Systems Analyst Training

What do network systems analysts do?

Network systems analysts design and build computer networks based on the requirements of the client the network is being created for.

Modern computer networks have a vast number of different variables involved in their creation, all of which the network systems analyst must take into account when planning a network’s design and eventual deployment.

Some common critical aspects of modern network design include:

• Combining wired and wireless networking, also known as hybrid networking
• Using server virtualization to optimize resources and streamline hardware deployments
• Support for Voice over IP (VoIP) and videoconferencing applications
• Network compatibility with Line of Business (LOB) software applications
• Disaster recovery and business continuity requirements
• Network accessibility from multiple device types, including smartphones and tablets
• Creating intranets for employees and extranets for clients and contractors
• Maintaining best-of-class security throughout the entire network

These are just some of the challenges a network systems analyst may face when approaching a new network project. Every organization has unique networking requirements, with a list of potential limitations based on geography, industry regulations and budgetary concerns. The network systems analyst fully examines each new scenario, identifies the optimal solution based on the client’s requirements and limitations and manages the actual building of the network.

Network systems analysts may also be employed to examine an existing computer network to determine potential faults or hazards, and make recommendations for network hardware/software upgrades or changes.

What Does an IT Analyst Do?

An IT analyst is brought in to study an organization and create a set of requirements for the computer network that will best support the client’s needs. These requirements are often given to a net engineer, who uses them when designing and building the actual network. Alternatively, an analyst may be asked to study an existing network, and come up with recommendations for improving the network’s performance, or changes that will make the network more suitable for the client’s needs.

It analyst is a challenging job role, requiring extensive, constantly-updated technical knowledge, as well as the ability to collaborate with owners, managers, and other employees across multiple departments and disciplines.

IT analysts must be more than just hardware and software savvy. Potential technology solutions must also be examined for their related costs:

• Capital expenditures
• Ongoing maintenance
• End-of-life expenses

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Wireless networking training is indispensable in opening the pathway for IT professionals to staff positions in the ever-evolving fields of telecommunications and mobile computing. Other engineering, networking or IT programs can prepare developers and architects to staff networks around the globe.

There are numerous training and certification exams related to the IT analyst job role. Here are some of the higher-profile vendors who offer related certification programs:

• Cisco
• Microsoft
• Oracle
• IBM
• Red Hat Linux

IT analysts typically have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science or a related computing field. This may be augmented by some post-graduate work in a business-related knowledge domain.

Constant iterations are migrating once-static platforms into the wireless space. Those working in this space may have earned undergraduate degrees in network essentials, security and deployment, but professionals may need additional wireless networking training to migrate their jobs to an evolving economy. While there are self-educated professionals in the field, many recruiters have neither the time nor resources to wait for existing team members to develop critical skills. The BLS found that most employers prefer their candidates to have completed specialized wireless networking courses and certifications.

Network technology training

Graduates of network technology training programs can pursue a broad range of career options. The Department of Labor’s O*NET OnLine website describes various roles: For example, computer network support specialists analyze, test, troubleshoot and evaluate network systems and may also perform maintenance. Network administrators may install, configure and support networks, in addition to monitoring network availability, conducting necessary maintenance and administering security measures.

What skills are learned in network technology training courses?

The field of network technology is vast, and the variety of training programs reflects this. Basic network technology courses cover TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) and subjects such as these:

• Roles of devices in a TCP/IP network
• Details of IP, ARP, TCP, ICMP, and UDP
• Functions of FTP, HTTP, Telnet and other applications in a TCP/IP network
• Uses of Voice over IP or VoIP, email, messaging, and multicasting
• Troubleshooting for TCP/IP issues at each network layer

Network technology courses that focus on network administration offer a more comprehensive set of skills:

• Configuring TCP/IP on a server computer
• Managing and troubleshooting DNS and DHCP
• Installing and configuring network software infrastructure
• Configuring and managing device routing and remote access
• Monitoring and maintaining network infrastructure

Other network technology training paths concentrate on different professional areas, such as network applications development or network architecture. The list of essential skills tends to vary among training programs that focus on certain disciplines.

Who should consider taking network technology courses?

Entry-level IT pros who work as assistants or apprentices in a networking discipline stand to gain the most from network technology courses. Established professionals can also use network technology training as a way to enhance their chances of advancement.

The BLS points out that most employees in this field start out in routine maintenance and monitoring positions. With experience and expertise, however, these workers have the opportunity to advance to positions that come with more responsibility.

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What is the job outlook for IT analysts?

The BLS keeps statistics for the category “Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts”. According to the BLS, demand for these workers is expected to remain strong:

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

What is the job salary for IT analysts?

The numbers from the BLS for the job category “Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts” offer some clear expectations for network analyst job compensation:

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

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