NETAD LESSON1

Network administration

aims to manage, monitor, maintain, secure, and service an organization’s network. However, the specific tasks and procedures may vary depending on the size and type of an organization.

network monitoring, network management, and maintaining network quality and security

What does network administration consist of?

Network monitoring

is essential to monitor unusual traffic patterns, the health of the network infrastructure, and devices connected to the network. It helps detect abnormal activity, network issues, or excessive bandwidth consumption early on and take preventative and remedial actions to uphold the network quality and security.

Network management

encompasses multiple administrative functions, including network planning, implementation, and configuration.

Network security

employs various techniques to ensure a network is secure. For example, it uses multiple tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection or prevention systems, and anti-malware software to prevent or detect malicious activity in the network.

5 key areas of NetAd

Fault management, Configuration management, Account management, Performance management, Security management

Fault management

Monitors the network infrastructure to identify and address issues potentially affecting the network. It uses standard protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to monitor network infrastructure.

Configuration management

Tracks configuration and related changes of network components, including switches, firewalls, hubs, and routers. As unplanned changes can affect the network drastically and potentially cause downtime, it’s essential to streamline, track, and manage configuration changes.

Account management

Tracks network utilization to bill and estimate the usage of various departments of an organization. In smaller organizations, billing may be irrelevant. However, monitoring utilization helps spot specific trends and inefficiencies.

Performance management

Focuses on maintaining service levels needed for efficient operations. It collects various metrics and analytical data to continually assess network performance, including response times, packet loss, and link utilization.

Security management

Aims to ensure only authorized activity and authenticated devices and users can access the network. It employs several disciplines such as threat management, intrusion detection, and firewall management. It also collects and analyzes relevant network information to detect and block malicious or suspicious activity.

network administrator

• installing, monitoring, troubleshooting, and upgrading network infrastructure, including both hardware and software components

• monitoring network activity

• implementing optimization techniques to improve network efficiency and utilization

• managing and granting network access to users and endpoint devices

distributing software upgrades efficiently using tools such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

• planning and executing routine backups

• managing and distributing licenses and maintaining compliance with licensing agreements

• installing new software applications and hardware appliances

Network Administrator

• is responsible for managing and maintaining the network in real time

• ensures the network is secure by blocking suspicious activity and mitigating the risk of security breaches

• implements security programs based on hardware and software

• manages on-site networking servers responsible for business operations

• ensures network integrity and resilience to maintain service levels

• tests the network to uncover weaknesses and mitigate them

• monitors and tracks utilization

• applies utilization, authentication, and authorization policies to maintain the quality and security of the network

Network Engineer

• designs network architecture and develops the entire network based on an organization’s requirements

• plans and implements both wired and wireless networks

• broadly manages the underlying network equipment

• strategically ensures network performance is as desired

• researches and introduces better technologies and implements them into the network lifecycle

• collaborates with network administrators to manage and remediate network issues