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Local Area Network Administrators, also called LAN Administrators, install, maintain monitor and enhance the operation of an organization's computer Local Area Network. They evaluate vendor products and make purchase recommendations for hardware, software and telecommunications equipment. LAN Administrators also recommend computer system policies and procedures to ensure the security of the network.

Local Area Networks (LANS) are relatively new to the computer industry. These networks involve the linking by high-performance cables of computers (workstations) and other equipment such as printers in an individual office, in a department, throughout an office building or in university campuses. Some computer Local Area Networks are wireless (operated without cable connections). Two primary goals of networking are: 1) to allow users of personal computers (also known as PC's and Microcomputers) to retrieve data from a central location; and 2) to share information and system resources.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Local Area Network Administrators may:

Consult with management and staff regarding system configuration, requirements and costs

Analyze products offered by vendors to determine which best meet the needs of the organization

Submit purchase recommendations

Design network systems to make optimum use of available facilities and equipment

Coordinate the installation of equipment, hardware and software

Make different departmental computer systems compatible

Test the network

Ensure security of data by making it inaccessible to those who are not authorized to use it

Monitor the network

Troubleshoot and resolve problems/malfunctions that occur within the network and upgrade it as needed

Perform system backups, recovery and documentation

Instruct user personnel through formal and informal training sessions

Assign/delete users, passwords and ID for logging on to the system

Equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

031.262-014 NETWORK CONTROL OPERATOR monitors data communications network to ensure that the network is available to all system users and resolves data communications problems; records number of daily data communications transactions and number of problems and actions taken; may train staff to and users to use equipment and coordinate installation of equipment and communications lines.

030.167-014 SYSTEMS ANALYST analyzes user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate processing or to improve existing computer systems.

031.262-010 DATA COMMUNICATIONS ANALYST researches, tests, evaluates and recommends data communications hardware and software; identifies areas of operation which need upgraded equipment (such as modems, fiber optic cables and telephone wires).

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Although LAN Administrators work independently, they must maintain regular contact with personnel in other departments since their duties involve a wide range of activities. They meet with people at all levels of the organizations, including managers, technical personnel and clerical staff in addition to outside vendors. In large companies or on major projects, they may work as part of the team.

LAN administrators usually work in offices that are comfortable, well-lighted and air conditioned. They may spend some time traveling between home offices, branch offices, and vendor offices.

Although the 5-day, 40 hour week is standard, overtime is often required to complete projects and resolve problems. Their work can be stressful, particularly during the initial development phase, as they attempt to schedule work and meet deadlines. They may also spend time working at home. Many LAN Administrators purchase their own computer system, software, magazines and other reference material.

LAN Administrators working as self-employed consultants can set their own workload and hours, however their success depends on their ability to balance conflicting demands and maintain and expand their client base which may be difficult at times.

Local Area Network Administrators may join national organizations, such as the Association for Systems Management or the Data Processing Management Association, as well as local organizations, these organizations provide invaluable opportunities to keep abreast of technological and other developments. Members of such organizations usually pay periodic fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a Scientific and Technical Nature

• Activities involving computers and related equipment

• Activities which require creative imagination

• Activities concerned with the communication of ideas

• Activities which require self-motivation

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Use logic and step-by-step procedures to solve a variety of problems

• Plan and control an entire activity or the activities of others

• Rate information using personal judgment or measurable standards

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• See flat drawings or pictures as solid objects

• Understand meanings of words/ideas & use the information effectively

• Perform arithmetical operations quickly and accurately

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

In a network that has a maximum packet size of 128 bytes, a maximum packet life time of 30 seconds and an 8-bit packet sequence number, what is the maximum data rate per connection?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The inter-domain policy routing architecture and protocol provide the means whereby special restrictions on inter-domain may be specified at the source. The current version of inter-domain policy routing to distribute inter-domain reachability and policy information between policy gateways which are routers that are directly connected across administrative domains.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written estimate for a network installation upon the request of a potential client.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in installing, maintaining, and enhancing local area network systems.

Many employers seek applicants who have a degree in computer science or computer information systems. Regardless of college major, employers look for people who have a broad knowledge of computer systems or technologies, certification, though not a requirement, is an indication of experience and professional competence. The designations of certified network administrator and certified network engineer are recognized throughout the industry. Some computer companies have certification programs.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer, a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond High School), an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School), a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

040 DATA PROCESSING

Programs in Data Processing provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed in a wide variety of jobs dealing with the sorting, analyzing, and processing of information using computers and other electronic and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Data Processing at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within Data Processing programs will vary from school to school but may include:

215 COMPUTER SCIENCE

Programs in Computer Science provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed in a wide variety of jobs dealing with the programming, analyzing, and operation of computers and other electronic and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Computer Science at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

            Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Training Opportunities related to this Career Exploration Script.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

There is no universally accepted way to prepare for a career as a LAN Administrator. Many persons entering this occupations gain experience in other occupations such as computer systems analyst or engineering. Familiarity with computer hardware and software is often gained by using microcomputer systems at home or school.

              School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a Local Area Network Administrator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Local Area Network Administrator employer

community service work with an agency

Experience may be gained by postsecondary cooperative education or internship programs offered by universities and corporate or government employers. Opportunities for experience are also available through training programs offered by Local Area Network System vendors.

Both formal and informal methods should be used to locate job openings in this profession. Formal methods include direct application to employers, as well as locating ads in newspapers. Trade and professional journals and on line electronic computer services.

Openings are also found through school placement offices, private employment agencies, civil service offices and Michigan Works! offices. More informal methods such as informational interviewing and membership in professional or student associations can be extremely helpful in the job search. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Local Area Network Administrators vary according to the type of employer, size of company and geographical location. The highest salaries are found in banking services and manufacturing; the lowest in construction and education. Geographically, New York and Los Angeles offer highest salaries.

Nationally, in early 2006, Local Area Network Administrators had average annual salaries of $59,900, with most earning from $56,500 to $72,700.

Earnings of LAN Administrators (early 2006) by industry specialization were:

In early 2006, LAN Administrators working in the Metropolitan Detroit area earned an average of   $68,600 per year.

LAN Administrators employed by the State of Michigan had annual earnings ranging from $49,200 to $79,000 in 2006.

Most LAN Administrators receive life, health, and disability insurance; paid vacations and holidays, and retirement plans. Many employers also offer investment or profit sharing plans, bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Two relatively new benefits offered by some employers, child care reimbursement and fitness programs, have increased in recent years.

There in no definitive career path for this specialized occupation. Many Local Area Network Administrators begin in other computer-related occupations. One possible career ladders is: Computer programmer, systems analyst, LAN Administrator, Wide Area Network Administrator.

LAN Administrators generally have acquired experience in other areas. With additional experience and training, they may become responsible for larger installations or advance to managerial positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

The number of Local Area Network Administrators employed nationally is not known. It is projected that Local Area Network or Client-Server Computing will increase dramatically in the next five years. This field has had a dramatic effect on the computer industry.

While national employment numbers pertaining specifically to LAN Administrators, Telecommunications Analysts, Information Technology Specialists or other computer related fields may not be available, professional computer and information technology organizations and associations keep track of their current memberships as a means of gauging growth in the computer industry. As of mid 2006 the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) had over 62,300 professional and 18,500 student memberships.  ACM memberships are primarily based on an individual's overall interests in the computer industry.

While networking is no longer an infant industry, 50% of U.S. computers are capable of some kind of telecommunications and 25% are networked, but by no means can it be described as a mature one. As new technologies (hardware and software) become available the demand for skilled Network Administrators should experience continued growth.

The number of Local Area Network Administrators employed in Michigan is unknown. Approximately 17,275 computer system analysts, some of whom are involved in networking were employed in Michigan .

Employment of Local Area Network Administrators is expected to increase as the industry matures and users develop a more sophisticated knowledge of computers. Users should become more aware of the machine's potential and better able to suggest operations that will increase their productivity and that of the organization. The need to design computer networks that will facilitate the sharing of information will be a major factor in the rising demand for LAN Administrators.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

        Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth