What does a network associate do?
Network associate responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network associate resumes:
- Manage site to site as well as remote access VPN solutions.
- Manage remote host through by accessing it through VPN to manage the network remotely.
- Create locally manage and centrally manage gateways on checkpoint firewall.
- Work with network technologies: WAN/LAN, TCP/IP, VLAN, VTP, HSRP and NAT.
- Work on different networking concept and routing protocols like BGP, EIGRP, OSPF and other technologies.
- Experience in routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, and standby protocols like HSRP and VRRP application in the routers0.
- Contact service providers, equipment vendors, and customers directly in order to troubleshoot and resolve network issues.
- Provide advanced technical support for testing, troubleshoot, maintenance, and installation of telecommunications & network systems.
- Install and configure DHCP Client/Server.
- Install and configure workstations for IP base LAN's.
- Work on HSRP for hop redundancy and load balancing.
- Upgrade /downgrade of IOS releases appropriate for the network device.
- Provide port binding, port security and router redundancy through HSRP.
- Resolve issues involving local UNIX servers both on site and in various international locations.
- Verify the stacks of switches are communicating properly with each other through the back plane.
Network associate skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Network Associates are proficient in Troubleshoot, Switches, and Network Devices. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Associates that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Troubleshoot, 12%
Contacted service providers, equipment vendors, and customers directly in order to troubleshoot and resolve network issues.
- Switches, 10%
Review the code on each switch to ensure that the switches have been updated to the acceptable firmware level.
- Network Devices, 5%
Configure logical and specific IP addresses for all network devices according to the network plan.
- Technical Support, 5%
Provided technical support activities monitored computers/servers production process, resolved operational problems.
- Lan, 4%
Repaired, upgraded, and salvaged PCs and hardware and instructed faculty and students daily on PC and LAN usage.
- OSPF, 3%
Worked with Bay Network and Cisco access and backbone routers using OSPF, BGP, RIP and other routing protocols.
"troubleshoot," "switches," and "network devices" are among the most common skills that network associates use at work. You can find even more network associate responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a network associate to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a network associate resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "managed cisco catalyst switches, supporting end users at all branches running applications utilizing multicasts data received via satellite. "
Communication skills. Many network associate duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a network associate will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways network associate responsibilities rely on communication skills: "respond to escalated maintenance and repair of network components, including pc workstations, printers, servers, and communication devices. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for network associates to perform their duties. For an example of how network associate responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a network associate: "managed and resolved networking issues in a complex inter-network environment on wan and lan in a network operations center environment. ".
The three companies that hire the most network associates are:
- Pwc98 network associates jobs
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.7 network associates jobs
- HCSC3 network associates jobs
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Network associate vs. Administrator
Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between network associates and administrator. For instance, network associate responsibilities require skills such as "switches," "network devices," "technical support," and "lan." Whereas a administrator is skilled in "customer service," "data entry," "payroll," and "financial reports." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $78,798. On the other hand, network associates are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $72,743.administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than network associates. In fact, administrators are 4.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Network associate vs. Systems administrator
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that network associate responsibilities requires skills like "network devices," "ospf," "network management," and "series routers." But a systems administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "database," "powershell," "san," and "java."
On average, systems administrators earn a higher salary than network associates. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, systems administrators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,962. Whereas network associates have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $72,743.In general, systems administrators achieve similar levels of education than network associates. They're 1.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network associate vs. Service administrator
A service administrator is responsible for assisting the customers' inquiries and concerns, recommending service alternatives, processing refunds, and escalating high-level complaints to the service manager for immediate resolution. Service administrators receive and process orders, take customers' special instructions, and ensure that they get the highest customer satisfaction, generate more revenues, and improve the company's branding recognition. A service administrator also informs the customer of promotional offers and new services by utilizing sales pitches and other marketing strategies. They should have excellent communication and customer service skills to keep a customer's loyalty.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a network associate is likely to be skilled in "switches," "network devices," "technical support," and "lan," while a typical service administrator is skilled in "customer service," "patients," "data entry," and "cms."
Service administrators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $75,691. Comparatively, network associates have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $72,743.When it comes to education, service administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to network associates. In fact, they're 3.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Network associate vs. Systems operator
Systems operators often act as the front liners whose primary job is to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity service to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for overseeing and managing the power grid and controlling electricity flow through transmission lines. Other duties and responsibilities of systems operators include monitoring and operating current converters, observing circuit breakers and voltage transformers, and anticipating the changing needs for power due to weather. They are also responsible for communicating with key stakeholders such as power plant operators to route energy to consumers.
Types of network associate
Updated January 8, 2025











