A network administrator for LAN/WAN is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) infrastructure.
A LAN is a network of devices such as computers, computer networking, printers, servers, and other networked devices connected within a limited area, such as an office building or a school. The network administrator is responsible for ensuring that the LAN is appropriately configured, secured, and maintained to provide reliable and efficient communication between devices.
On the other hand, a WAN is a network covering a larger geographic area, such as a city, country, or even the world. A WAN connects multiple LANs and enables the communication between different locations of an organization. The network administrator is responsible for ensuring the WAN is appropriately configured, secured, and maintained to provide reliable and efficient communication between sites due to connectivity to the internet.
The network administrator also monitors network performance, troubleshoots network issues, configures network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls, and ensures that network security policies and protocols are in place to protect the organization’s data and systems from unauthorized access or attacks including
The network administrator also monitors network performance, troubleshoots network issues, internet issues, ethernet cables, configures network devices such as routers, switches, lans connections, leased lines, long distance, transmit data, virtual private network and firewalls, and ensures high data that network security policies and protocols are in place to protect the organization’s data and systems from unauthorized access or attacks.
These are the typical tasks of a network administrator.
- Network monitoring: The network administrator regularly monitors the network infrastructure for performance issues, security threats, and other anomalies. This involves reviewing logs, reports, and alerts from network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Network configuration: The administrator configures and maintains network devices such as routers, internet service, switches, and firewalls. They ensure that these devices are correctly configured to support the organization’s business needs and comply with security policies and protocols.
- Troubleshooting: When network issues arise, the network administrator identifies the root cause of the problem and resolves it as quickly as possible. This involves using various network troubleshooting tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve the issue.
- Network security: The network administrator is responsible for ensuring the network infrastructure is secure from external and internal threats. They implement security policies, protocols, and procedures to protect the organization’s data and systems from unauthorized access or attacks.
- User support: The network administrator provides technical support to end-users who experience network-related issues. This involves responding to help desk tickets, phone calls, or emails and resolving the issue or escalating it to the appropriate level of support.
- Network documentation: The network administrator maintains detailed documentation of the network infrastructure, including network diagrams, device configurations, security policies, and procedures. This documentation is essential for troubleshooting, planning, and auditing purposes.
- Network planning: The network administrator plans and implements network upgrades, expansions, and new projects. They work closely with other IT staff, vendors, and business units to ensure the network infrastructure meets the organization’s current and future business needs.
Becoming a network administrator for LAN/WAN requires education, technical skills, and personal attributes. Here are some requirements to become a network administrator:
- Education: A diploma in computer science, information technology, or a related field is usually required to become a network administrator. Some employers may also require additional certifications or training.
- Technical skills: A network administrator must have a deep understanding of networking technologies, such as LAN, WAN, TCP/IP, routing protocols, switching, VPN, and wireless networking. They must also be proficient in network configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security.
- Communication skills: Network administrators must communicate technical information clearly to non-technical personnel, including senior management and end-users.
- Problem-solving skills: A network administrator must have excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve network issues quickly and efficiently.
- Attention to detail: Network administrators must be detail-oriented and have a high level of accuracy when configuring and maintaining network devices.
- Ability to work under pressure: Network administrators must work well under pressure, especially when resolving network outages or security breaches.
- Continuous learning: Network technology is constantly evolving, and a network administrator must be willing to continuously learn and keep up with new technologies and industry trends.
A network administrator must have a passion for technology, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to ensuring the organization’s network infrastructure is secure and running smoothly.
Learn more about our Diploma in Network (LAN/WAN) Administration and find out if you qualify for Better Jobs Ontario funding for up to $28,000. Email us at [email protected] for more information.