Top 12 Network Systems Administrator Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, a Network Systems Administrator plays a pivotal role in maintaining the backbone of IT infrastructure. Crafting a resume that highlights a comprehensive set of skills is crucial for showcasing your proficiency in managing and securing network systems to potential employers.

Network Systems Administrator Skills

1. Cisco Networking
2. VMware ESXi
3. Active Directory
4. PowerShell Scripting
5. Linux Administration
6. AWS Cloud
7. Microsoft Exchange
8. Network Security
9. Docker Containers
10. Ansible Automation
11. Wireshark Analysis
12. IPv6 Implementation

1. Cisco Networking

Cisco Networking refers to the design, implementation, operation, and management of interconnected computer networks using Cisco technologies and devices. It encompasses hardware (such as routers and switches) and software solutions for network security, performance, and scalability, essential for a Network Systems Administrator to ensure reliable and secure communication within and between networks.

Why It's Important

Cisco Networking is important for a Network Systems Administrator because Cisco is a leading provider of networking technologies, offering a wide range of products and solutions that are essential for building, managing, and securing modern network infrastructures. Proficiency in Cisco technologies ensures the administrator can effectively design, implement, and troubleshoot network systems to support organizational needs.

How to Improve Cisco Networking Skills

Improving Cisco Networking involves enhancing your knowledge, skills, and the network infrastructure. Here are concise steps for a Network Systems Administrator:

1. Stay Updated: Continuously learn about new Cisco technologies and updates. Use Cisco Learning Network for resources and updates.

2. Cisco Certifications: Obtain or upgrade Cisco certifications. Start with CCNA for foundational knowledge, followed by CCNP and CCIE for advanced skills. Visit Cisco Certifications for more information.

3. Practice: Use Cisco Packet Tracer or set up a lab for hands-on practice. It helps in understanding real-world scenarios.

4. Automation and Scripting: Learn network automation skills. Start with Python and explore Cisco DevNet for resources on network programmability, APIs, and automation tools.

5. Security Enhancement: Implement and regularly update security measures. Stay informed on the latest security threats and Cisco's security solutions at Cisco Security.

6. Performance Monitoring: Use tools like Cisco Prime Infrastructure for network management and monitoring to optimize performance.

7. Join Forums: Engage with the community in forums like Cisco Community to share knowledge, solve problems, and learn from experienced professionals.

8. Vendor Resources: Utilize Cisco documentation and support for troubleshooting and learning. Check Cisco Support for technical documents, manuals, and best practices.

For detailed steps and a structured path, prioritize hands-on experience, continuous learning, and networking with professionals.

How to Display Cisco Networking Skills on Your Resume

2. VMware ESXi

VMware ESXi is a type-1 hypervisor used to virtualize and manage multiple operating systems on a single physical server, allowing for efficient resource allocation, isolation, and administration of virtual machines.

Why It's Important

VMware ESXi is crucial for a Network Systems Administrator because it provides a robust, efficient platform for virtualizing servers and applications, allowing for streamlined management, improved resource utilization, and enhanced disaster recovery capabilities within a network infrastructure.

How to Improve VMware ESXi Skills

Improving VMware ESXi involves optimizing performance, enhancing security, and ensuring high availability. Here's a concise guide:

1. Update Regularly: Keep ESXi and virtual machine hardware versions up-to-date to benefit from the latest features and security patches. VMware Patching Resources

2. Configure Networking Efficiently: Use VMware's best practices for network configuration to improve performance and reliability. Consider using the Distributed Switch for larger environments. VMware Networking Best Practices

3. Optimize Storage Access: Use VMFS volumes and align your storage protocol (iSCSI, NFS, or FC) with your storage array's capabilities. Enable storage I/O control to prioritize access for critical VMs. VMware Storage Best Practices

4. Implement Resource Management: Utilize DRS (Distributed Resource Scheduler) for load balancing and HA (High Availability) to minimize downtime. Properly configure resource pools and monitor VM performance. VMware Resource Management Guide

5. Secure ESXi Hosts: Implement security best practices such as changing default passwords, disabling unnecessary services, and isolating management interfaces on separate network segments. VMware Security Best Practices

6. Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning: Regularly back up ESXi host configurations and virtual machines. Implement a disaster recovery plan using VMware Site Recovery Manager or similar tools. VMware Backup and Recovery

7. Monitor and Analyze Performance: Use tools like vRealize Operations Manager to monitor infrastructure performance and identify bottlenecks. vRealize Operations Manager

8. Automation and Scripting: Use PowerCLI for task automation and to streamline management tasks, enhancing efficiency. VMware PowerCLI

By following these steps and utilizing VMware's extensive documentation and community resources, you can significantly improve the performance, security, and manageability of your VMware ESXi environment.

How to Display VMware ESXi Skills on Your Resume

3. Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use. AD is used for centralized domain management, including user and computer authentication, authorization, and the application of security policies across Windows environments.

Why It's Important

Active Directory (AD) is crucial for a Network Systems Administrator because it centralizes and streamlines access management, enhancing security by allowing for efficient user authentication, authorization, and administration across a network.

How to Improve Active Directory Skills

To improve Active Directory (AD) for a Network Systems Administrator, consider the following concise strategies:

1. Regularly Update and Patch: Keep your AD and server operating systems up to date with the latest patches to protect against vulnerabilities. Microsoft's Update Management

2. Implement a Strong Password Policy: Enforce complex passwords and periodic changes. AD Password Policies

3. Use Active Directory Groups for Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Organize users into groups based on their roles to streamline the assignment of permissions. Implementing RBAC

4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security for accessing AD resources. Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication

5. Regularly Review and Clean Up AD Objects: Periodically audit and clean up outdated users, groups, and computer accounts to maintain an organized directory. AD Cleanup Best Practices

6. Monitor and Audit AD for Suspicious Activities: Use tools like Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) to detect unusual behavior and potential threats. Advanced Threat Analytics

7. Backup AD Regularly: Ensure you have a current and easily accessible backup of AD to recover from accidental deletions or corruptions. AD Backup and Recovery

8. Educate Users: Provide training on phishing and other social engineering attacks which can compromise AD security. Security Awareness Training

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security and efficiency of your Active Directory environment.

How to Display Active Directory Skills on Your Resume

4. PowerShell Scripting

PowerShell scripting is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and associated scripting language. For a Network Systems Administrator, it enables the automation of administrative tasks, management of network configurations, and the execution of batch processing commands across multiple systems, enhancing efficiency and control over the network environment.

Why It's Important

PowerShell scripting is important for a Network Systems Administrator as it enables automation of routine tasks, efficient configuration management, and rapid troubleshooting across diverse network environments, significantly enhancing productivity and system reliability.

How to Improve PowerShell Scripting Skills

Improving PowerShell scripting, especially for a Network Systems Administrator, involves understanding core concepts, practicing regularly, and leveraging community resources. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn the Basics: Start with Microsoft's PowerShell Documentation. Understand PowerShell syntax, cmdlets, and the pipeline.

2. Explore Networking Cmdlets: Focus on cmdlets specific to networking tasks. Microsoft’s TCP/IP Cmdlets in Windows PowerShell guide can be particularly useful.

3. Use Script Repositories: Explore repositories like GitHub for real-world scripts. Analyzing others' scripts can provide new techniques and insights.

4. Practice Scripting: Apply your knowledge to automate daily tasks. Start with simple projects and gradually increase complexity.

5. Join Communities: Engage with PowerShell communities. The PowerShell Subreddit and PowerShell.org Forums are great for advice, feedback, and troubleshooting.

6. Learn from Videos: Visual learners can benefit from tutorials on platforms like YouTube or professional training sites like Pluralsight or LinkedIn Learning.

7. Stay Updated: PowerShell and Windows environments evolve. Follow the PowerShell Team Blog for updates, tips, and community highlights.

In summary, improving your PowerShell scripting skills as a Network Systems Administrator involves a blend of structured learning, community engagement, and practical application.

How to Display PowerShell Scripting Skills on Your Resume

5. Linux Administration

Linux administration, in the context of a Network Systems Administrator, involves managing and maintaining Linux-based operating systems and servers within a network, ensuring their optimal performance, security, and reliability for users and services.

Why It's Important

Linux administration is crucial for a Network Systems Administrator as it ensures the efficient management and security of servers and network systems running on the Linux operating system, which is widely used due to its stability, flexibility, and open-source nature. This skill set enables the administration of web services, file sharing, and system troubleshooting, enhancing the reliability and performance of network infrastructures.

How to Improve Linux Administration Skills

Improving your Linux Administration skills, especially as a Network Systems Administrator, involves a combination of expanding your theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice, and staying updated with the latest developments in the Linux and networking worlds. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Theoretical Knowledge: Read authoritative sources like the Linux Documentation Project (LDP) and Red Hat's documentation. These cover a broad range of topics from basic to advanced.

2. Practical Experience: Get hands-on experience by setting up your own lab environment. Tools like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation allow you to create virtual machines to practice without needing additional hardware.

3. Networking Specifics: For network administration, understanding tools like Wireshark for packet analysis, and mastering firewall management with iptables or nftables are crucial.

4. Scripting and Automation: Learn scripting languages like Bash and Python to automate routine tasks. Websites like Learn Python and Bash Academy are great resources.

5. Configuration Management and Orchestration Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef for configuration management and orchestration, which are essential for managing multiple systems efficiently.

6. Stay Updated: Follow Linux and networking trends through reputable blogs, forums, and news sites. Phoronix is excellent for Linux hardware and software news, and Network World covers broader networking topics.

7. Certifications: Consider earning Linux and network-related certifications such as CompTIA Linux+, LPIC (Linux Professional Institute Certification), or Cisco's CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate). These not only validate your skills but also keep you motivated and informed about the latest best practices.

8. Community Involvement: Engaging with communities on platforms like Stack Exchange for Linux and Server Fault for network administration can provide real-world troubleshooting experience and insights from seasoned professionals.

By combining these resources and strategies, you can systematically improve your Linux Administration skills tailored to network systems administration.

How to Display Linux Administration Skills on Your Resume

6. AWS Cloud

AWS Cloud is Amazon Web Services' comprehensive and widely adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 services from data centers globally. It provides scalable infrastructure and services for computing, storage, networking, and database management, enabling Network Systems Administrators to deploy, manage, and scale applications and networks efficiently in a cloud environment.

Why It's Important

AWS Cloud is important for a Network Systems Administrator because it provides scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure resources and services, enabling efficient management and operation of network systems without the need for substantial physical hardware investments.

How to Improve AWS Cloud Skills

Improving your AWS Cloud setup as a Network Systems Administrator involves optimizing performance, enhancing security, and managing costs efficiently. Here are concise strategies with relevant AWS resources:

1. Performance Optimization: Utilize Amazon CloudWatch to monitor and analyze your network performance. Implement Amazon RDS for efficient database management and leverage AWS Lambda for serverless computing to scale applications responsively.

2. Security Enhancement: Apply strict Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies using AWS IAM. Secure your data with Amazon S3 encryption and AWS Key Management Service (KMS). Regularly audit your environment with AWS Security Hub.

3. Cost Management: Analyze and optimize your costs with AWS Cost Explorer. Employ AWS Budgets to set custom budgets and alerts. Consider using Amazon EC2 Reserved Instances for long-term savings.

4. Automation: Automate repetitive tasks using AWS CloudFormation for infrastructure as code and AWS Systems Manager for operational insight and task automation.

5. Networking Optimization: Enhance your network architecture with Amazon VPC for isolated network environments, and improve your content delivery with Amazon CloudFront.

Implementing these strategies requires a continuous learning approach, as AWS regularly updates its services and introduces new features. Stay informed through the AWS Blog and AWS Training and Certification resources.

How to Display AWS Cloud Skills on Your Resume

7. Microsoft Exchange

Microsoft Exchange is a messaging platform that provides email, calendar, contacts, and tasks management, supporting both on-premises and cloud-based deployments, essential for enabling secure and efficient communication and collaboration within an organization's network infrastructure.

Why It's Important

Microsoft Exchange is crucial for a Network Systems Administrator because it provides a centralized, secure platform for email management, calendar organization, and contact storage, streamlining communication and collaboration within an organization.

How to Improve Microsoft Exchange Skills

Improving Microsoft Exchange performance and security can be crucial for a Network Systems Administrator. Here are concise strategies:

1. Maintain Updates: Regularly apply updates and patches from Microsoft to ensure security and performance. Microsoft's Update Guide.

2. Monitor Performance: Use tools like Exchange Server Health Checker for insights on performance and configuration issues. Exchange Server Health Checker.

3. Optimize Databases: Defragment and maintain Exchange databases for optimal performance. Database Maintenance.

4. Implement Security Best Practices: Secure Exchange against threats by following Microsoft's recommendations. Security Best Practices.

5. Educate Users: Train users on security best practices to prevent phishing and malware infections. Security Awareness Training.

6. Use High Availability Solutions: Implement Database Availability Groups (DAG) for resilience. High Availability.

Following these strategies diligently can greatly enhance the performance and security of Microsoft Exchange environments.

How to Display Microsoft Exchange Skills on Your Resume

8. Network Security

Network Security involves implementing measures and protocols to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks and data from unauthorized access, attacks, or disruptions. This includes the deployment of firewalls, anti-virus software, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, among other tactics, to safeguard networked systems and data.

Why It's Important

Network security is crucial for a Network Systems Administrator because it safeguards the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of both the network and the data it carries. This protection ensures that sensitive information is shielded from unauthorized access, data breaches are prevented, and the network remains reliable and accessible for authorized users, thereby maintaining operational continuity and trust.

How to Improve Network Security Skills

Improving network security is crucial for protecting data and ensuring the smooth operation of your network. Here are concise strategies for a Network Systems Administrator:

1. Update and Patch Systems: Regularly update and patch all devices and software to protect against vulnerabilities. Cisco Guide to Patch Management.

2. Use Firewalls and Encryption: Deploy firewalls to filter traffic and use encryption to protect data in transit. NIST Guide to Firewalls and Firewall Policy.

3. Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is secure, using strong encryption like WPA3. FCC Tips for Wireless Security.

4. Implement Access Control: Use access controls to limit who can access what on your network. Microsoft Access Control and Identity Management.

5. Educate Users: Train users on security best practices and phishing awareness. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Training.

6. Regular Backups: Regularly backup critical data and verify the integrity of those backups. Veeam Backup Best Practices.

7. Use Network Monitoring Tools: Monitor network traffic and behavior to detect and respond to threats quickly. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor.

8. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA to add an extra layer of security for accessing network resources. Duo Security on MFA.

9. Secure Physical Access: Ensure physical security to prevent unauthorized access to network hardware. SANS Institute Physical Security.

10. Develop an Incident Response Plan: Have a plan in place for responding to security incidents. CISA Incident Handling Resources.

By implementing these steps, network administrators can significantly improve the security of their networks.

How to Display Network Security Skills on Your Resume

9. Docker Containers

Docker Containers are lightweight, standalone packages that contain everything needed to run a piece of software, including the code, runtime, system tools, libraries, and settings. For a Network Systems Administrator, they offer a consistent and isolated environment for applications, simplifying deployment and scalability across different systems and platforms.

Why It's Important

Docker containers are important for a Network Systems Administrator because they provide a consistent and isolated environment for applications, reducing conflicts between software dependencies and streamlining deployment, scaling, and management across diverse network systems.

How to Improve Docker Containers Skills

To improve Docker containers as a Network Systems Administrator, focus on security, performance, and management practices:

1. Enhance Security:

   • Regularly update Docker and container images to the latest versions to mitigate vulnerabilities. Use Docker Bench for Security to assess the security of your Docker configurations against best practices.
   • Implement least privilege principles by controlling container access to host resources. Configure user namespaces to segregate container and Docker daemon privileges.
   • Use Docker Content Trust to sign images and verify their integrity and publisher.

2. Optimize Performance:

   • Limit container resources (CPU, memory) to prevent any container from affecting others or the host system. Use Docker's resource management features.
   • Leverage Docker's multi-stage builds to minimize image sizes, reducing download times and disk space usage. Follow best practices for optimizing Dockerfile.
   • Monitor container performance and logs using tools like Prometheus for metrics collection and Grafana for visualization.

3. Improve Management and Orchestration:

   • Use Docker Compose for managing multi-container applications through a single file, simplifying the deployment process.
   • For larger scale deployments, consider orchestration tools like Kubernetes or Docker Swarm that provide advanced management features such as auto-scaling, rolling updates, and self-healing.

4. Implement CI/CD Pipelines:

   • Integrate Docker with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for automated testing and deployment. Tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, and GitHub Actions can automate the build and deployment process, improving efficiency and reliability.

5. Networking Best Practices:

   • Customize Docker network settings to best fit your environment, using Docker networking options. Implement network segmentation and enforce firewall rules to control traffic flow to and from containers.

6. Documentation and Training:

   • Stay informed about the latest Docker features and best practices by regularly consulting the Docker documentation and engaging in professional development opportunities.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the security, performance, and manageability of Docker containers in your network environment.

How to Display Docker Containers Skills on Your Resume

10. Ansible Automation

Ansible Automation is a powerful IT automation tool that enables Network Systems Administrators to automate network configurations, management, and deployment tasks across various devices, simplifying complex network operations, enhancing consistency, and reducing errors.

Why It's Important

Ansible Automation simplifies complex network configurations, ensures consistent deployment across multiple devices, and enhances efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, reducing human error, and enabling a network systems administrator to focus on strategic improvements rather than routine maintenance.

How to Improve Ansible Automation Skills

To improve Ansible Automation as a Network Systems Administrator, focus on these key areas:

1. Modularize Playbooks: Break down your playbooks into smaller, reusable roles. This enhances maintainability and scalability. Ansible Roles Documentation

2. Dynamic Inventory: Use dynamic inventories to automatically manage and categorize your network devices based on real-time data. This simplifies management as your network grows. Dynamic Inventory Guide

3. Version Control: Utilize a version control system like Git to track changes, collaborate with team members, and rollback if necessary. This ensures consistency and reliability. Ansible Best Practices: Version Control

4. CI/CD Integration: Integrate Ansible with CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment. This increases efficiency and reduces the chance of errors. Ansible in DevOps

5. Custom Modules: If existing modules do not meet your needs, develop custom modules. This allows you to tailor automation to your specific network requirements. Developing Modules

6. Error Handling: Implement proper error handling in playbooks to manage failures gracefully. This improves reliability during automation. Error Handling in Playbooks

7. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest Ansible features and practices. Participate in forums and communities. Ansible Community

By following these steps and continuously refining your approach, you can significantly improve your Ansible automation for network systems.

How to Display Ansible Automation Skills on Your Resume

11. Wireshark Analysis

Wireshark analysis refers to the process of using the Wireshark software to capture and examine network traffic in real-time or from recorded files. It helps Network Systems Administrators diagnose issues, monitor network performance, and detect security threats by inspecting individual packets and their contents for anomalies or specific patterns.

Why It's Important

Wireshark analysis is crucial for a Network Systems Administrator because it enables the real-time monitoring and examination of network traffic, allowing for the identification and troubleshooting of network issues, security breaches, and performance bottlenecks efficiently.

How to Improve Wireshark Analysis Skills

Improving Wireshark analysis for a Network Systems Administrator involves enhancing skills in packet capture, filtering, and interpretation to troubleshoot and optimize network performance efficiently. Here's a concise guide:

1. Master the Basics: Start with understanding the core functionalities of Wireshark. Get familiar with the user interface, capturing techniques, and basic filtering. Wireshark User's Guide

2. Learn Advanced Filtering: Develop skills in creating advanced filters to isolate relevant data quickly. This helps in pinpointing issues without sifting through irrelevant data. Display Filters

3. Use Capture Filters: Capture only the packets you need by applying capture filters. This reduces the amount of data to analyze. Capture Filters

4. Understand Protocols: Deepen your knowledge of network protocols. Knowing how protocols should work helps in identifying anomalies. Protocol Reference

5. Analyze TCP Streams: Learn to follow and analyze TCP streams to troubleshoot connection issues. Following TCP Streams

6. Utilize Expert Info: Use Wireshark's Expert Info for automated analysis and quick insights into potential issues. Expert Info

7. Customize Wireshark: Tailor Wireshark to your needs by creating custom profiles for different types of analyses. Configuration Profiles

8. Stay Updated: Keep your Wireshark knowledge current by staying updated with the latest features and updates. Wireshark Blog

9. Practice: Continuously apply your skills on various network scenarios to become proficient in identifying and resolving issues.

10. Join the Community: Engage with the Wireshark community to exchange knowledge and get advice on complex issues. Wireshark Community

By focusing on these areas, a Network Systems Administrator can significantly improve their Wireshark analysis skills, leading to more efficient network troubleshooting and optimization.

How to Display Wireshark Analysis Skills on Your Resume

12. IPv6 Implementation

IPv6 implementation involves configuring and enabling network infrastructure, devices, and systems to support the IPv6 protocol, ensuring compatibility, connectivity, and security for efficient communication and addressing in modern, expansive networks.

Why It's Important

IPv6 implementation is crucial for a Network Systems Administrator because it addresses the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses by providing a vastly larger address space, ensuring scalability, improved network efficiency, and enhanced security features for future growth and the secure operation of modern networked environments.

How to Improve IPv6 Implementation Skills

Improving IPv6 implementation involves several key steps tailored towards Network Systems Administrators aimed at enhancing network performance, security, and future-proofing infrastructure. Here's a concise guide:

1. Education and Training: Ensure that you and your team are well-versed in IPv6 concepts, differences from IPv4, and best practices. Online resources like Cisco's IPv6 training can be invaluable.

2. Infrastructure Assessment: Evaluate your current network infrastructure's readiness for IPv6. Tools like RIPE NCC's IPv6 Analyser can help identify gaps.

3. IPv6 Address Plan: Develop a scalable addressing plan. The Hurricane Electric IPv6 Planning Tool can assist in planning and deployment.

4. Security Policies Update: Ensure your security policies and devices are IPv6 compliant. Refer to NIST's Guidelines for the Secure Deployment of IPv6 for comprehensive advice.

5. Vendor Support: Confirm that your hardware and software vendors support IPv6 fully. Engage with them for specific IPv6 support documents relevant to your infrastructure.

6. Dual Stack Implementation: Implement IPv6 alongside IPv4 (dual stack) to ensure compatibility and smooth transition. ISOC's Dual Stack Deployment Guide provides practical steps.

7. Monitoring and Management Tools Upgrade: Use IPv6-compatible network monitoring and management tools. The SolarWinds IPv6 Management tools offer a comprehensive solution.

8. IPv6-specific Training for Security Teams: Since IPv6 introduces new security considerations, ensure your security team is up to speed. SANS Institute offers IPv6 Security Training for this purpose.

9. Regular Testing and Validation: Regularly test your IPv6 implementation for performance and security. Tools like Test-ipv6.com can provide quick assessments.

10. Community Involvement and Continuous Learning: Engage with forums like The North American IPv6 Task Force for latest developments, tips, and peer support.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you'll be well on your way to improving your IPv6 implementation, ensuring a robust, secure, and future-proof network.

How to Display IPv6 Implementation Skills on Your Resume