Network Administrator

Network administrators are responsible for network administration, in general the LAN and WAN networks (local and broad areas) and their entire environment, namely: hardware, system software, applications software and all configurations. The main functions are systems management and administration and their improvement.

Nowadays almost all major technologies rely on networks and connectivity. As these technologies advance, so do networks. Thus, on a more modern side, this occupation may also involve tasks related to the Cloud Architecture, such as the installation and configuration programming of cloud services parameters or the monitoring of correct data transfer.

• Oversee network installation.
  Responsible for selecting the equipment needed on the market, whether to fulfil requirements or to develop network improvements, at times working with the systems administrator. May participate in the original design of the network, always upholding the balance between profits and cost.
  This professional is not in charge of installing the basic network, which shall be done by suppliers or technicians at the company itself, but is in charge of specific configuration and, where applicable, incorporating peripherals.
  Take charge of testing how software and hardware operate.
• Manage network maintenance.
  Must create software programs to configure the network and its devices.
  This professional is in charge to assign IP addresses when a computer is registered. Manage the access of people and data to the network and therefore control the data flow and manage any problem that may occur.
  Must act as a network 'plumber' or, in other words, control and fix clogs or data 'drips'. It is important to know the hardware used well to be able to manage it correctly.
  Assign network addresses, routing protocols and tables.
  In charge of router maintenance (and their protocols) and for switches, firewalls, etc.
• Provide service to users.
  Resolve problems that may arise, adding the devices that each employee needs (printers, drivers for different services, etc.).
  At times train users to use the network more efficiently.
• Must perform network monitoring at times.
  If there is no post of network manager, will be responsible for data transmission, controlling their flow, network reliability, redundancy (robust networks require redundancy: if a link fails, there must be alternative routes so they can continue operating on their own) and their performance.
  Responsible for physical repairs: resolve problems that may arise in the devices (reconfiguration of routers, switches).
• Assure network IT security.
  Responsible for the confidentiality of information: prevent access to data from outside and establish a permissions system for the internal network.
  In charge of user authentification processes.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Sistemes de gestió d'informació (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Gestió de xarxes de veu i dades (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Seguretat informàtica (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Administració i disseny de xarxes departamentals (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Administració de serveis d'internet (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Gestió de sistemes informàtics (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Administració i programació en sistemes de planificació de recursos empresarials i de gestió de relacions amb clients (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course (s) in the field of computer and communications- Intermediate level: Microcomputer systems and networks
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of IT and Communications - Advanced Level: Computer Systems Network Administration

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Analytical thought: Level 2

Initiative: Level 3

Customer orientation: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 3

Planning and organisation: Level 2

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Safety

Those who prefer to work in the field of security enjoy carrying out duties of protection, security and surveillance of individuals, goods, data or information. Activities such as protecting people who work with an entity and their staff in order to prevent offences and crimes, as well participating in processes that investigate criminal activity are examples of the professional tasks that comprise this field. Knowing the laws that are applicable in the field or professional context within which this task takes place is key when carrying out these kinds of activities.

Systems administrator

Network manager

Systems manager

Systems analyst

Systems technician

• Work hours

  Full time, split shift. Working outside of office hours may be required to resolve problems or make network changes.

• Salary

  Gross annual salary from 22.983 to 34.221 euros, depending on experience. Median: 28.044 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician