What is a network administrator?

From a purely functional perspective, it's the person responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of a network. He or she has to be able to install and configure hardware and software and ensure that the infrastructure of the network is sound.

In a large corporation, that's an apt, general description of a network administrator's duties. However, the vast majority of network administrators don't work in large companies. They work in small-to-mid-sized enterprises, where they wear a multitude of hats. It's not uncommon for a network administrator to bear responsibility for almost all aspects of technology—whether they're computer-related or not. All too often, this is because many people have become "default administrators" simply because they have a knack for computers and technology.

This chapter is an attempt to ensure that network administrators have an appropriate understanding of the basic tasks essential to the successful management of a network. But even if you're not interested in becoming a network administrator, the maintenance of a network is central to its very existence. The next few hours not only describe the duties of the network

administrator, they will also deepen your understanding of networking in general.

Managing a network is not a homogenous job. Instead, it's a melange of several different jobs:

• Architect
• Detail-oriented record keeper
• Troubleshooter
• Facilitator
• Coach
• Teacher

This isn't a complete list, either. Network administration accretes new tasks like the bottom of a boat accretes barnacles—they're a natural outgrowth of a vigorous and growing environment, even if they don't make you particularly happy. So don't take what's in this chapter as a complete list of the tasks of successful network administration; instead, look at the information here as a baseline. Depending on your environment, you'll find your job is diverse enough to prevent boredom—as well as being something you can make your own.