Whether you hire your own network administrator or make use of an Ottawa computer services provider, making the best of your network requires network support, configuration, maintenance, from time to time upgrades, new server integration and providing new applications and services.
Maintenance
Maintaining the network is an integral part of Network Administration. This involves installing, securing, monitoring and updating network components when required. The network administrator is required to monitor the network for outdated software components and update these applications when required. The network administrator will also install new software released by the business and ensure no bugs exist on the network. All faults are reported to the developer who will provide the network administrator with a fix or patch.
Testing of systems is also important in order to ensure the network is operating to the business standard. Testing may also involve penetration testing (as mentioned in the introduction article) in order to ensure that there are no possibilities of security breaches or possible attacks on the network.
Security
Securing the network and maintaining security standards are the most important duties of a network administrator. Network security includes the policies and processes set in place to prevent security breaches. A computer network may be subjected to malicious attacks including phishing, cyber-attacks, viruses and DOS (Denial-of-service) attacks. Security measures differ from business to business. The network administrator determines which measures are appropriate for the business network and implements those security measures accordingly.
Monitoring network performance
Ottawa computer services providers use network monitoring and analysis tools in order to maintain constant network performance. These tools notify the user of slow or failing components who then examines the network components and checks the network hardware including the network adaptors, cables, hubs and switches.
Often network performance is compromised due to overloading of the server or the network. This is commonly known as network bottlenecking. The network administrator will resolve this issue by either distributing client connections across various network adapters, installing additional network adapters or only utilizing network adapters with the highest available bandwidth.
User accounts
In order to access the network, users are required to provide valid credentials (most commonly a username and password. These credentials prove their identity and provide the user access to their individual account. Users report all faults experienced by the network administrator.
IT companies in Ottawa who provide network support will often use a fault management console to monitor and resolve faults occurring on the network. This tool aids in isolating the root cause of the fault and resolving it in a timeous manner.
Training and Certifications
Network administrators hold various I.T certifications. The most common certifications are Cisco’s CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or alternatively Microsofts’ MSCA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) exams. These exams provide the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the I.T field and more significantly in networking.
In the next article, we will be discussing all the components required to set up a business network. These include hardware and software components which a network requires in order to operate.