How to Be Network Administrator Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 29, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Network administrators are responsible for ensuring that all network systems run smoothly and efficiently. If a network administrator specialist is not present, the network may suffer from many issues, such as outages, slow performance, security vulnerabilities, and incompatibilities with new applications. Without the presence of a network administrator specialist to manage the network, organizations may experience increased downtime, lost productivity, and negative impacts to customer service and satisfaction.

Furthermore, a lack of a specialist could lead to a decrease in employee morale, as workers rely on their network to do their jobs. Consequently, having a network administrator specialist is essential to the overall success of an organization.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require Network Administrators to have at least a Bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science, information systems, or engineering.
Develop Job-Related Skills. Network Administrators should develop job-related skills such as server and network administration, troubleshooting, and security protocols.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification in a specific area such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can help increase your credentials and demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
Gain Experience. Network Administrators should gain experience working with different types of networks, such as Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) can help Network Administrators stay up to date on trends in the field.
Pursue Advanced Certification. Pursuing advanced certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) can help demonstrate your advanced knowledge and skills.

Network Administrator Specialists must stay updated and competent in order to keep networks running smoothly. They should stay abreast of new technologies and industry standards, attend webinars, read online articles and blogs, and participate in professional development courses. By staying informed and engaged in the field, Network Administrator Specialists can better understand the latest trends and best practices, identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, and find ways to improve network performance.

This knowledge enables them to develop more secure and efficient networks, reducing the risk of data breaches and other cyber-attacks, while increasing the speed and reliability of their systems. Consequently, staying updated and competent is essential for Network Administrator Specialists to remain effective in their roles.

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Job Description

Install, configure and maintain computer networks.
Monitor system performance and troubleshoot network problems.
Develop, implement and enforce security policies.
Coordinate with vendors and other IT personnel for problem resolution.
Design, install and configure new network hardware and software.
Ensure network connectivity throughout a company's LAN/WAN infrastructure.
Perform network address assignment.
Configure routing protocols, such as RIP, OSPF and BGP.
Design and implement network segmentation and security policies.
Train users on network security and usage procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Thorough understanding of network fundamentals, including TCP/IP, OSI, routing protocols, and subnetting.
Ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot network hardware, such as switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points.
Knowledge of network management and monitoring tools, such as packet sniffers and network analyzers.
Ability to identify and resolve network performance issues.
Experience with virtualization technologies, such as VMware and Hyper-V.
Expertise in security concepts and technologies, such as IPSec, VPN, and access control systems.
Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python or Bash.
Ability to manage system upgrades and patches.
Familiarity with cloud-based networking solutions.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Network administrators are an essential part of any organization's IT team, as they are responsible for maintaining the company's computer networks and ensuring they are secure and running efficiently. In order to achieve this, network administrators must have a wide range of skills, including technical knowledge of networking protocols, software and hardware, troubleshooting abilities, and the ability to work as part of a team. One of the most important skills a network administrator must possess is the ability to think critically and solve problems quickly.

This skill is essential for identifying and resolving network issues, as well as developing strategies to prevent future problems. A network administrator must also have excellent communication skills in order to collaborate with other departments, vendors, and customers. they should have strong organizational skills to be able to effectively manage multiple projects at once.

With these skills, network administrators are able to ensure that their organization's network is secure, reliable, and productive.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience with networking hardware, software, and protocols?
Describe the most complex network project you have completed.
How do you troubleshoot network issues?
What is your experience with network monitoring and management tools?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in networking technologies?
What steps do you take to secure a network against cyber threats?
How do you handle large-scale network deployments?
What experience do you have with network virtualization?
How do you handle difficult users and customer service requests?
What is your experience with cloud networking solutions?

Common Tools in Industry

Network Monitoring Software. A tool used to monitor the performance and availability of a network. (Example: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor)
Network Management Software. A tool used to manage configuration, security, and maintenance of a network. (Example: Cisco Prime Network Management)
Network Security Software. A tool used to protect a network from malicious activity. (Example: Symantec Endpoint Protection)
Vulnerability Scanning Software. A tool used to identify potential security vulnerabilities in a network. (Example: Qualys Vulnerability Scanner)
Network Analysis Software. A tool used to analyze the data flow of a network. (Example: Wireshark Network Analyzer)
Network Troubleshooting Software. A tool used to diagnose and repair network problems. (Example: SolarWinds Network Troubleshooting Toolkit)
Bandwidth Monitoring Software. A tool used to monitor the bandwidth usage of a network. (Example: NetFlow Analyzer)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Network Operators' Group (NOG)
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
Institute of Network Professionals (INP)
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
National Certification Council for Information Technology and Network Professionals (NCCNITP)
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
CompTIA Network+

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Common Important Terms

Network Topology. The physical and logical arrangement of computers and other devices in a network.
TCP/IP. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; the set of protocols used for communication on the Internet.
IP Address. A unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network.
Network Security. Measures taken to protect the data and integrity of a network from unauthorized access.
LAN. Local Area Network; a network with computers and other devices connected over a short distance, such as within a single building or campus.
WAN. Wide Area Network; a network with computers and other devices connected over a long distance, such as multiple cities or countries.
VPN. Virtual Private Network; a secure connection between two networks that enables users to access remote resources as if they were connected directly to the local network.
Firewall. A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network or computer system.
Router. A device that connects two or more networks together, enabling data to be routed from one network to another.
DHCP. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol; a protocol for automatically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Network Administrator Specialist?

A Network Administrator Specialist is a professional who specializes in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer networks and associated hardware.

What kind of qualifications are needed to become a Network Administrator Specialist?

To become a Network Administrator Specialist, a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is often required, as well as certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

What types of duties does a Network Administrator Specialist perform?

Duties of a Network Administrator Specialist may include installing and configuring computer networks, troubleshooting network issues, managing user accounts and security settings, monitoring network performance, and performing software updates.

What kind of workplace environment do Network Administrator Specialists work in?

Network Administrator Specialists typically work in an office environment, but may also work remotely.

What is the average salary for a Network Administrator Specialist?

The average salary for a Network Administrator Specialist is around $70,000 per year.

Web Resources

Network and Server Administration Specialist - North Seattle northseattle.edu
Network Administrator - Illinois Central College - icc.edu icc.edu
What Does a Network Administrator Do? - Western Governors University www.wgu.edu