Infocomm TechnologyISCO 2522

ICT network administrator

An ICT network administrator is a person who maintains reliable, secure and efficient data communication networks, including local and wide area networks, an intranet and internet connectivity. The administrator assigns the network addresses, manages and implements the routing protocols, configures the routing tables, and carries out some of the authentication implementations.

Check yourself in a minute: ICT network administrator

Rate 5 of the 34 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

define firewall rules

implement ICT security policies

design computer network

use back-up and recovery tools

interpret technical texts

About ICT network administrator

The network is the subject, and routing is the heart of it. The administrator works from ICT network routing and from the ICT network security threats, designs the computer network, and integrates the system components.

The estate reaches well beyond the network devices. The administrator services and administers the servers, including file servers, VPN gateways and intrusion detection systems, together with the desktops, printers, routers, switches, firewalls, telephones, IP connectivity, mobile devices, software deployments, security updates and patches, and a wide range of further hardware and software technologies. Managing the email hosting belongs here as well.

Security is not a separate function in this role. The administrator implements the ICT security policy, applies the updates and patches, and works from a knowledge of digital systems and of the threats the network actually faces. Interpreting technical texts matters too.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (34)

network management system toolsnetwork management system toolsThe software or hardware tools which enable monitoring, analysis and supervision of individual network components or network parts within a larger network system.ICT network routingICT network routingThe processes and techniques for choosing the best paths within an ICT network through which a packet can travel.solution deploymentsolution deploymentThe technologies and standards to be used during the installation, deployment and maintenance of software characteristics.computer programmingcomputer programmingThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object oriented programming, functional programming) a...ICT network security risksICT network security risksThe security risk factors, such as hardware and software components, devices, interfaces and policies in ICT networks, risk assessment techniques that can be applied to assess the severity and the con...procurement of ICT network equipmentprocurement of ICT network equipmentThe products available from network equipment providers and methods for selecting and procuring the equipment.digital systemsdigital systemsSystems to store, process and spread information in digital form. They are hardware, software and networks, as well as the ways in which these can be employed.internet governanceinternet governanceThe principles, regulations, norms and programs that shape the evolution and use of internet, such as internet domain names management, registries and registrars, according to ICANN/IANA regulations a...cyber attack counter-measurescyber attack counter-measuresMethods, technologies and techniques used to defend (detect, monitor and recover) against cyber attacks. These cyber attacks include several attack vectors such as malware, denial of service (DoS) att...ICT security legislationICT security legislationThe set of legislative rules that safeguards information technology, ICT networks and computer systems and legal consequences which result from their misuse. Regulated measures include firewalls, intr...ICT system programmingICT system programmingThe methods and tools required to develop system software, specifications of system architectures and interfacing techniques between network and system modules and components.cloud technologiescloud technologiesThe technologies which enable access to hardware, software, data and services through remote servers and software networks irrespective of their location and architecture.quality assurance methodologiesquality assurance methodologiesQuality assurance principles, standard requirements, and the set of processes and activities used for measuring, controlling and ensuring the quality of products and processes.network standardsnetwork standardsRegulated standards that provide the technical guidelines, specifications, and requirements to ensure safe and efficient interoperability between devices, software, equipment, and organisations. Netwo...ICT performance analysis methodsICT performance analysis methodsThe methods used to analyse software, ICT system and network performance which provide guidance to root causes of issues within information systems. The methods can analyse resource bottlenecks, appli...define firewall rulesdefine firewall rulesSpecify rules to govern a set of components aiming to limit access between groups of networks or a particular network and the internet.implement ICT security policiesimplement ICT security policiesImplement statements, assertions or rules that specify the appropriate use and protection of the ICT assets and systems from an organisation. These ICT security policies cover topics such as data clas...design computer networkdesign computer networkDevelop and plan ICT networks, such as wide area network and local area network, that connect computers using cable or wireless connections and allow them to exchange data and assess their capacity re...use back-up and recovery toolsuse back-up and recovery toolsUse tools which allow users to copy and archive computer software, configurations and data and recover them in case of loss.interpret technical textsinterpret technical textsRead and understand technical texts that provide information on how to perform a task, usually explained in steps.install electronic communication equipmentinstall electronic communication equipmentSet up and deploy digital and analogue electronic communications. Understand electronic diagrams and equipment specifications.forecast future ICT network needsforecast future ICT network needsIdentify current data traffic and estimate how growth will affect the ICT network.apply ICT system usage policiesapply ICT system usage policiesFollow written and ethical laws and policies regarding proper ICT system usage and administration.implement a virtual private networkimplement a virtual private networkCreate an encrypted connection between private networks, such as different local networks of a company, over the internet to ensure that only authorized users can access it and that the data cannot be...manage ICT virtualisation environmentsmanage ICT virtualisation environmentsOversee tools, such as VMware, kvm, Xen, Docker, Kubernetes, and others, used to enable a virtual environments for different purposes such as hardware virtualization, desktop virtualisation, and opera...adjust ICT system capacityadjust ICT system capacityChange the scope of an ICT system by adding or reallocating additional ICT system components, such as network components, servers or storage to meet capacity or volume demands.maintain internet protocol configurationmaintain internet protocol configurationApply Internet Protocol Configuration (ipconfig) to gather data on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) configuration values in order to identify devices and their IP addresses.implement anti-virus softwareimplement anti-virus softwareDownload, install and update software to prevent, detect and remove malicious software, such as computer viruses.implement ICT network diagnostic toolsimplement ICT network diagnostic toolsUse software tools or components that monitor ICT network parameters, such as performance and throughput, provide data and statistics, diagnose errors, failures or bottlenecks and support decision mak...perform backupsperform backupsImplement backup procedures to backup data and systems to ensure permanent and reliable system operation. Execute data backups in order to secure information by copying and archiving to ensure integri...analyse network bandwidth requirementsanalyse network bandwidth requirementsStudy the requirements on the transmission capacity of an ICT network or other telecommunication system.implement a firewallimplement a firewallDownload, install and update a network security system designed to prevent unauthorized access to a private network.integrate system componentsintegrate system componentsSelect and use integration techniques and tools to plan and implement integration of hardware and software modules and components in a system.manage email hosting servicemanage email hosting serviceOversee the day-to-day running of a private email platform by maintaining and refining provided services, such as spam and virus protection, blocking advertisement, website redesigns and search engine...
Optional (64) — show
HaskellHaskellThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Haskell.network engineeringnetwork engineeringThe subfield of computer technology that concerns the managing the connectivity of networks through data, voice, calls and wireless network services.ErlangErlangThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Erlang.SAS languageSAS languageThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAS language.Ruby (computer programming)Ruby (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Ruby.Common LispCommon LispThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Common Lisp.LispLispThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Lisp.Apache TomcatApache TomcatThe open-source web server Apache Tomcat provides a Java web server environment which uses a built in container where HTTP requests are loaded, allowing the Java web applications to run on local and s...Visual BasicVisual BasicThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Visual Basic.Java (computer programming)Java (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Java.Prolog (computer programming)Prolog (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Prolog.OpenEdge Advanced Business LanguageOpenEdge Advanced Business LanguageThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in OpenEdge Advanced Business Language.organisational policiesorganisational policiesThe policies to achieve set of goals and targets regarding the development and maintenance of an organisation.JavaScriptJavaScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in JavaScript.PerlPerlThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Perl.Smalltalk (computer programming)Smalltalk (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Smalltalk.PHPPHPThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in PHP.Assembly (computer programming)Assembly (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Assembly.C#C#The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C#.RRThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in R.GroovyGroovyThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Groovy.proxy serversproxy serversThe proxy tools which act as an intermediary for requests from users searching for resources e.g. files and web pages from other servers such as Burp, WebScarab, Charles or Fiddler.ASP.NETASP.NETThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ASP.NET.APLAPLThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in APL.security engineeringsecurity engineeringInterdisciplinary field of study that focuses on the realisation of secure systems and the technology to protect individuals or information from malice, errors, or unauthorized access. It involves def...CiscoCiscoThe products available from the network equipment provider Cisco and methods for selecting and procuring the equipment.Microsoft Visual C++Microsoft Visual C++The computer program Visual C++ is a suite of software development tools for writing programs, such as compiler, debugger, code editor, code highlights, packaged in a unified user interface. It is dev...TypeScriptTypeScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in TypeScript.mobile operating systemsmobile operating systemsThe features, restrictions, architectures and other characteristics of operating systems designed to run on mobile devices, such as Android or iOS.CoffeeScriptCoffeeScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in CoffeeScript.Objective-CObjective-CThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Objective-C.ML (computer programming)ML (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ML.AJAXAJAXThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in AJAX.C++C++The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C++.BlackBerryBlackBerryThe system software BlackBerry consists of features, restrictions, architectures and other characteristics of operating systems designed to run on mobile devices.SAP R3SAP R3The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAP R3.Swift (computer programming)Swift (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Swift.MATLABMATLABThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in MATLAB.ICT system user requirementsICT system user requirementsThe process intended to match user and organisation's needs with system components and services, by taking into consideration the available technologies and the techniques required to elicit and speci...Python (computer programming)Python (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Python.iOSiOSThe system software iOS consists of features, restrictions, architectures and other characteristics of operating systems designed to run on mobile devices.Scratch (computer programming)Scratch (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scratch.Android (mobile operating systems)Android (mobile operating systems)The system software Android consists of features, restrictions, architectures and other characteristics of operating systems designed to run on mobile devices.VBScriptVBScriptThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in VBScript.COBOLCOBOLThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in COBOL.Pascal (computer programming)Pascal (computer programming)The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Pascal.ABAPABAPThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ABAP.operating systemsoperating systemsThe features, restrictions, architectures and other characteristics of operating systems such Linux, Windows, MacOS, etc.ScalaScalaThe techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scala.apply system organisational policiesapply system organisational policiesImplement internal policies related to the development, internal and external usage of technological systems, such as software systems, network systems and telecommunications systems, in order to achi...prepare licence agreementsprepare licence agreementsMake the legal contract ready, granting permission to use equipment, services, components, applications and intellectual property.utilise computer-aided software engineering toolsutilise computer-aided software engineering toolsUse software tools (CASE) to support the development lifecycle, design and implementation of software and applications of high-quality that can be easily maintained.protect personal data and privacyprotect personal data and privacyProtect personal data and privacy in digital environments. Understand how to use and share personally identifiable information while being able to protect oneself and others from damages. Understand t...optimise choice of ICT solutionoptimise choice of ICT solutionSelect the appropriate solutions in the field of ICT while taking into account potential risks, benefits and overall impact.provide ICT system trainingprovide ICT system trainingPlan and conduct training of staff on system and network issues. Utilise training material, evaluate and report on the learning progress of trainees.use ICT hardwareuse ICT hardwareAbility to use equipment such as monitor, mouse, keyboard, storage devices, printers, scanners etc to perform operations such as plugging in, starting up, shutting down, rebooting, saving files and ot...execute ICT auditsexecute ICT auditsOrganise and execute audits in order to evaluate ICT systems, compliance of components of systems, information processing systems and information security. Identify and collect potential critical issu...remove computer virus or malware from a computerremove computer virus or malware from a computerCarry out actions to remove computer viruses or other types of malware from a computer.acquire system componentacquire system componentObtain hardware, software or network components which match other system components in order to expand it and perform necessary tasks.implement spam protectionimplement spam protectionInstall and configure software that supports email-users to filter messages that contain malware or that are unsolicited.automate cloud tasksautomate cloud tasksAutomate manual or repeatable processes to minimize management overhead. Evaluate cloud automation alternatives for network deployments and tool-based alternatives for network operations and managemen...provide technical trainingprovide technical trainingExplain and demonstrate the use of training equipment and system functions.install signal repeatersinstall signal repeatersSet up and configure devices which enhance strength of signal of a communication channel to enable proper reception and reproduction in further places.maintain ICT servermaintain ICT serverDiagnose and eliminate hardware faults via repair or replacement. Take preventive measures, review performance, update software, review accessibility.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an ICT network administrator do?

ICT network administrators maintain operation of a reliable, secure, and efficient data communications network, including LAN, WAN, intranet, and internet. They perform network address assignment, management and implementation of routing protocols such as ISIS, OSPF, BGP, routing table configurations and certain implementations of authentication. They perform maintenance and administration of servers (file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems), desktop computers, printers, routers, switches, firewalls, phones, IP communications, personal digital assistants, smartphones, software deployment, security updates and patches as well as a vast array of additional technologies inclusive of both hardware and software.

What skills does an ICT network administrator need?

An ICT network administrator needs 34 essential skills, including network management system tools, ICT network routing, solution deployment, computer programming, ICT network security risks.

Will AI replace ICT network administrator jobs?

The AI disruption score for ICT network administrator is 78/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: perform backups, Cisco, implement anti-virus software. Most resilient: use ICT hardware, install signal repeaters, internet governance.

AI Replacement Risk

78/ 100
Very High Risk
Low riskHigh risk

This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.

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Quick Facts

ISCO GroupInformation and communications technology professionals
Essential Skills34

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