable without cutting insulation on the 8 wires which are inside the cable. Then press hard down
on the right side of the RJ-45 to close connectors around cable and hold the wire trapped wires
into place so the cable sheath end is safely packed inside along the connector.

To establish this feat, it is necessary to use the tool which is designed to cut the insulation
present outside and leave other wires. There are so many cable stripper and crimper design
available over the years. Few tools double as cable strippers or crimping tools.

Butt set

The butt set is associated with the telephony, it can also used for few data networks also. It
enables the technician or administrator to butt a communication line as well as to use it. For
phone line, the technicians can also use the line generally which are answer a call, make a call
and listen into a call. This butt set for the telephony looks like a regular phone with handset with
attached wires. The wires come from the handset will connect to the wire of the phone. Then the
technician can access or test the phone line. The butt set also used to check the network
telephony and has a limited.

Toner probe

The toner probe is the device which has 2 parts such as toner or tone generator and the probe or
tone locator. The toner will send the tone at the cable end and the probe is the one which receives
the toner signal. This is the tool which makes the process very easy to identify the end and the
beginning of the cable. The tone locator and tone generator are referred to as hound and fox. The
main purpose of the toner probe is to produce the signal which is transmitted on a wire while
attempting to find. Then press the probe against single wires. While it maintains contact with a
wire which has a signal, the locator will emit an audible tone or signal.

Punch down tool

The punch down tool is also known as krone tool. It is a small hand type tool used by the
network and telecommunication technicians. This tool is used for inserting the wire into the
insulation displacement connector on the patch panels, punch down blocks, surface mount boxes
and keystone modules. This tool also used to attach the twisted pair type network cable to the
connectors within the patch panel. Most of the punch down tools are consisting of the handle,
impact type, the removable slotted blade and also an internal spring mechanism. The wire has to
pre positioned on a slotted post to use the krone tool and then the tool is pressed down onto the
top of a wire, over a post.

To accommodate several connector types 110, BIX, 66 and punch down tool requires different
kinds of blade. The removable type blades110 or 66 are almost double ended and few with single
ended. For the light duty use, there are less expensive krone tool is available with fixed blades
without impact mechanism.

Protocol analyzer

The protocol analyzer is the tool which is used to analyze the network protocols including UDP,
TCP, FTP and HTTP. This protocol analyzer can also act as a software as well as hardware
based. Additionally, this tool is also used to identify malicious and wanted networks traffic,
identify and clear the computer networking problem, alert the user when protocols unused and its
related issues. Similar to packet sniffers, this tool capture communication stream in between the
system. Additionally, unlike packet sniffers, this tool captures more network traffic and it
decodes and read the traffics. This decoding will allow the administrators to check network
communications in English. Through this, the administrator will get great ideas about the traffic,
which is running on the network.

This protocol analyzer also refers to an IP load tester, telecom network protocol analyzer, a bus
analyzer and a network packet analyzer.

Loop back plug

While troubleshooting the network device, it is necessary to check and confirm whether the
network interface is functional. By attaching the loop back plug to the network interface, it is
easy to perform such type of tests by running the diagnostic software which is using a loop back
plug. The plug takes a transmit pin on the Ethernet connector as well as connecting it to get the
pins. This loop back plug is also known as loop back cable or loop back adapter. This equipment
facilitates the testing of network issues which is available at low cost. It is a 10 inch wire device
with a plastic connector which isolate the network circuit issue at one end and made with RJ-45
type connectors , unshielded twisted pair and crimping device. It is also used to route digital data
streams and electrical signals from a source back to the same origin to check the data
transmission.

TDR

This TDR is referred as time domain reflectometer. This device is used to send the signals via the
particular medium to test the cable continuity. The high quality TDR will identify many different
types of cabling issues such as damaged conductors, severed sheath, loose connectors, shorts,
faulty crimps and much more. However, the network administrator need not to use this tool
every day, it provides significant assistance in most of the troubleshooting process. This time
domain reflectometer assistance ensures that the data sent through the network will not interrupt
by the poor cabling which may cause issues in the data delivery. This tool will work at the
physical layer of OSI model, allowing the signal via length of the cable searching for cable
faults.

OTDR

It is referred as optical time domain reflectometer. By using this OTDR device, it is possible to
identify how long in the cable break occurs. It is the optoelectronic instrument which is used to
characterize the optical fiber. It injects the series of pulses with optical into a fiber under test. It
is also used to estimate the overall attenuation and the fiber length. The OTDR is commonly
used to locate the fault on the installed systems. This is available in different wavelength and
fiber types. To match the common application. The OTDR testing at a greater wavelength such
as 1625nm or 1550nm, will be used to find the fiber attenuation which is caused by fiber issues.
The dynamic range of the OTDR is restricted by a combination of the optical pulse width, optical
pulse output power, signal integration time and input intensity.

Mutimeter

It is one among the easiest cable testing device which is used to check the shorts in the coaxial
cable. The basic multimeter device combines many electrical meters as a single unit which can
measure current, resistance and voltage. The advanced model of multimeter also helps to
measure the temperatures. It is also known as multitester as well as volt ohm meter (VOM). In
that, the analog multimeter is the one which uses a microammeter whose pointer will move over
the scale calibrated for entire different measurements that could be made.

Environmental monitor

While coming to environmental monitoring, it is often refers the network equipment room and
the temperature of the server. This helps to monitor issue on surrounding and helps to identify it.
It is important the administrator or technician must know the clear information about the
hardware tools and how it could to be used for the different connectivity issue. From the above
section, you can understand that the different hardware tools are used for different issue and
helps to diagnose the problem in a simple and better way. It helps to achieve the assigned work
in a better manner. It helps to monitor the network system rapidly and quickly. This hardware
tool merely assists to troubleshoot the connectivity issues of hardware tools. In this, some type of
tools are also used to trouble software component too.