Network Analysts Are Employed By Businesses To Optimize Network Performance. Their main job is network analysis, but If Necessary, They Can Work With The Network Team to Set up Computer Networks In One Or More Locations And Configure Computer Hardware And Software For Optimal Network Communications. 

They are also required to provide IT support. In this article, you will learn more about network analyst duties, skills, practical courses, and certificates to become an efficient network analyst.

Who is a Network Analyst?

Network analysts make hardware and software adjustments to improve network performance. They are responsible for ensuring that all computers on a network can communicate effectively. They may also be asked to provide solutions to business-related problems, so they will be involved in both the organization’s business and technical sides.

Network analysts can be employed in computer consulting, financial services, government agencies, sales, and more. They usually work in an office environment, but they sometimes work remotely. Network analysts typically report to a higher-level employee, such as a network supervisor or administrator.
Network analysis is often used as a broad term to describe several work areas related to computer networks. Experts in these fields are sometimes called network architects, web administrators and developers, and telecommunications specialists.

However, to be more specific, a network analyst does network analysis.

Network analysts design, improve, and implement computer networks, including the Internet, local area networks, and wide-area networks. They analyze, configure, install, and maintain an organization’s network components.
They should also investigate and fix the network’s technical problems. This means that in addition to installation and configuration, they must upgrade the network to ensure it works correctly.

Network analyst duties and responsibilities

Network analysts perform various tasks to keep their organization’s network system stable. After reviewing several online job postings, we developed the following, which outlines a network analyst’s primary duties and responsibilities.

Find the problems.

Before a network system can be improved, a network analyst must first analyze and understand it. A network analyst performs tests, responds to support cases, and keeps detailed records to understand a network system and find out how to improve it.
Problems can take many forms, including faulty cables, improper installation, inefficient use of disk space, and more. The network analyst’s task is to identify and understand these problems.

Suggestions for fixing the problems

A network analyst’s job is to suggest solutions and changes to solve problems. After the problem is successfully identified, the analyst should find answers to fix it. The analyst also decides whether to solve these problems by upgrading the equipment, replacing it, or changing the configuration.
Network analysts can often solve problems with the help of technology. For example, adequately configuring and installing ERP software can reduce the time workers spend on specific tasks.

Maintain organization standards.

The standards to which an organization maintains its network system can include Internet speed and server performance. Network analysts ensure compliance with these standards by monitoring communication protocols, evaluating router performance, recording data transfer speeds, and optimizing system storage capabilities.

Implementing new technologies

Network analysts must constantly research and learn about new technologies to improve network system performance. Maintaining the hardware and software of the organization’s network is only half the work. Network analysts must also consider the benefits of implementing new technology, whether it is hardware, software, or an operating system.

Creating documentation

Network systems contain a large amount of information. For this reason, the network analyst is tasked with regularly recording hardware configuration information, software configuration management, network performance, and network layout. This information should be recorded so that changes can be reviewed and problems fixed.

Keep your knowledge and information up to date.

In the organization you work for, you will be required to continuously update your software skills and knowledge in the long term, as the IT industry is rapidly changing.

Necessary skills of network analyst

Successful network analysts are problem-solving and result-oriented individuals who do not shy away from challenging tasks. They work well with others in a team environment. They can assess the problems of an entire network system. In general, as a network analyst, you should have the following skills:

• To succeed in this career as a network analyst, you must have a broad knowledge of network concepts, protocols, systems, and technologies.
• Network analysts must be able to manage operating systems. To pursue a network analyst career path, you must have sufficient technical understanding, as this is your primary requirement to enter this career. This feature shows you that you can install hardware and software components.
• As a network analyst, you usually need experience with programming languages ​​like Python.
• You must know the tools and devices and have enough knowledge to work with them. These include recent versions of the Microsoft Office software suite, telecommunications systems, standard office equipment such as printers and copiers, complex computers and network systems, and infrastructure devices such as switches and routers.
• As a network analyst, you must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to collaborate with other professionals as needed.
• Being successful in the network analyst job requires performing several tasks. You must be able to manage and execute multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for a career as a network analyst. You will prepare oral and written reports regularly.

Courses and certifications that will help you along the way

College Education

In the career path of network analysis, experience, and technical and network knowledge can often replace university degrees in small companies, and employers are not very sensitive to having university degrees.
However, larger organizations require a bachelor’s degree and some even a master’s degree in computer science or information technology.

Professional courses and certifications

CompTIA A+

+ CompTIA A+ certification validates the experience of professionals with this certification in supporting today’s technologies, from security to cloud data management. Information technology specialists usually learn the contents of this course before entering this field.
In this course, you will become deeply familiar with hardware and operating systems, and after passing it, you will become a professional support or help desk.

CompTIA Network +

The first step to entering the world of computer networks is the Network + course. This course provides the information needed to troubleshoot, configure, and manage wired and wireless networks in enterprises worldwide, recognizing emerging technologies, including cloud technologies and virtualization. Network+ prepares you to enter computer networks regardless of the company and specific platform.

This course teaches how to work with devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic, create resilient networks, and identify the pros and cons of existing network configurations.
It also teaches how to implement network security standards and protocols. After completing this course, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a career in IT infrastructure.

CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician)

CCENT certification is designed to validate the skills required for entry-level network support roles; CCENT-certified professionals have the knowledge and skills to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks and fundamental network security.

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

The CCNA certification provided by Cisco is one of the most popular IT certifications and the first Cisco certification. CCNA helps engineers understand how different networks communicate with each other.
CCNA provides individuals with computer networking skills and knowledge, including installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network equipment.
After receiving this certification, engineers can establish switch-to-switch communications, configure routing on Cisco devices, configure a switch with switch-to-VLAN contacts, configure IP addresses, and learn the correct methods for connecting wide-area networks ( WAN).
There are no prerequisites for the CCNA exam, but applicants usually try to gain practical experience in networking, security, data center operations, or similar topics before taking it.

CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)

CCNP is Cisco’s professional level, usually suitable for those with one or more years of networking experience to upgrade their skills and work independently on complex network solutions. This certification is intended for network administrators or those working with local or comprehensive area network infrastructure.
The CCNP certification confirms your ability to professionally implement and troubleshoot LAN and WAN networks. In addition, you will be recognized as someone who can collaborate with experts on issues related to voice, wireless, and advanced security solutions.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

The CCIE certification validates the skills expert-level network engineers need to plan and troubleshoot complex network infrastructures.
Therefore, this advanced certification suits senior network professionals who design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot complex enterprise network infrastructures. After receiving this certification, you will be recognized as an expert in Cisco computer networks.

MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert)

Microsoft offers different certifications based on your area of ​​knowledge and skills. The MCSE is an accredited certification for IT professionals that is one of the most popular certifications offered by Microsoft. Getting this certification is a great way to prove your knowledge and experience.
This certification tests knowledge of various Microsoft technologies such as Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, Sharepoint, System Center (SCCM), and Office 365.
During the course, candidates will familiarize themselves with the Microsoft Windows operating system, related desktop systems, networking, and Microsoft products.

Other companies have provided various certifications in the network field, and we have introduced some of the popular ones. You can also learn about other certificates in this field by searching further.

The difference between a network analyst and a network engineer

There are many positions in an organization’s network team. Although these positions often have everyday duties, they are mistakenly used interchangeably.
Both of them work on network stability. A network analyst acts as a network monitor to find problems and provide solutions. Still, the main task of a network engineer is to design and configure the network and respond when issues occur.

Engineers design, install, and configure networks. Analysts maintain these networks. Network analysts and engineers work under the supervision of an IT manager.
Of course, you should not forget, as it was said, that analysts and engineers in the same organization can cover each other because they have similar responsibilities. Usually, small and medium-sized organizations do not distinguish between them.