Networking Job Hierarchy

Computer networking is often viewed as a very good field of work for those who are in the field of computers or softwares.  Computer networking is basically that area of work in which the individual is required to handle computer networks, establish connections, improve their working and help the company maintain its network speeds and other attributes. There are many job positions within the field of networking and all of them run in a certain hierarchical order.  This order helps segregation of duties, responsibilities and tasks to be performed.

Those placed at the top of the hierarchical order have the maximum responsibilities and qualifications whereas those at the bottom may have lesser duties and may be paid a lesser amount as well. To understand the hierarchy within the networking jobs, you can go through the following given information.

Networking job hierarchy

Network Administrator

A network administrator’s job position is usually the highest in the jobs within networking. A network administrator is responsible for configuring and managing LANs and also WANs in some cases. These individuals are also responsible for the analysis, configuration and installation of the company networks.  From performing daily activities like maintaining network security to broader tasks, these individuals are important to any IT company.

Network Manager

A network manager is an individual who supervises the activities and work of the administrators, engineers, technicians and programmers.  They focus on the long range planning and strategy considerations of the company and are often considered to hold the highest position in the networking division. These individuals must possess managerial skills and administrative qualities. They must also possess good qualifications and work experience to be able to handle this job.

Network Engineer

Network engineer who is also known as the systems engineer who performs the day to day management of networks and also focuses strongly on  system upgrades, providing evaluation of networks, evaluating vendor products, security testing and other similar tasks.  These individuals have an engineering degree and are employed by both smaller and larger organizations across the world.

Network Programmer

Network programmers who are sometimes also referred to as networking analysts are those individuals who write software programs or scripts which help in the process of network analysis.  These individuals do work related to diagnostics and monitoring utilities.  These individuals specialize in evaluation of third party products and integrating new software related technologies into the current or existing networks or network environments.  They help to thus build new environments.

Network Technicians

At the lowest position within the networking jobs is the position of the network technicians.  These are entry level networking specialists who are responsible for troubleshooting, setting up systems, repairing hardware systems, repairing software products and also following instructions of the superior networking specialists. Network technicians support department are the service technicians who may also often need to travel to remote places or remote customer sites to perform field support and upgrades.  There is only a fine line between technicians, engineers and administrators and in smaller companies, these positions may merge.