c
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Several types of positions exist in networking, each with different average salaries and
long-term potential, and one should possess a clear understanding of these.
Unfortunately, job titles in networking, and in Information Technology (IT) generally,
often lead to confusion among beginners and experienced folks alike. Bland, vague or
overly bombastic titles often fail to describe the actual work assignments of a person in
this field. Ê

The basic job titles one sees for computer networking and networking-related positions
include Ê

gÊ ¦etwork Administrator
gÊ ¦etwork (Systems) Engineer
gÊ ¦etwork (Service) Technician
gÊ ¦etwork Programmer/Analyst
gÊ ¦etwork/Information Systems Manager

 
   Ê

In general, network administrators configure and manage LA¦s and sometimes WA¦s.
The job descriptions for administrators can be detailed and sometimes downright
intimidating! Consider the following description that, although fictitious, represents a
fairly typical posting: Ê


 !
"
"Candidate will be responsible for analysis, installation and configuration of company
networks. Daily activities include monitoring network performance, troubleshooting
problems and maintaining network security. Other activities include assisting customers
with operating systems and network adapters, configuring routers, switches, and
firewalls, and evaluating third-party tools." Ê

¦eedless to say, a person early in their career often lacks experience in a majority of
these categories. Most employers do not expect candidates to possess in -depth
knowledge of all areas listed in the job posting, though, so a person should remain
undeterred by the long, sweeping job descriptions they will inevitably encounter. Ê

 #$ # 
 Ê

The job function of a

  $ differs little from that of a ¦etwork
Administrator. Company A may use one title while Company B uses the other to refer to
essentially the same position. Some companies even use the two titles interchangeably.
Firms making a distinction between the two often stipulate that administrators focus on
the day-to-day management of networks, whereas network engineers focus primarily on
system upgrades, evaluating vendor products, security testing, and so on. Ê

A
  % % tends to focus more on the setup, troubleshooting, and repair of
specific hardware and software products. Service Technicians in particular often must
travel to remote customer sites to perform "field" upgrades and support. Again, though,
some firms blur the line between technicians and engineers or administrators. Ê

    $&' generally write software programs or scripts that aid

in network analysis, such as diagnostics or monitoring utilities. They also specialize in
evaluating third-party products and integrating new software technologies into an
existing network environment or to build a new environment. Ê
$ supervise the work of adminstrators, engineers, technicians, and/or
programmers. ¦etwork / Information Systems Managers also focus on longer-range
planning and strategy considerations. Ê

Salaries for networking positions depend on many factors such as the hiring
organization, local market conditions, a person's experience and skill level, and so on.
(Links to more in-depth information on networking salaries appear in the box at the top
of each page.) Ê

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Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v1.0

CCDA - CISCO CERTIFIED DESIGN ASSOCIATE

CCNA Security - Cisco Certified Network Associate Security

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CCNP - CISCO CERTIFIED NETWORKING PROFESSIONAL

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mplementing Cisco Switched Networks (SWITCH)

Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT)

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