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

Jan 17, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Network Support Administrators are a crucial part of any organization. They ensure the efficient functioning of the computer networks and systems, which are essential for businesses to operate. Without a Network Support Administrator, organizations would be unable to effectively use computers and networks, leading to decreased productivity and increased disruption.

Network Support Administrators also provide technical and troubleshooting assistance, making sure that any issues are quickly and efficiently resolved. By providing these services, Network Support Administrators help organizations save money on costly technical repairs, as well as providing their expertise on how to best utilize the network environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Network support administrators typically need to have a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Additionally, some employers may prefer candidates who have obtained a master's degree in information technology or business.
Gain Relevant Work Experience. Network support administrators should gain relevant experience in the field before applying for a job or beginning their own business. Experience can be gained through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions.
Learn Networking Technologies. Network support administrators should learn about networking technologies, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. They should also be knowledgeable about various operating systems and server configurations.
Obtain Certifications. It is beneficial for network support administrators to obtain certifications from industry-recognized organizations, such as Microsoft or Cisco. These certifications demonstrate an individual's expertise and can make them more attractive to potential employers.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills. Network support administrators should develop strong problem-solving skills in order to diagnose and resolve network issues. They should also have excellent customer service skills in order to effectively communicate with clients.
Stay Up-to-Date on Technology. Network support administrators should stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the field in order to provide the best service possible. This can be done by attending conferences and seminars, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals.

Network support administrators are critical to the successful operation of any business. Without them, a company's networks would not function properly and would be vulnerable to malicious hackers. Poor network performance can lead to lost productivity, decreased customer satisfaction, and higher operational costs.

Therefore, it is crucial to hire reliable and qualified network support administrators. These professionals are responsible for the installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of networks. They must possess a solid understanding of computer hardware and software, as well as network security protocols.

they must have excellent problem-solving and communication skills in order to effectively diagnose and resolve network issues. By hiring a qualified network support administrator, businesses can ensure their networks are secure and functioning optimally.

You may want to check Sales Administrator, Program Support Administrator, and System Administrator for alternative.

Job Description

Provide technical support for computer system, networks, and software applications.
Monitor and maintain network systems and security.
Install and configure hardware and software components to ensure usability.
Troubleshoot network problems and outages.
Manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights.
Create and maintain system documentation and network diagrams.
Monitor system performance and optimize network configurations.
Implement network security measures, such as firewalls and data encryption.
Respond to user inquiries and provide technical support.
Update system software and firmware as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledgeable about network protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and SMTP.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve network issues.
Familiarity with network topologies and architectures, including LANs, WANs, and VPNs.
Ability to analyze system logs and identify potential issues.
Skilled in configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking hardware.
Ability to install and configure networked applications.
Familiarity with network security best practices and tools.
Ability to monitor network performance and optimize settings for improved performance.
Knowledge of virtualization technologies, such as VMware or Hyper-V.
Excellent customer service skills to effectively communicate with clients.

Networking support administrators play a critical role in ensuring that organizations are able to maintain their networks and computer systems correctly. They are responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining the software and hardware that make up the organization's network, as well as managing user accounts and providing technical support. The most important skill that a network support administrator needs is a strong knowledge of networking technologies.

This includes an understanding of various protocols such as TCP/IP, DHCP, and DNS, as well as the ability to troubleshoot common issues related to these technologies. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication skills in order to effectively interact with users and resolve their issues. they should have a good understanding of network security, so they can protect the company's data and resources from malicious actors.

Finally, the ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks is a must for a network support administrator, as they often have to manage many different tasks simultaneously. All of these skills are essential for a network support administrator to be successful in their role.

Community Administrator, Contract Administrator, and Network Administrator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in network support and administration?
How would you troubleshoot a network issue that is impacting multiple users?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to network support.
What do you know about routers and switches?
What is your experience in setting up and troubleshooting virtual networks?
What strategies do you use to ensure the security of a network?
How do you stay up-to-date on new technologies and best practices related to network support?
What is your experience in working with cloud-based networks?
What do you think is the most important thing when providing network support?
Describe a time when you successfully resolved a complex network problem.

Common Tools in Industry

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Allows administrators to connect to and manage remote computers. (Example: Connect to a workstation located in a different office).
Network Monitoring Software. Allows administrators to monitor the performance and utilization of network resources. (Example: Track bandwidth usage on a router).
Firewall Software. Prevents unauthorized access to computer networks and systems. (Example: Configure a firewall to block malicious traffic).
Network Configuration Management. Helps administrators manage and track changes to network settings over time. (Example: Automatically update IP addresses on multiple routers).
Network Troubleshooting Tools. Help administrators identify and diagnose problems on the network. (Example: Use ping or traceroute to check the connection between two devices).
Virtual Private Network (VPN). Allows administrators to create secure connections between networks. (Example: Create a VPN connection between two offices).
Network Security Auditing. Helps administrators identify and address security vulnerabilities on the network. (Example: Perform a vulnerability scan to check for open ports).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
CompTIA Network+
Apple Consultants Network
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

We also have Human Resources Administrator, IT Support Administrator, and Network Operations Administrator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Network Security. The process of protecting a computer network from unauthorized access, misuse, and any other threats.
Network Configuration. The process of setting up and managing the physical and logical components of a computer network.
Network Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and resolving problems within a network.
Network Monitoring. The process of regularly checking the performance of a network to ensure it is functioning properly.
Network Administration. The process of managing, configuring, and maintaining a computer network.
Network Architecture. The design of a computer network, including the hardware, software, protocols, and topology.
Network Topology. The physical arrangement of the components of a computer network.
Protocols. Standards and rules that define how computers communicate over a network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Network Support Administrator? A1: A Network Support Administrator is a person responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer networks, including hardware, software, and related equipment. Q2: What technical skills are required of a Network Support Administrator? A2: Network Support Administrators must possess knowledge of computer operating systems, networking protocols and hardware, data storage and backup procedures, network security measures, and other related technology. Q3: How much experience is typically required to become a Network Support Administrator? A3: Most employers require at least two years of experience in computer networking and/or technical support for a Network Support Administrator role. Q4: What type of salary can a Network Support Administrator expect? A4: Salaries vary depending on experience and geographic location, but generally a Network Support Administrator can expect to earn an annual salary of between $50,000 and $90,000. Q5: What type of job growth is expected for Network Support Administrators? A5: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for Network Support Administrators are expected to grow 8% by 2026.