Section 1

Skills Required for Becoming a Network Administrator

A network is a group of computer systems which are connected to each other using
multiple hardware and software. A network could be as small as two computers
and a printer in a room or as big as connecting multiple international offices. The
configuration, optimization, security and maintenance of a business's computer
network are done by a Network Administrator. He handles tasks like new software
installations, compatibility issues and manages both the physical and virtual
aspects of an organization s network.

Many big organizations prefer hiring an in-house network administrator to

handle hardware and software installations, diagnostics, privileges within
the network. Smaller organizations might outsource their network
administration tasks.

Tasks and Responsibilities of a Network Administrator

 To configure and maintain the organization s computer network
including both software and hardware like routers and switches.

 Setting up user accounts, assigning privileges and passwords for

the organization s employees.

 To manage the security of network by configuring firewall, anti-

virus software and intrusion detection systems. To manage emails
and configure anti-spam protection
 To monitor the usage of network by the organization s employees

 Examine the network for any performing issues, such as a system

crash, and then troubleshoot and document the identified issues.

 To manage and optimize the use of servers while backing up all

the important data.
  To coordinate with employees in other departments and teams.

 Planning future IT solutions.

 Checking and ensuring that all equipment follows the industry

standards.

Skills Required to be a Network Administrator Since there is quite a

wide range of responsibilities and tasks for this role, multiple skills are
needed to work as a Network Administrator.

1. NetworkingSkills -A person must have the complete knowledge of

the networking principlesfor configuring and maintaining the organization
s network. Here are some important ones:
 Proper understanding all types of hardware including routers,
switches, wires and other essential equipment.

 Knowledge of IP addressing and some common networking

protocols like IPv4 and IPv6.

 Knowledge of the common operating systems such as Windows

(XP, Vista, and Windows 7), Linux and MAC OS.

 Knowledge of various Networking Services such as directories,

files, distributed applications, email, HTTP, FTP, DNS and some
other common services.

 Knowledge of security maintenance using encryption, firewalls,

IDS, anti-virus, anti-spam etc.

 Knowledge of ISP/Communication Providers and Virtual Private

Networks (VPNs).

2. Technical Skills -- In addition to the networking basic, a person also

needs technical skills to install and update the networking services.
 Knowledge of troubleshooting skills
  Knowledge of databases and database servers like MySql and Sql
Server.
 Knowledge of windows servers

 In some cases, basic knowledge of some scripting languages like

Python, Pearl and PHP.

 Knowledge of project management and documentation skills.

3. Certifications -- Networking and technical skills are undoubtedly

valuable, but a certification can give you preference over the existing
competition. Some of the major certifications are:
 Cisco Certified Network Admin (CCNA)

 Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

 Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

 Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

 CompTIA A+

 CompTIA Network+

 CompTIA Security+

 Solaris 11 Unix Certification

Good communication, interpersonal and leadership skills are some other

factors to be considered. 
Section 2
Communication skills
Some of the typical communication skills used by network administrators include
written and verbal communication and active listening. These skills enable them to
collaborate with clients, colleagues and other IT professionals effectively. As a
result, they must learn how to communicate with people of varying levels of
technology expertise. While their IT colleagues may understand complex or
technical terms, network administrators may need to translate this information into
easy-to-understand formats for clients or colleagues with less technical expertise.
They also use active listening skills to understand clients' network problems and
needs, allowing them to identify the most appropriate solutions.

Technical skills
Much of network administrators' job duties involve working with technology. As a
result, they need significant technical knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities,
such as skills related to computer systems, routing, hardware and software
configurations and information security. These skills also enable network
administrators to provide troubleshooting support to clients and colleagues and
resolve technical issues. Network administrators often learn these skills during
their formal training or education, along with on-the-job experience. The technical
skills they need may also depend on their organizations and the tools they use.

Read more: Technical Skills: Definitions and Examples

Problem-solving skills
Network administrators may encounter software, hardware and network problems
while on the job. Problem-solving skills enable these professionals to analyze the
issues and develop appropriate solutions for them. They often combine this skill
with their technical knowledge to perform troubleshooting activities for clients and
colleagues. These professionals may also use problem-solving skills to identify and
implement ways to improve an organization's network and IT systems, such as
maintenance activities or upgrades.
Organizational skills
Network administrators often need organizational skills to maintain accurate
documentation regarding the systems and networks they manage. For example,
they may document configurations, cabling layouts, software and hardware
incompatibilities and common errors. They also develop manuals for new users
and logbooks for network changes. Attention to detail ensures these professionals
develop thorough documentation to help new users or future IT team members
understand the organization's systems or networks and how they function.

Critical thinking
Critical thinking skills represent network administrators' ability to examine topics
thoroughly. In networking, these professionals need to understand how various
systems work together and impact one another. Network administrators use
critical-thinking skills to analyze a situation at work and use their available
knowledge and resources to develop solutions. For example, they may need to
address security breaches and plan an appropriate course of action. They may
perform research or ask questions to identify potential solutions and evaluate each
one to assess their feasibility or effectiveness.

Research skills
Network administrators may use research skills to identify solutions to problems
that arise at work. These professionals can gather information about the issue and
use it to perform online searches or discuss the situation with knowledgeable
colleagues. Research skills may also help network administrators perform other job
responsibilities, such as developing networks or making systems suggestions to
clients. For example, they may perform research to understand the compatibility
between different hardware and software. Their research can also provide
supportive evidence that ensures they provide accurate and persuasive network
recommendations to clients or organizations.
Interpersonal skills
Network administrators often teach clients or colleagues how to use the software
they install or develop. Strong interpersonal skills help ensure positive interactions
with these stakeholders. For example, network administrators benefit from
displaying patience and empathy when working with less experienced individuals.
Network administrators also benefit from other interpersonal skills, such as
dependability and confidence. These qualities can help them develop trusting
relationships at work. For example, when a network administrator is dependable,
others recognize they can look to them for help. This trait also shows
organizational leaders or clients that they can trust these professionals to handle
significant responsibilities.

Multitasking skills
Network administrators may work on numerous tasks at once, often balancing
long-term network projects with daily troubleshooting activities. With multitasking
skills, these professionals can shift their attention between responsibilities as
needed. Network administrators may use several skills that support multitasking,
such as delegating and prioritizing tasks. These skills enable them to organize their
responsibilities and schedule their time appropriately to ensure they complete their
most urgent tasks first. They can also delegate tasks to team members, allowing
them to focus their attention on high-priority responsibilities.

Creativity skills
Network administrators may benefit from having creativity skills for several
reasons. For example, creative thinking can help them develop innovative network
designs or solutions to technical problems. In some situations, network
administrators may also need to design custom software that meets clients' diverse
needs. This skill also encourages curiosity and experimentation, which these
professionals may use to continue learning about and trying new ideas that
improve their work.
Reading comprehension
Reading comprehension allows network administrators to understand written
instructions or explanations quickly. During their research, reading comprehension
can help network administrators troubleshoot problems efficiently. Some employee
interactions between employees and network administrators may happen purely
through text mediums, such as email or texts. With honed reading comprehension
skills, network administrators can understand a problem quickly and work more
effectively to find a solution.