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

Feb 5, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Network Specialists play an important role in ensuring the smooth running of a network. They are responsible for installing, monitoring and maintaining computer networks. They use their knowledge of networking principles and technologies to troubleshoot network problems and optimize performance.

If not addressed in a timely manner, network issues can lead to serious problems, such as decreased productivity and downtime. To prevent this, Network Specialists must have the necessary skills and expertise to identify potential problems, diagnose and resolve them. They must also be knowledgeable about the latest technology trends and be able to implement solutions that improve network security and reliability.

This can help ensure optimal network performance, which in turn will improve customer satisfaction and lead to greater profits for the business.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a network specialist, the first step is to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. This degree will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to understand and troubleshoot networks.
Gain Certifications. To demonstrate your knowledge and skills, consider obtaining certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA). Each certification has its own requirements and skill sets, so make sure you understand which certification is best for you.
Develop Professional Experience. The next step is to gain professional experience by either taking an internship or getting an entry-level job as a network administrator or engineer. This will help you gain the hands-on experience you need to become an effective network specialist.
Stay Up-to-Date on Technology. As technology continues to evolve and new tools are introduced, it is important for network specialists to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and tools. This can be accomplished by attending conferences, reading industry publications, and taking online courses.
Take Additional Training. To further demonstrate your expertise and stay ahead of the competition, consider taking additional training courses or certifications in specialized areas such as Windows Server administration or VMware.
Find a Job. After you have obtained the necessary degrees and certifications, it is time to find a job as a network specialist. Look for job postings online or contact local businesses and organizations who may be looking for someone with your skillset.

In order to stay ahead and capable as a Network Specialist, it is important to continually invest in learning new technologies and developing your skills. Continuous education and training allows you to stay up-to-date with industry trends and the latest developments in network infrastructure. staying well-versed in the basics of networking and security protocols ensures that you can quickly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues.

Having a solid understanding of network principles and design also helps you anticipate potential problems and proactively avoid them. Finally, developing relationships with peers and vendors in the industry can help you stay informed of current market conditions, giving you a competitive edge.

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Job Description

Network Administrator: Responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining network hardware and software. Responsible for troubleshooting network problems, optimizing network performance, and managing network security systems.
Network Engineer: Responsible for designing, implementing, and administering network infrastructure systems. Responsible for planning, configuring, and troubleshooting network components.
Network Security Analyst: Responsible for identifying security threats, analyzing security risks, and deploying security solutions. Responsible for monitoring networks to detect and respond to security threats.
Network Architect: Responsible for designing and implementing networks to meet organizational needs. Responsible for researching new technologies and developing strategies to improve network performance.
Network Technician: Responsible for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network hardware and software. Responsible for resolving network problems and providing technical support for users.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of computer networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, etc. )
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose network connectivity issues.
Familiarity with common network hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
Experience configuring and managing network devices.
Knowledge of network security principles and best practices.
Understanding of network topology and architecture.
Ability to configure and administer server operating systems.
Ability to use network monitoring and analysis tools.
Expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, etc).
Knowledge of Wi-Fi technologies and protocols.

Network Specialists play a vital role in keeping modern businesses connected and up-to-date. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems to ensure that essential data is transmitted and stored securely. One of the most important skills for a Network Specialist to possess is strong problem solving and analytical abilities.

These allow them to identify potential issues, diagnose root causes and develop effective solutions. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also essential in order to work collaboratively with other IT professionals, as well as to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff. Knowledge of network hardware, protocols, and software is also necessary, as is the ability to monitor network performance and security.

All of these together enable Network Specialists to effectively maintain and improve the performance of networks, ensuring that businesses can stay connected and productive.

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Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience in network security and system administration.
What is the most complex network configuration you have worked with?
Describe your experience troubleshooting network issues.
How do you keep up with the latest network technologies and trends?
What experience do you have with virtualization technologies?
How would you ensure optimal performance for a large-scale network?
What is your experience with developing, implementing and managing network policies?
What strategies do you use to maintain secure networks?
Are you familiar with cloud computing and networking concepts?
What methods do you use to test and validate network designs and implementations?

Common Tools in Industry

Network Protocol Analyzer. A software tool used to capture and analyze data packets over a network. (Eg: Wireshark)
Network Mapping Software. A software tool used to create a map of the network topology. (Eg: SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper)
Virtual Private Network (VPN). A secure and private connection between two or more devices over a public network. (Eg: OpenVPN)
Network Monitoring Software. A software tool used to monitor and analyze network performance, detect security threats, and troubleshoot issues. (Eg: Nagios)
Network Configuration Management Software. A software tool used to manage, configure, and update network infrastructure. (Eg: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager)
Packet Sniffer. A software tool used to capture and analyze data packets over a network. (Eg: tcpdump)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
Internet Society (ISOC)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE Computer Society)
Network Professional Association (NPA)
Cisco Systems Networking Academy
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN)

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Common Important Terms

Network Architecture. The organizational structure of a computer network, including the types of devices and their physical and logical relationships.
LAN (Local Area Network). A computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as an office building, school, or home.
WAN (Wide Area Network). A computer network that covers a large geographic area and typically consists of two or more local area networks (LANs).
Firewall. Hardware or software designed to protect a computer or network from unauthorized access by creating a barrier between the computer or network and the outside world.
Router. A device that forwards data packets from one network to another based on their destination address.
Switch. A device used to connect multiple computers to a single network.
Network Protocols. Sets of rules and regulations used to control communication between computers on a network.
IP Address. An identifier assigned to each computer or device connected to a network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). A protocol used on IP networks to dynamically assign IP addresses to devices.
DNS (Domain Name System). A distributed database system used to translate domain names into IP addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills are required to be a successful Network Specialist?

A successful Network Specialist should have strong technical skills such as knowledge of network protocols, operating systems, hardware, and software. Additionally, they should possess strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, the ability to communicate effectively with clients, and the capacity to work independently or as part of a team.

What qualifications do you need to be a Network Specialist?

To be a Network Specialist, you typically must have a bachelor's degree in computer science, networking, or a related field. Certifications such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CompTIA Network+ can also be beneficial.

What is the average salary of a Network Specialist?

According to PayScale, the median salary for a Network Specialist is $60,881 per year in the United States. This figure can vary based on experience level, location, and company size.

How long does it take to become a Network Specialist?

It typically takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree in computer science, networking, or a related field. However, it is also possible to become a Network Specialist with only an associate's degree in computer science and certification.

What is the job outlook for Network Specialists?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for Computer Network Support Specialists is projected to increase 5% from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increase in the demand for network systems and data analysis.