Understanding the Network Administrator Responsibility Perfectly

Networking has become an indispensable part of the commercial world today. Most of the larger and multinational commercial houses are using network in some form to run their business and for communicating with the field units that might be spread across the continent or even the world. Naturally this calls for the job of network administrator. However it is necessary understanding the network administrator's responsibility perfectly to get the best work out of such administrator.

System Administrator and Network

People often confuse the two terms "network " and "system" as synonymous. In truth they are completely different from each other. A system administrator has specified tasks like updating the system, and developing software.

In addition, such administrator will also look after the kernel management and use account management. All these are not the domain of the network administrator. Of course in smaller environments the difference won't be pronounced. One person can perform both the tasks. However, in large environments based on information technology, the two will perform different tasks.

For instance when it comes to management of college directory, the system administrator would be concerned with how the system will store, preserve, and display data while the network administrator will be concerned with creating an interactive environment between the centre and the units in different locations.

ITU as Example

One of the best examples of how network administrator works can be seen in the functioning of the International Telecommunications Union or ITU that is a consortium of the telecommunication companies' world over. Setting up guidelines on how the telecommunication management network or TMN should operate, they have come up with ECAPS model as a premier model across the globe.

Essence of Networking Training

As in case of many other technical systems, one cannot expect to achieve high levels of skill and expertise in networking without effective training. In fact, training in networking constitutes a major course in information technology in most of the universities and institutes where the subject is taught.

Administrator's Responsibilities

Usually network administrator responsibility would be maintenance of computer hardware as well as the software those are parts of the computer network. Everything including configuration, maintenance and also the monitoring comes under the responsibility of the network. Above all, network administrator is also responsible for the security and integrity of the network administered by him or her. Being the highest rung of technical ladder in the organisation the administrator is rarely concerned with user support and concentrates basically on the overall health of the network.

Apart from security, authorisation of network and back up are also two most important tasks for the network are.