Planning and deployment of a network and implementing and managing servers is no easy business. It is a time consuming process, which needs to follow many steps from analyzing requirements to maintenance and upgrading, just like the procedure engaged in developing custom software.

Responsible people for the management of a network

Network administrators and network managers are responsible for keeping a network running smoothly. Network administrators work in the tactical functions, while network managers are more involved in the strategic planning. The job role of a network administrator is widely confused with the system administrator position. These are two different responsibilities, where a system administrator would be the person in charge for maintaining computer systems, backing up and storage concerns.

Responsibilities of network workforce

Network maintenance is all about logic and not about physical effort. People who are responsible about the company network will have to work very closely with other technical staff, such as system administrators. The communication between these persons is very important to avoid unnecessary network breakdown. Duties may include monitoring network performance, auditing user activities and testing backup routes, amongst others. Network planning is also another responsibility of a network manager.

Nature of duties

In a communication failure, backup routes and workarounds may have to be activated, and bringing the network up and running very quickly can be critical for the business functionality. Network staff should be very attentive to the details of the network functionality, to minimize discontinuation of communication. They should also be well prepared to put forward their efforts at any time of the day for upholding of the network. Network personnel should be very awake about the new and emerging technologies and about ever-rising threats of security. Security issues are a major worry among network people, where it could have devastating effects on the business.

Education and qualifications required

Network managers and administrators need a very good knowledge about networking technologies and their practical usage. Basic requirements includes knowledge about configuring IP addresses, routing, firewalls as well as Local Area Networking such as Ethernet. When it comes to qualifications, for instance, Network+ (CompTIA) or Cisco certification would be very advantageous for network administrators.

Opportunities available

Networking is a rapidly growing technology where new opportunities are increasing in numbers. Almost all businesses have now identified the advantages of network communication and keep trying to expand their network infrastructure. Small businesses are in the front line of this trend, hurrying to connect their standalone workstations to the global network.

Summary

Networking career opportunities will continue to multiply for another long time. To pursue a career in networking, you need a sound educational and a technical background. With the explosion of mobile network technologies, the field is one major business inclination that offers many prospects for potential enthusiasts.