As the world’s reliance on computer networks grows, network administrators and engineers play an increasingly important role. They are both in charge of making sure the networks are operational.
Due to the increasing need for network security, both of these job roles are in high demand in the US market and are projected to grow.
Despite the shining similarities between the two roles, there are some critical differences between them. Network administrators and network engineers actually do different tasks; they are not just two names for the same position.
If you are a talented individual who wants to work in network engineering but is still deciding which position to target, this guide can help. First, let us compare and contrast network engineer vs network administrator, highlighting the main differences and similarities.
What is a Network Administrator?
A network administrator manages and monitors computer infrastructures. They plan network maintenance, run security breach prevention programs, and manage network systems. Network administrators mainly concentrate on daily network operations, though they might occasionally collaborate with network engineers on tasks.
These technicians can also provide support for other networked devices, such as desktop computers.
Those who work as network administrators typically have experience with information and IT systems. The network administrator should have a solid understanding of hands-on network equipment administration gained through courses and vendor certifications. The training offers a basis for comprehending the goals of the network architecture and equips one with the skills to identify issues promptly.
It is recommended that a candidate for this position obtain at least the midlevel certifications from the vendor whose equipment is being utilized. A general understanding of networking is beneficial for supporting the operational role, which necessitates a deep understanding of the configuration mechanisms of the particular equipment.
Roles and Responsibilities
Network administrators are generally in charge of the following:
Setting up network hardware: Installing and configuring hardware such as switches, routers, and servers is a common task for administrators.
Taking care of maintenance and repairs: Network administrators are responsible for updating, maintaining, and fixing business computer networks. After examining and isolating network problems, they may also perform troubleshooting.
Managing software: Another responsibility of network administrators is to deploy and update company-wide software such as email, word processing, and videoconferencing software.
Maintaining network security: Depending on the size and security requirements of a business, network administrators may put security measures in place to safeguard user and company data, keep an eye on networks to make sure certain users can access them, and preserve the integrity of server deployments and networks.
System installation: A large number of network administrators support and install intranets, LANs, WANs, and network segments for their organizations.
Assessing system performance: To find and fix issues that might impair a system’s performance, administrators regularly examine and test their systems. By doing this, they can gauge how well they are able to satisfy user demands and gain a deeper comprehension of network and system prerequisites.
Assigning network addresses: Network administrators are in charge of allocating IP addresses to devices connected to networks. Depending on the procedures followed by their business, they may assign addresses statically or dynamically.
Updating devices: Network administrators keep network services running in machines such as drivers, printers, and personal computers. They also troubleshoot performance issues on desktops, printers, firewalls, and smartphones, as well as configure authentication and install updates and patches.
Assigning routing protocols: Administrators frequently work to create set protocols and routing table configurations that specify how routers communicate and share information.
Updating servers: One of the responsibilities of a network administrator is keeping an eye on the functionality of different network servers, such as VPN gateways, file servers, and intrusion detection systems.
Skills Required
Network administrator skills are a set of hard and soft skills that network management professionals use in the workplace or to advance their careers. For businesses, network administrators are responsible for the setup, maintenance, security, and optimization of computer networks. As part of a four-year degree program, they can choose to specialize in a number of areas, such as computer hardware, network management, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting. Graduates can learn and hone the skills required for this career by enrolling in additional certification courses.
Soft Skills
Communication skills: Professionals in this field frequently have to explain findings to management and non-technical clients. You can deliver this information to them using your excellent communication skills, allowing them to make informed decisions. You may also collaborate with individuals from various disciplines as part of a larger project. Effective communication helps you build trust with colleagues, improve teamwork, and foster a positive work environment.
Critical thinking: This demonstrates network administrators’ ability to investigate topics thoroughly. Network administrators apply critical thinking abilities to assess work-related situations and come up with solutions by utilizing their resources and knowledge. For instance, they have to deal with security lapses and make a suitable plan of action. They may conduct research or ask questions to identify potential solutions and then assess their feasibility.
Problem-solving skills: Network administrators may encounter problems with networks, hardware, and software. Experts with problem-solving abilities can analyze these issues and recommend appropriate solutions. Experts in this field can also use their problem-solving skills to identify and implement strategies that improve an organization’s IT infrastructure, such as system maintenance, security, and the most recent software updates.
Time management: This line of work involves juggling a variety of responsibilities, including troubleshooting daily issues and supporting long-term projects. Professionals who use an efficient time management strategy are better able to plan their work and finish projects on schedule. They can efficiently manage their time by setting priorities, making to-do lists, monitoring progress, and assigning tasks to others.
Research abilities: These experts can compile data on the problem and utilize it to conduct web searches or talk with knowledgeable coworkers about the circumstances. Research skills may also help network administrators perform other job responsibilities, such as developing networks or making systems suggestions to clients. For example, they may conduct research to understand the compatibility between different hardware and software.
Organizational skills: The position necessitates recording typical mistakes, hardware and software inconsistencies, updates, and configuration modifications. New users and IT personnel can learn a great deal about how a company’s systems and networks operate from these thorough documents. Practical organizational abilities are necessary for network administrators to keep up-to-date records of the systems and networks they oversee.
Hard Skills
Virtualization: This process makes a virtual copy of a resource or device, like an operating system, network, storage device, or server. Understanding virtualization enables them to analyze an existing infrastructure and create a flexible, stable, and efficient virtual infrastructure as part of a new installation or upgrade. Gaining knowledge about virtual networks, virtual storage, and virtual security can help you become more employable.
Infrastructure and hardware: Professionals who possess a thorough understanding of system hardware are better able to monitor product configuration, which includes operating systems, hardware choices, and other platform specifications, as well as comprehend system-level design. They are in charge of managing the hardware, operating systems, and application software in computer networks and other computing environments. They must also install, set up, and maintain hardware, software, and services related to local area networks (LANs).
Network security: Network administrators must have a thorough understanding of network security requirements, protocols, and common vulnerabilities. This ensures that an organization has put security measures in place to reduce risks like vulnerabilities and unauthorized attacks. In addition, they are in charge of creating disaster recovery plans, managing file permissions and host security, putting security policies into practice, and documenting networks and systems.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues with a machine or application. Experts in this domain are accountable for overseeing network efficiency, resolving network disruptions, and offering network assistance for various undertakings. The role also entails configuring hardware and software systems, as well as troubleshooting related issues.
Network infrastructure: This is the collective term for the hardware, software, connectivity, and other logical and physical elements that make up a network. Network administrators use network infrastructure to maintain computer hardware and data networks, create appropriate network configurations, and manage internal networks. In addition, they assess business requirements in order to develop new network infrastructure topologies and provide client assistance with network infrastructure, telecommunications, and proprietary software problems.
Technical support: This refers to the assistance that customers receive when they encounter problems with a product or service. Network administrators use technical support to help staff members by offering advice and knowledge, fixing application problems, and ensuring that customers’ processing times are uninterrupted. They also handle daily issues, communicate with vendors for application upgrades and maintenance, and offer support for different network components.
Certifications Required
CompTIA Network+
The Network+ certification is administered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which provides education, training, and certifications to IT professionals. This program certifies your ability to design networks, configure and maintain network devices, identify the benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations, and troubleshoot network programs. Those wishing to work as computer technicians, network administrators, network analysts, system engineers, or network field technicians will find this certification beneficial.
Learn more about the certification here.
CompTIA Linux+
The CompTIA Linux+ certification can help IT professionals advance their careers in network administration and create new job opportunities. This certification covers the most up-to-date fundamental skills that employers are looking for. Earning the CompTIA Linux+ certification will teach you about all of the major Linux distributions. The CompTIA Linux+ certification exam covers system administration, scripting, containerization and automation, security, and troubleshooting. It is recommended that CompTIA Linux+ candidates have at least one year of experience working with Linux servers. Certifications in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Server+ are also advised.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Professionals seeking to train for jobs as network administrators, network engineers, and network specialists can benefit from the CCNA certification. This course teaches you how to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot various types of network infrastructure. There is a single exam that covers a broad range of fundamentals required for IT careers after finishing the course materials. This certification is a good option for those just starting in this field of work because it has no prerequisites.
Learn more about the certification here.
Network 5 Certification
The largest technical certification body for cybersecurity in the world, EC-Council, offers The Network 5 certification. It provides many cybersecurity certifications, but the Network 5 certification might be helpful for people who want to work as network administrators. This certification is intended for people who want to show that they are proficient in networking. You need to pass the Network 5 exam in order to get this certification. You have two options for becoming eligible for this exam: fill out an eligibility form or enroll in the related EC-Council training.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification program is designed specifically for experienced information security managers and others with information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is intended for those who manage, design, oversee, and assess an enterprise’s information security (IS). In addition to promoting global standards, the CISM certification gives executive management confidence that individuals who obtain the title possess the necessary training and expertise to offer efficient security management and consulting services.
Job Outlook for Network Administrators
From 2022 to 2032, employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow by 2%, roughly in line with the national average. Over the course of the next ten years, an average of 19,800 positions per year for network and computer systems administrators are anticipated.
The most recent data indicates that the average yearly compensation for a network administrator in the US is $81,987.
What is a Network Engineer?
Have you ever wondered what kind of IT specialist is in charge of determining the network requirements for a company? This is one of the responsibilities of a network engineer, also known as a network architect.
Network engineers assist businesses with their computer networks. This support can involve creating new networks and keeping the ones that already exist safe and operational. Finding out more about the responsibilities of network engineers can help you decide if managing systems for businesses is something you are interested in doing.
Network engineers are responsible for designing, building, implementing, and maintaining computer networks used by businesses and organizations. These networks usually consist of an organization’s extranet, intranet, and phone system. They are also often in charge of evaluating each system’s performance, performing routine maintenance, diagnosing problems, and repairing them.
The majority of the job entails managing the design and optimization of a network while collaborating closely with other engineers, project managers, and network administrators. Engineers are also responsible for identifying and resolving network issues. As they troubleshoot issues, network engineers keep an eye on a network’s security and performance to make sure it is continually operating at peak efficiency.
Roles and Responsibilities
A network engineer’s typical duties and roles include the following:
Developing the network design: Network engineers are in charge of drawing up complex schematics that show the architecture and configuration of a network. To achieve this, it is necessary to analyze organizational requirements, comprehend user needs, and choose the right hardware and software components. They also identify the ideal network topology, which could be anything from a complicated mesh design for a large enterprise to a straightforward star configuration for a small office.
Resolving issues and conducting diagnostics: Network engineers are the first line of defense against interruptions in the dynamic field of networking, where problems can occur at any time. Their strong analytical abilities and comprehensive knowledge of network protocols enable them to promptly and precisely identify problems.
Setting up network devices: After the network architecture is complete, network engineers get down to business configuring the infrastructure’s hardware. They assign IP addresses, configure routing protocols, and set up access controls on routers, switches, and other devices in accordance with the design specifications.
Updating and maintaining networks: Similar to living things, networks need ongoing attention and upkeep to survive. To keep the infrastructure current and safe, network engineers carry out regular tasks including installing security patches, software updates, and patches.
Putting security measures in place: Network engineers must defend sensitive information and stop malevolent attacks. This could entail setting up firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) in order to enforce security regulations and keep an eye out for unusual activity in network traffic.
Monitoring and improving network performance: To make sure the network satisfies performance goals and adjusts to shifting circumstances, constant observation is required. Network engineers use a variety of monitoring tools and techniques to track key performance indicators like bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss. They examine patterns over time, spot possible capacity problems or bottlenecks, and put performance-enhancing optimizations into action.
Disaster recovery planning: In the event of a network outage or catastrophic failure, network engineers are critical in developing and implementing disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime and data loss. This entails creating backup and recovery plans, putting failover mechanisms into place, and designing redundant systems to promptly and effectively restore network functionality.
Creating and updating documentation: Ensuring the stability and integrity of the network infrastructure requires thorough documentation. To give themselves and other team members a clear and rigorous reference, network engineers create detailed documentation that includes network diagrams, configuration files, change management records, and troubleshooting procedures.
Performing capacity planning: Network engineers play a critical role in projecting future expansion and guaranteeing that the infrastructure of the network can grow to accommodate rising demand. They examine current usage patterns, forecast future needs, and devise capacity expansion plans to accommodate increased traffic and new applications. This could entail introducing traffic shaping and prioritization strategies, increasing bandwidth capacity, or improving hardware components in order to maximize resource allocation.
Teaching and imparting knowledge: Network engineers are always trying to improve their abilities and keep up with new developments and industry standards. To broaden their understanding, they attend training programs and conferences and pursue certifications.
Skills Required
Network engineers use a variety of hard skills, such as firewall configuration and general technical troubleshooting. Additionally, these engineers use soft skills like cooperation and written and verbal communication. Understanding and learning the skills used by network engineers can help you improve your performance in your role.
Soft Skills
Written communication skills: Network engineers frequently document system analyses, testing, processes, and other technical operations in writing. In addition, they draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), configuration, documentation, and network diagrams. As a result, many of these engineers rely on written communication skills to succeed in their careers.
Analytical abilities: A network engineer’s career depends on having analytical skills, such as the capacity to deconstruct complicated issues and assess technical procedures. These abilities aid engineers in determining the effectiveness of systems and processes. Moreover, network engineers can benefit from practical data analysis when it comes to performance optimization. Being able to detect vulnerabilities based on real-time data, they are able to evaluate system performance and risk efficiently.
Teamwork abilities: Network engineers collaborate with numerous people in different organizational departments. Their ability to work well in a team, under managers, and with other people in the organization is beneficial. When hiring network engineers, employers typically want someone who can work well with and even lead groups of IT technicians, software developers, and systems analysts to accomplish company objectives.
Time management abilities: Another critical competency for a network engineer is time management. You know when to give advice and when to assign work to other team members so that you have enough time to finish the tasks you are expected to do. Additionally, you can follow effective time management techniques by choosing a project management approach that suits your needs, establishing milestones, and reviewing your schedule before taking on an unforeseen assignment.
Problem-solving abilities: Skilled network engineers are able to resolve intricate mathematical and technological issues. In the workplace, problem-solving also includes applying novel and creative solutions to overcome obstacles, such as managing IT security networks or collaborating with a team to finish a project that affects the entire organization.
Adaptability and lifelong learning: Network engineers need to be dedicated to lifelong learning in order to stay up to date with the rapidly evolving field of technology. This ability entails taking a proactive stance toward professional growth by taking part in industry forums, attending workshops, and earning advanced certifications. Being adaptable also entails having an open mind toward novel approaches and technological advancements like network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN).
Hard Skills
Programming languages and scripts: These engineers create and manage networks using programming languages and scripts. For network engineers, Go, Python, C++, Ruby, and Perl are some of the most widely used languages. Network engineers use these languages to implement database integration, create custom scripts, and enable network virtualization.
Firewall: Network engineers are in charge of creating and maintaining secure networks, which include firewalls. A thorough understanding of firewalls, including host-based firewalls, network firewalls, web application firewalls (WAF), and cloud firewalls, is imperative for those aspiring to become network engineers. Firewalls monitor users and limit their access to servers, networks, apps, and databases.
Security: Network engineers are also in charge of securing networks to reduce the likelihood of data loss, unauthorized access, and theft. These engineers use firewalls, access control, authentication, endpoint security, and encryption as essential cybersecurity tools.
Understanding of network architecture and infrastructure: Network engineers must be able to create a working network for a startup, small business, or enterprise. Modern companies need dependable network infrastructure to respond to errors and unplanned downtime while continuing to operate. Network engineers strive to create networks that are scalable, available, secure, and adaptable to evolving business requirements.
Networking automation: To save time and increase productivity, today’s engineers routinely automate repetitive tasks such as monitoring and device configuration. Network engineers can incorporate pre-existing tools into their workflows or create their automated tools using scripting languages. Knowing how to write custom scripts in Java can be helpful because it is a popular language for network automation.
Cloud networking: A lot of businesses store their data on the cloud, giving authorized users instantaneous, on-demand access to information. Engineers can maintain their competitiveness by having the capacity to communicate with cloud service providers (CSPs) and manage networks in both public and private clouds. Proficient network engineers are aware of the particular hazards connected to cloud networking, like data loss in transit and opaqueness in dealing with cloud providers, and are capable of coming up with creative ways to reduce these risks.
Certifications Required
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise
It is a prominent certification that attests to a person’s proficiency with enterprise networking solutions. It is intended for network engineers and administrators and covers both foundational technologies and a selected area of interest. Applicants must exhibit competence in automation, network security, routing, and switching. To obtain this certification, candidates must pass two exams: the enterprise concentration and the core exam. This ensures that candidates have a thorough understanding of enterprise network design, implementation, and management.
VMware Certified Professional—Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)
The VCP-NV certification attests to a person’s proficiency in managing, deploying, and debugging VMware’s network virtualization solutions. This certification guarantees competence in building safe and effective virtualized network environments and focuses on VMware NSX technology. Upon completion of this course, candidates will gain valuable skills for modern IT departments, including the ability to manage security operations and network virtualization, optimize data center workflows, and comprehend the nuances of NSX infrastructure.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate certification attests to a person’s proficiency with the administration and deployment of Microsoft Azure’s fundamental networking infrastructure. It focuses on abilities like network solution design, implementation, and maintenance, encompassing connectivity, security, routing, hybrid networking, and private Azure service access. Professionals looking to prove their proficiency with Azure networking features and technologies—which guarantee effective and safe network operations in the cloud—should get this certification.
AWS Certified Advanced Networking (Specialty)
The AWS Certified Advanced Networking—Specialty certification is intended for professionals who design and implement AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale. This certification attests to a person’s proficiency in network architecture on AWS, network infrastructure security, and service integration. Before attempting this certification, candidates should have a background in network architecture and management, as well as a thorough understanding of AWS services and networking concepts. Obtaining this certification indicates a high level of technical proficiency and expertise in creating and managing hybrid IT network architectures and AWS systems.
Certified Network Defender (CND)
According to the EC-Council Network, a trade organization for information security, the CND certification can help network engineers and administrators, IT administrators, data analysts, and network technicians improve their security skills. The certification consists of a 20-module course covering topics such as Enterprise Cloud Network Security, Data Security, Endpoint Security—Linux Systems, Network Attacks and Defense Strategies, Risk Anticipation with Risk Management, and Threat Prediction with Cyber Threat Intelligence. Students have a variety of learning options to select from, such as self-study and live or virtual instruction. Graduates of this program can work as network security engineers or in other more senior roles in organizational security.
Job Outlook for Network Engineers
As businesses expand their IT networks, they will increasingly rely on these professionals to construct new networks and upgrade existing ones. It is also anticipated that the rise in popularity of cloud computing will increase demand for computer network architects. Between 2022 and 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3.5% increase in employment for computer network architects. An estimated 6,300 jobs should become available during that time.
As per the most recent reports, the average annual salary of a network engineer in the United States is $97580.
Differences and Similarities: Network Administrator Vs. Network Engineer
Similarities
It is crucial to remember that network administrator vs engineer can occasionally have hazy boundaries, particularly in smaller businesses. Some engineering tasks may be assigned to a network administrator and vice versa. However, the roles tend to get more specialized as the network gets more complex.
For a network to operate correctly, network engineers and administrators are both necessary. While engineers lay the groundwork for effective and safe network operations, administrators make sure the network runs smoothly on a daily basis. Effective cooperation between the two is essential to the IT infrastructure’s overall performance.
Technical expertise is needed for both positions, including a solid grasp of hardware, software, and networking protocols.
Both positions also require troubleshooting and resolving network issues.
They both frequently work together with other IT teams, such as security experts and system administrators.
Differences
Consider a network to be like a building. A network administrator is in charge of maintaining the building on a daily basis, which includes repairing leaks, changing lightbulbs, and making sure it is clean and secure. A network engineer is the architect who plans the building’s layout, structural integrity, and overall functionality.
To put it simply, network engineers create and enhance the network, whereas network administrators look after it.
Here’s a table to make you understand network administrator vs. network engineer better:
| Role | Focus | Responsibilities | Skill Set | Career Path |
| Network Administrator | Day-to-day operations & maintenance | Troubleshooting, monitoring, configuration, security, and user management | Operational knowledge, technical proficiency, problem-solving, interpersonal skills | Help desk/technical support > Network administrator |
| Network Engineer | Network design & implementation | Planning, hardware/software selection, infrastructure implementation, security strategies, performance optimization, emerging technologies | Strategic thinking, problem-solving, design skills, in-depth networking knowledge, project management | Computer science/engineering degree > Network engineer |
Conclusion
Hopefully, you got a hang of network admin vs network engineer. As the technology industry evolves, there is a greater demand for people who can develop, design, and manage computer networks. Many fundamental skills are crucial and can be acquired by your team through authorized and practical training courses by Microtek Learning.
Frequently Asked Questions: Network Administrator Vs. Network Engineer
Which is better, a network engineer or a network administrator?
In contrast to other job roles, network engineers usually have more formal education and training requirements, which highlights their executive responsibilities. Network administrators, on the other hand, tend to focus more on maintenance and troubleshooting and have more certifications and real-world experience. While network engineers and administrators frequently collaborate, network engineers usually have more authority and cover a broader range of duties.
Who gets paid more, a network engineer or a network administrator?
Network engineers earn more on average because the job typically requires a higher level of education and prior work experience.
What is the difference between an administrator and an engineer?
Network administrators offer practical insights on performance bottlenecks and areas for improvement while network engineers optimize their designs. To guarantee a strong defense against attacks, network administrators put security protocols into effect in accordance with the guidelines and best practices established by network engineers.
