System network administrators monitor and support the day-to-day operation of computer systems and networks within an organization, ensuring reliable performance and data integrity on local area networks (LANs), wide area networks ( WAN) and intranets of the organization. In this role, system network administrators assess the needs of a business by setting up and maintaining computer networks, monitoring network and system performance, and collecting data to improve security and reliability.
This IT role works primarily on server-side deployment and maintenance tasks, but the system network administrator's tasks may also include direct user support, particularly during upgrades and migrations. The system network administrator must balance technical skills with an overview of how your organization uses its data infrastructure.
Duties and responsibilities of the system network administrator
While the role of a system network administrator may vary slightly depending on your organization, the posts we reviewed shared several key responsibilities:
Configure and install networks and operating systems
One of the primary duties of a network systems administrator is to install, configure, and deploy networks and operating systems for use throughout the organization. The system's network administrator determines the organization's data storage and transmission needs and makes key decisions regarding network configuration and the ability to provide users with reliable access to key data and software. The system network administrator can also directly install operating systems and programs on the user's hardware.
Provide technical support to users
System network administrators provide direct support to end users, particularly during system setup and installation, as well as during network changes. This may include helping users install software and make sure it works with the operating system and network settings, troubleshooting connection or performance issues, or providing guidance on IT-related processes and procedures. In some organizations, the system network administrator can also resolve help desk inquiries.
Monitor system performance
The system's network administrator regularly monitors system performance to ensure reliability. This may include reviewing error logs, running regular system speed and reliability tests, and monitoring user-reported problems. The system network administrator can also perform routine system checks to assess security and stability, modifying settings to fix problems or improve reliability.
Monitor the backend infrastructure
The system network administrator designs and manages many of the server-side or backend elements of an organization's network architecture. This may include installing network-level antivirus or firewall programs, configuring databases and accesses, and implementing server-side updates to improve performance. The system network administrator also periodically assesses the need to update or repair these systems while limiting the impact of these changes on employees.
Make a backup of your data
System network administrators prevent data loss and unauthorized access by making and verifying backup copies of data. Most system network administrators follow internal or external guidelines to back up data on a schedule, and even back up data as required by IT administrators. After completing a backup, the system's network administrator examines the data and runs tests to make sure it is intact and correct.
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