Network administrator definition
A network administrator is a professional tasked with managing and maintaining an organization’s computer network. Network administrators require a broad array of technical skills and usually come from an information technology (IT) background. In large organizations, network administrator duties are often split between multiple positions.
See also: network service provider, administrative privileges, data administration
Network administrator responsibilities
- Network infrastructure: Network administrators are responsible for planning and deploying network infrastructure, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices.
- Network security: Network administrators must ensure that the network is secure. This may involve setting up firewalls, monitoring network traffic, identifying security threats, and reporting cybersecurity incidents.
- Network performance: Administrators may monitor network traffic for anomalies, analyze traffic data to identify problems, and implement measures to make the network more effective.
- Network documentation: Network administrators keep a detailed documentation of the network, including network topology, device configurations, and network security policies. This information is vital if the network needs to be repaired or if another person takes over as network administrator.
- Network backups: Network backups ensure that critical data is not lost in the event of hardware failure or some other disaster.
- Technical support: Network administrators are the most knowledgeable individuals concerning network operations in an organization, and as such they are often required to provide technical support to users with network issues.
