LAN Network Manager

A LAN manager, also known as a local network manager, is a professional who is in charge of a company’s internal computer network. LAN managers have various responsibilities, such as designing, setting up and managing a network. They have to troubleshoot network issues and provide technical assistance to end-users when required. In many cases, the local network manager will be responsible for overall network security as well.

The LAN Manager must ensure that all the Local Area Networks are working without any issues. The manager is responsible for fixing networking problems and guide the employees on how to use the network. It is the LAN Manager who is in charge of providing access to the network whenever required. They also take care of the network’s security and ensures no outside forces tap into the network.

As part of their job role, LAN Manager will also manage the team of network technicians. Sometimes, they may also take up the task of the IT guy and look into the internet and computer issues as well. They play an active role in downloading and installing networks and programs that may come handy to the organization.

Job Description

The most commonly used LAN manager job description is; an IT professional responsible for coordinating the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various kinds of network equipment. LAN managers need to have detailed knowledge of network systems and be able to intervene in case the network is down. They also have a variety of other roles, such as:

• Creating strategies to improve the efficiency of the networks and making cost-cutting recommendations to management.
• Keeping track of the service providers an organization uses for voice, video and data circuits.
• Playing an active role in network management by performing call re-routing, script modifications, and emergency adjustments depending on the company’s needs.
• Working on regular escalations and coordinating with the operating team to solve various kinds of network problems.
• Resolving telecom management issues and providing weekly reports.
• Helping with the management of various types of projects related to network services.
• Keeping track of server support by reviewing system and application logs, in addition to verifying that scheduled jobs like backups have been automatically completed without errors.
• Ensuring that base operating system patches and upgrades have been done whenever necessary. In some cases, LAN managers may need to apply software updates to provide optimal performance and security manually.
• Perform general system monitoring to ensure that all hardware is functioning properly.
• Assisting with the creation of guidelines and methods to install and manage host computer operating systems, disk arrays, network switches, and various other components.
• Must coordinate with the other department regarding all the network equipment at the local site.
• Provide all the necessary information and guidance to the Network and PC personnel.
• Should keep track of all the hardware and software updates.
• Have to test the new hardware and software solutions that are to be implemented within the local center.
• Put in place the network security and audit procedures
• Keep track of the regular reports and updates on IT related issues and initiatives.
• Make sure that the organization is following the accepted standards and policies.
• Take care of the scheduled backups of all files, security information, licenses, and other things.
• Maintain a record of upgrades and additional pertinent information such as the sites network, hardware, and software inventory.
• Look after the monitoring of local network performance and server drive space utilization.
• Keep a check on the user accounts and security permissions within the center.
  Should take into consideration domain controllers, licensing, voice and data cabling, equipment configuration and pertinent documentation.

Educational Qualifications

To become a network manager, the candidate will require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as information technology, computer science or telecommunications. They can also hold a bachelor’s degree to show better knowledge of a specific related subject. Having several years of relevant work experience, especially with networking hardware and software, will be a big plus for any candidate.
Many LAN managers hold one or more of the following industry certifications:

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) course is designed keeping in mind the senior network professionals. This certification will help the candidates to improve their skills to design, build, implement, maintain and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The CCNP certification for the professionals who are willing to work with a local or wide area network (LAN/WAN) infrastructure. The course is aimed at full-time network or system administrators.

Juniper Networks Certified Enterprise Routing and Switching Expert (JNCIE-ENT)

This certification validates the expertise on Junos OS and the ability to deploy, configure, manage and troubleshoot Junos-based enterprise routing and switching platforms. The certificate holder will be capable of building an enterprise network infrastructure consisting of multiple routers and switching devices.

CompTIA Network+

This is a mid-level certification for network technicians. It will offer the essential knowledge to install, maintain, and troubleshoot. It makes the candidate understand various aspects of networking technologies, including TCP/IP and the OSI model.

Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA)

The Wireshark Certified Network Analyst certification will provide the essential expertise and understanding to troubleshoot, optimize and secure a network with the help of the evidence gathered by evaluating traffic captured with the world’s most popular and widely-deployed analyzer, Wireshark.

Salary and Compensation

According to information from Simply Hired the average LAN manager salary is $59,865. Recent surveys show that individuals with more experience receive a higher pay and more benefits. As technology is rapidly growing, the demand for LAN managers is expected to increase in the next few years. The indeed salary estimate states that on an average LAN Manager earns about $52,934 per year in the United States.  The typical tenure for a LAN Manager is 2-4 years.

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