How to Be Network Operations Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 11, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing complexity of network operations has caused a need for experienced Network Operations Analysts to identify and troubleshoot system problems. These professionals utilize their technical knowledge and monitoring tools to identify and diagnose common issues related to connectivity, hardware, software, and security. Once a problem is identified, the analyst can use their expertise to devise a plan of action to resolve the issue. Having an experienced Network Operations Analyst on staff can help improve the stability and performance of the network, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and overall productivity.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. To become a network operations analyst, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information systems, or engineering.
Gain Professional Experience. Working in a related field such as network engineering or network administration can be beneficial to gain relevant experience and skills needed to become a network operations analyst.
Pursue Certification. Certification is available from various vendors such as Cisco and Microsoft. Obtaining these certifications is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field.
Develop Technical Expertise. Network operations analysts must have a thorough understanding of computer networking concepts, protocols, and technologies. Gaining expertise in areas such as routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking devices can be beneficial.
Build Soft Skills. Network operations analysts must also have strong communication and problem-solving skills. Developing these soft skills can help you become a better analyst.
Become Familiar with Scripting Languages. Network operations analysts must be familiar with scripting languages such as Python and PowerShell in order to automate tasks and develop custom scripts for network operations.

The Network Operations Analyst is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of networks and systems within an organization. To stay updated and capable, they must keep up with the latest technology trends by studying industry publications and attending workshops and seminars. They must also stay informed of changing business needs and customer demands, so they can make necessary adjustments to their network systems.

They should also actively monitor the network for any potential security threats or incidents, and take steps to address them in a timely manner. Finally, they should perform regular tests and drills to assess the performance and reliability of the networks and systems, and make any necessary changes or upgrades. By staying updated and capable, the Network Operations Analyst can provide a reliable and secure network for the organizations users.

You may want to check Senior Network Administrator, Computer Network Analyst, and Telecom Network Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and analyze network performance including latency, throughput, packet loss, and errors.
Develop, implement, and monitor network security policies and procedures.
Develop and maintain network diagrams, topologies, and documentation.
Configure and manage switches, routers, firewalls, and other network hardware.
Research and recommend upgrades and improvements to existing networks.
Troubleshoot network issues and outages to ensure minimal downtime.
Track network usage and capacity to identify trends and ensure sufficient resources.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure optimal network performance.
Provide technical support to users experiencing network-related issues.
Monitor network traffic for unauthorized access or malicious activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Network Architecture and Design
Network Protocols and Troubleshooting
Data Analysis and Reporting
Project Management
Router, Firewall and Switch Configuration
Network Security Policies and Procedures
Performance Monitoring and Tuning
Network Capacity Planning
Troubleshooting Hardware and Software Issues
Vendor Management
IT Service Management
Scripting Languages (Python, Bash, etc. )
Network Automation Tools (Ansible, Chef, Puppet, etc. )
Knowledge of Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS, Azure, etc. )
Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Network operations analysts are responsible for ensuring that networks are running smoothly and efficiently. This requires a wide range of skills, but the most important of them all is problem solving. Network operations analysts must be able to quickly identify potential network issues, diagnose the cause of the problem, and develop solutions to prevent it from happening again.

They must also be well versed in the latest technologies, understand the language of networking, and be able to communicate effectively with other IT staff. Problem-solving skills are important because they enable network operations analysts to develop strategies to quickly address any issues that arise. For example, an analyst may use root cause analysis to identify the source of an issue and then use various tools and techniques to solve it.

Furthermore, an analyst must be able to effectively analyze network performance data and provide reliable recommendations for improvement. The ability to think critically and make decisions quickly is also a key skill for network operations analysts. In addition, network operations analysts must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as they are often required to interact with customers or other IT professionals.

Network Quality Assurance Analyst, Network Solutions Architect, and Senior Network Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in network operations?
Have you ever managed a large-scale network?
Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot and resolve a complex network issue.
What security protocols do you use to protect network operations?
Describe your experience with network monitoring and management tools.
Do you have experience with virtualization technologies like VMware and Hyper-V?
How do you keep up with changes in the industry and new technologies?
What strategies do you use for diagnosing and resolving network problems?
Describe your experience with managing and troubleshooting firewalls.
Do you have experience with scripting or automation techniques?

Common Tools in Industry

Network Protocol Analyzer. This tool is used to analyze network protocols and traffic patterns to identify potential issues and optimize network performance. (e. g. Wireshark)
Network Bandwidth Monitor. This tool is used to monitor network bandwidth usage in real time, helping to identify any bottlenecks or performance issues. (e. g. SolarWinds)
Packet Sniffer. This tool captures and records data packets passing through a network, allowing for the analysis of packet content and headers. (e. g. tcpdump)
Network Mapping Software. This tool is used to create diagrams of a network's topology, helping to identify connectivity issues and network performance issues. (e. g. Visio)
Network Performance Monitoring Tool. This tool is used to monitor the performance of a network, including latency, throughput, and packet loss statistics. (e. g. Zabbix)
Network Configuration Management Software. This tool is used to manage the configuration of a network, allowing for quick and easy changes to settings as needed. (e. g. Ansible)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
Network Professional Association (NPA)
Internet Society (ISOC)
American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN)
North American Network Operators Group (NANOG)
Telecoms Sans Frontières (TSF)
Carrier Ethernet Association (CEA)
The Open Group Network and Distributed System Security Forum (NDSS)

We also have Network Project Manager, Voice Network Engineer, and Network Solutions Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Network Management. The process of maintaining and managing the information communications networks and systems to ensure they are functioning properly and efficiently.
Network Monitoring. The process of monitoring ongoing network activity and performance to identify potential issues and optimize performance.
Network Analysis. The process of gathering and analyzing data about a network to identify problems, trends, and points of improvement.
Network Troubleshooting. The process of diagnosing and resolving network-related issues.
Network Security. The practice of protecting networks from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Network Infrastructure. The physical components of a network, such as routers, switches, servers, etc.
Network Protocols. The standards that dictate how devices communicate over a network.
IP Addressing. The process of assigning unique IP addresses to each device on a network.
Routing. The process of forwarding data packets from one network node to another based on the destination address in the packet header.
Network Topology. The physical or logical layout of a network, including the connections between individual nodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Network Operations Analyst?

The primary role of a Network Operations Analyst is to maintain and monitor networks and systems, troubleshoot any technical issues, and ensure the security and performance of the organization's technology infrastructure.

What qualifications are required for a Network Operations Analyst?

To become a Network Operations Analyst, individuals typically need to have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, along with several years of experience in network administration and support. Technical certifications such as Cisco's CCNA are also beneficial.

What skills are necessary for the role of Network Operations Analyst?

Network Operations Analysts must have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, as well as excellent communication and customer service skills. They must also be proficient in various technologies, including routers, firewalls, servers, and networking protocols.

What tools are commonly used by Network Operations Analysts?

Common tools used by Network Operations Analysts include network monitoring software, such as SolarWinds, PRTG, and Nagios; cloud-based systems, such as AWS and Azure; and scripting languages, such as Python and PowerShell.

How much do Network Operations Analysts typically earn?

According to PayScale, Network Operations Analysts earn an average salary of $66,302 per year. Salaries can vary based on experience level, location, and other factors.