6
Networking: A Beginner's Guide
What other automation plans exist that will require the support of the
network? For example, say you're the network administrator in a company.
What new applications or features will be added to the network that you
need to support? Is the company planning on installing some kind of
videoconferencing system, for instance? If so, do you know what changes you
will need to make to the network to support the system?
What needs to be done to the network simply to maintain it? In most companies,
file space requirements grow rapidly, even if the business itself isn't expanding.
How much additional storage space does the network need to keep going
forward? How many additional servers and other components will be needed to
keep the network working smoothly?
Obviously, a list such as the preceding one can't be exhaustive. The important
point is that you need to approach the job of networking first from the perspective of
the company and its needs. Within that framework, use your creativity, knowledge,
experience, and business and technical acumen to propose and execute a plan for
the network. The remainder of this book discusses the information you need to start
learning about this important part of any company's infrastructure.
Understanding Networking Jobs
If you're planning on entering the field of networking (and this book is designed
as a good start for that), it's important to have some understanding of the various
networking jobs that you're likely to encounter and what they typically require. Of
course, actual job requirements will vary widely between companies and for different
established networks. Also, companies may have different entry-level opportunities
through which you can enter a networking career. That said, the following descriptions
are broad overviews of some key jobs.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for the operations of a network or, in larger
companies, for the operations of key parts of the network. In a smaller company that
has only one network administrator, duties include the following:
Creating, maintaining, and removing user accounts
Ensuring that necessary backups are made on a regular basis
Managing the "keys" to the network, such as the administrative accounts and
their passwords
Managing network security policies
Adding new networking equipment, such as servers, routers, hubs, and
switches, and managing that equipment