What is Computer Network and System Administration?
Computer networks are essential components of practically every business. The day-to-day operation of these networks is referred to as computer network and system administration (CNSA). CNSA specialists organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, which include LANs, WANs, network segments, intranets, and other data transmission systems.
Systems administrators, or SysAdmins, are critical members of information technology (IT) teams who support computer system software functions, data transfers, and network connectivity. Their responsibility is to oversee the entire network, making routine changes and updates to guarantee that the system can handle all networking activities while also meeting security needs. Their responsibilities include monitoring network traffic and activity, installing and configuring software upgrades, and performing database backups to restore and safeguard user data.
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System administrators are divided into four categories, each of which oversees a specific component of system operations:
- network administrators,
- security administrators,
- database administrators,
- server administrators.
Some system administrators are in charge of many roles, while others are solely accountable for one. A security administrator, for example, is in charge of cybersecurity, password protection, and user access. Along with running hardware and operating systems, a server administrator may have some security responsibilities.
What Careers Are There in Computer Network and System Administration?
A career as a system or network administrator can take many different directions. They could work for a business, a government organization, or an educational institution. Some may become self-employed consultants, while others may progress their careers by entering other IT fields such as systems engineering or software development. Those with the necessary skills and accreditation have a wide range of opportunities.
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CNSA experts may hold the following positions:
- Application Developer Chief Security Officer (CSO)
- Database Administrator E-commerce Developer Information Analyst Information Systems (IS)
- Manager Information
- Technology (IT) Specialist, Local Area Network (LAN) Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Network Coordinator
- Network Engineer
- Network Manager
- Security Specialist
- Senior Interface Developer
- Systems Administrator
- Systems Engineer
- Voiceover IP (VoIP) Engineer
What tasks do Computer Network and System Administrators do?
A CNSA professional is in charge of an organization’s network daily. They set up and maintain network hardware and software, as well as troubleshoot any problems that may emerge. They also research computer tools, create policies and procedures for network use and maintenance, and may be needed to give user support (both internally inside their firm and externally with clients).
System administrators may meet with clients to examine their computing requirements and determine how they can utilize system tools while keeping their data secure. They may answer phones, train IT support workers, schedule changes, and distribute incoming duties to team members. System administrators may also research to detect signal disruptions and environmental factors that affect network performance to increase system efficiency.
The scale and extent of an organization’s computer systems may influence specific daily work requirements. In smaller businesses, the system administrator may be in charge of all IT tasks, such as maintaining and updating all systems, as well as guaranteeing data protection and backup. In larger businesses, system administrators’ tasks may be divided into more specific sub-roles, resulting in specialized positions such as database administrators or security administrators.
Some of the activities that network and computer system administrators perform include installing network gear and software.
- carrying out necessary improvements and repairs
- assessing and improving network or system performance
- Identifying user requirements and choosing appropriate IT systems
- Users must be trained in the proper use of hardware and software.
- Analyzing and implementing solutions to complicated computer challenges
- Keeping network and computer systems secure
How Much do Computer Network and System Administrators Make?
CNSA Salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | CNSA Salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | CNSA Salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | CNSA Salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | |
Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 | Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 | Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 | Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 | |
CNSA salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | CNSA salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | CNSA salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | CNSA salaries are the lowest 10% of the average annual salary. | |
Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 | Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 | Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 | Network and computer system administrators in the top 10% $56,260 $97,160 $140,430 |
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What skills do Computer Network and System Administrators Need?
While most organizations demand computer network and systems administrators have a bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science-related discipline, others may only require a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree. Some employers may even require master’s degrees for administrators.
CNSA experts should be familiar with the following topics: network topologies
- Protocols for networks
- Concepts of routing and switching
- LAN and WAN technologies
- Firewall configuration and management
- VPN administration
- Router configuration and management
- Network performance monitoring
- Network traffic analysis
- Disaster recovery strategies must be planned and implemented.
Other abilities required for a systems administrator include:
- Critical thinking abilities
- Analytical abilities
- Time management and multitasking abilities are required.
- Communication abilities, both verbal and written
- Interpersonal abilities
- Problem-solving abilities
Administrators must keep up with the latest innovations in network technology because it is continuously changing. Many continue to take courses and attend IT conferences throughout their careers to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies.
Furthermore, many businesses demand network and computer system managers to be certified in the products they utilize. Typically, vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers offer certification programs that serve to verify network and computer system administrators’ proficiency with and application of best practices. Microsoft and Cisco offer some of the most popular certifications.
The Future of Computer Network and System Administration
CNSA specialists play an important role in IT teams that support computer system software functions, data transfers, and network connectivity. Almost every company uses CNSA as a long-term career opportunity.
Reference
- System & Network Administration – BYU
- What is Computer Network and System Administration?
- What Is Network Administration? – IT Glossary
- What Is a Network Administrator? A Career Guide