Network Controller
A network controller, also known as a network control operator or a network control technician, is a tech specialist who monitors the overall engineering infrastructure of an organization. The individual plans, designs, and evaluates to ensure that network performance is not compromised. The main responsibility of a network control operator is to maintain the network by tracking the performance of the network as well as managing issues through routine troubleshooting. They restore to service any of the components comprising the DRSN or DISN networks, including multiplexers, data terminal equipment, data/voice communications equipment, and transmission media.
If the problems lie within a complex network, controllers resort to high-level troubleshooting. They work closely with an engineering team to provide network architecture design and recommend new technologies to improve existing performance.
A network controller’s overall responsibilities include participating in the day-to-day maintenance of the network such as hardware support, software support, troubleshooting, and checking the quality of network transmissions.
Job Description
The job role of a Network Controller is to monitor, operate, manage, troubleshoot, and maintain the services related to data communication network and ensure that they are available to all the end users. Additional work competencies include:
- Supervising the company’s network systems.
- Overseeing local and wide area networks (WANs) linked to various computer platforms, operating systems, network capabilities, and topologies.
- Installing network systems to maintain connectivity of systems and sources.
- Monitoring network issues and troubleshooting when necessary.
- Proactively looking for network elements and alerts that can hamper quality.
- Managing complex network systems, provide ongoing troubleshooting, and resolve performance problems.
- Reviewing daily tickets and ensuring assigned cases are resolved in a timely fashion.
- Responding, troubleshooting, and resolving assigned cases.
- Maintain records and logs related to reported problems.
- Carry out data input and all reporting functions and related to network management.
- Report suspected breaches to the relevant team.
Education Qualifications and Other Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, communication systems or other related disciplines are imperative for becoming a network control technician. Educational training should cover an extensive range of topics related to computer systems, networks, routers, firewalls, and other information related to network infrastructure and computer infrastructure.
They should be having a certification in CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+.
In addition, they should possess the following.
- Expert understanding of network topologies, operating systems, system backups, IP routing, and firewalls.
- Thorough knowledge of troubleshooting of complex network features.
- The ability to design, plan, and implement data connectivity of LAN, WAN and software-defined WAN (SD-WAN), which is derived from software-defined networking, systems.
- The capability to control and manage network performance through various resources.
They should be able to identify and resolve complex problems within the network without compromising performance. Technicians should have working experience in installation, configuration, and maintenance of system hardware and software. They also need to have strong organizational, interpersonal, and collaboration abilities.
Available Positions in the Field
- Network Control Center Manager
Participates proactively in incident response and service management for the elimination of operational impact on the users. They examine the transmission service function of the network to ensure its smooth connectivity. If any problem related to the transmission quality arises, they must analyze and resolve it quickly. - Network Control Center Supervisor
Responsible for supervising all the routine activities of network control technicians. Supervisors monitor installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the network. They also work closely with the recovery team to resolve the problems concerning installation and quality of the network. - Network Engineer
Highly skilled technology professionals who are experts in maintaining the connectivity of network communications. They ensure all systems are working properly. A network engineer possesses extensive knowledge of computers, the internet, routers, firewalls, and switches, and can also assist in network architecture design. - Network Administrator
Network Administrator maintains the computer’s network infrastructure. Administrators are responsible for monitoring, installing, and updating security programs so that data networks are maintained efficiently. Job roles vary depending on an organization’s size and location, as their primary task is to monitor the network closely and carry out necessary updates. - Network Planning Analyst
The primary responsibility of a network planning analyst is to create the strategic design for the overall network and related projects. Apart from the strategic input, analysts also have to review, plan and evaluate network systems.
As technologies like cloud service and software-defined networks grow exponentially, there will be a huge demand for network technicians who can take care of organizational networks. Network technicians support networks by monitoring them closely to improve and maintain performance.
Salary
According to Payscale, the average salary of a full-time network control specialist is $67,582 per year. When one compares this with the average network controller salary for a freelancer, the hourly pay raises is $31.
Freelance network specialists have many advantages over individuals employed by companies. For example, they need not work within a specified time frame, and thus have more flexibility in terms of salary and timings. Additionally, depending on the requirements of the project, freelancers can extend their work hours, which gives them an advantage.
The Role of Field Engineer
If you are looking forward to being hired as a freelance Network Controller in the Best Freelance Marketplace, visit Fieldengineer.com. It helps you to connect with those employers who are looking out for candidates with appropriate skills. Available here are over 40,000 engineers belonging to various fields in more than 180 countries, making it one of the biggest and convenient on-demand platforms for employers looking to hire people in specialty occupations.
