NETWORK DESIGN AND ADMINISTRATION

NETWORK DESIGN AND ADMINISTRATION

The explosion of the Internet and the usefulness of networks to business has had a dramatic impact in the number of careers in network design and administration.

As with many areas of IT, job titles and responsibilities are usually determined by the type of company or industry. However, networking usually involves work in two main areas: networking hardware and networking software. The physical equipment (the hardware) includes such things as routers, hubs, and switches and is often referred to as “infrastructure”. The hardware is what allows computers to communicate and share data. Networking software is what powers the equipment and gives it its instruction. Different companies like Microsoft, Novell, and Sun Microsystems offer software products that control networks.

A networking professional is usually responsible for the design, development and maintenance of Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Internets, Extranets, and/or Intranets. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure availability to system users. Networking professionals gather data to identify customer needs and then use that information to identify, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements. They offer support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government, and large corporations.

1. NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR
   
   
2. NETWORK ENGINEER
   
   
3. NETWORK INSTALLER
   
   
4. NETWORK TECHNICIAN
   
   

Career: Network Administrator
Description	Installs, maintains, and monitors the operation of an organization's network. Evaluates and recommends hardware and software products. Installs new or updated hardware and software. Establishes and implements policies, procedures and standards. Diagnoses and resolves network problems.
Job-related skills, interests and values	Strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills are critical in this career.

Career: Network Engineer
Description	Responsible for the engineering, configuration, installation, and administration of computer networks. Performs resolution of network problems through troubleshooting and devising effective solutions. Produces and maintains documentation covering the design, implementation, installation and maintenance of a range of computer network .
Job-related skills, interests and values	Strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills are critical in this career.

Career: Network Installer
Description	Responsible for the installation of equipment used in voice, video, fiber optics and data telecommunications networks. Conducts testing, analysis and maintenance of video, voice and data systems; including electronic devices such as gateways, routers, hubs, nic cards, telephone switches, etc.
Job-related skills, interests and values	Troubleshooting, problem solving, and customer services skills are critical in this career. Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Career: Network Technician
Description	Perform installations, provides technical support, and troubleshoots the operation and maintenance of network equipment and/or systems. Responsible for monitoring networks to ensure functionality. Installs and/or upgrades software and hardware equipment.
Job-related skills, interests and values	Troubleshooting, problem solving, and customer services skills are critical in this career.