WAN Administrator
A Wide Area Network (WAN) Administrator is the trained professional in charge of supervising the installation and maintenance of network (cabled or Wireless) for a designated organization or deployed at the client location.
A WAN Administrator, otherwise known as a network administrator, is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of client computer systems, servers, and data security systems.
They ensure that the internal information and telecommunication (IT) structure of the enterprise is up-to-date. Administrators avert possible cyber-attacks for greater productivity as per company policies and procedures.
The Wide Area Network Administrator’s Duties
The Wide Area Network Administrator function falls under the broader category of network and computer system administrator. The scope of the Wide Area Network (WAN) Administrator job description covers the following areas:
- To define user needs and recommend alternatives.
- To troubleshoot, and resolve WAN performance, connectivity, and related network problems.
- To maintain the service log for internet (WAN) and its deployment based on the client’s requirement need.
- To manage, maintain, troubleshoot, and support network infrastructure.
- To maintain and optimize the health and efficiency of end-user systems.
- To serve as assigned in on-call rotation.
- To facilitate the purchase, and tracking of IT equipment, software, and licenses.
- To identify and resolve hardware and software problems.
- To design, analyze and implement WAN equipment and design a cost-effective system configuration that meets the users’ requirements.
- To test, evaluate and recommend selections of standard WAN components.
- To oversee project installation and administration as needed per project.
- To coordinate the administration of the WAN system and any client microcomputers with the IT contractor.
Apart from above the WAN administrator also screen the network to ensure network accessibility to every system customers and may do essential repairs to enable network availability. They May monitor and test website performance to ensure websites function correctly and without disturbance.
The WAN administrator should have the solid technical expertise and involvement with a range of network procedures, software, and hardware used in the WAN operations for a business. The position requires heavy-duty troubleshoot procedure, analytic and indicative skills, along with good communication abilities.
The WAN administrator’s role needs comprehensive information of related hardware, software, and network components. The administrator is accountable for making monitoring reports and handling device logs, as well as ensures the functionality of network links.
They usually bring together network administration and performance necessities with other members of the NOC team. The administrator classifies, analyzes, and documents present and future requests so that they can administer resources interrelated to the enterprise network.
Education, Skills, and Certification
To succeed as a Wide Area Network administrator, a degree in information technology, computer science or a related field is critical. You must possess primary skills in the knowledge area of networking to aid you to create backups, oversee network security for the organizations WAN and help you to effectively handle issues surrounding the software and hardware components of network interaction devices.
WAN administrator should be able to interact effectively with entities at all levels of the company. They should be well prepared with the ability to manage, prioritize and execute multiple tasks simultaneously in a difficult environment.
Some of the essential certifications are
- CompTIA Network+ Certification
- Cisco CCNA Certification
- Cisco CCNP Certification
- Certified WAN professional (CWP)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Salary
As per the salary report, the average amount of a Wide Area Network (WAN) administrator salary on a full-time basis in America is $80,524. Working as a part-time administrator can be a great option regarding rewards and gaining career credentials. In the Global Freelance Marketplace, FieldEngineer.com (FE) delivers the best platform for freelance Wide Area Network Administrators who desire maximum exposure.
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