System administrator definition

A system administrator, or sysadmin, acts as the guardian of your company’s computer systems and servers. They support daily operations by keeping hardware and software components running smoothly. Their expertise keeps your systems reliable, secure and efficient, allowing your business to function without technological hiccups.

Key responsibilities of a system administrator may include:

• Server management: Install, configure, maintain, monitor and upgrade servers, operating systems and applications to guarantee high availability.
• Software deployment and updates: Oversee the rollout of new software, updates, patches, service packs and security hotfixes to keep systems current and secure.
• User account and access management: Create user accounts, set permissions, manage access rights, implement authentication protocols and audit user activities to protect sensitive data.
• System monitoring and optimization: Track performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, implement solutions to enhance efficiency, plan capacity upgrades and automate routine tasks.
• Backup and disaster recovery: Develop and maintain backup strategies and recovery plans to safeguard against data loss.
• Security enforcement: Apply security measures, such as antivirus solutions, encryption, regular vulnerability assessments, firewall configurations and intrusion detection systems to shield systems.
• Hardware maintenance: Oversee the physical health of servers and workstations, including repairs, upgrades, replacements, preventive maintenance and hardware inventory management.

Network administrator definition

A network administrator designs, manages and maintains the communication networks connecting computers, mobile devices, servers and peripherals within your organization. They help data flow seamlessly and securely across your company to support collaboration.

Key responsibilities of a network administrator might include:

• Network design and implementation: Craft network infrastructure tailored to your business needs, including routers, switches, wireless networks, firewalls and network storage devices.
• Security management: Deploy firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption protocols, antivirus software, secure VPNs and other measures to defend against cyber threats.
• Performance monitoring: Assess network performance by monitoring bandwidth usage, connectivity, latency, packet loss and other metrics to optimize speed and reliability.
• Troubleshooting and support: Swiftly diagnose and resolve network issues to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
• Policy development and compliance: Create network usage policies, enforce adherence to regulatory standards, conduct security audits, manage compliance documentation and provide training on policies.
• Documentation and reporting: Maintain detailed records of network configurations, updates, incident reports, maintenance logs and performance metrics for transparency and future planning.

Common areas between system administrators vs. network administrators

While system administrators and network administrators focus on different IT domains, their responsibilities typically intersect.

Shared responsibilities can include:

• Security initiatives: Both contribute to a robust security posture by implementing measures that protect systems and networks from threats.
• Performance optimization: They strive to enhance the overall efficiency of IT operations.
• Problem-solving skills: Strong analytical abilities enable them to troubleshoot and resolve issues affecting IT infrastructure.
• Policy implementation: They develop IT policies on system usage and network access to promote consistency and compliance.
• User support and training: Both roles may involve assisting users with technical issues, providing guidance on best practices and educating staff on new technologies.

Ways system administrators and network administrators differ

Despite the shared responsibilities, the focus areas and skill sets of network administrators vs. system administrators can differ.

Focus areas

System administrators concentrate on the functionality and reliability of computer systems and servers running applications and manage data.

Network administrators focus on network connectivity and scalability, communication systems and security protocols to facilitate effective communication.

Skill sets

System administrators:

• Expertise in operating systems
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies
• Scripting skills for automation
• Understanding of database management and storage systems
• Competence in cloud computing and infrastructure management

Network administrators:

• Expertise in networking protocols
• Experience with network hardware
• Knowledge of network security practices and VPN technologies
• Ability to design and implement network architectures
• Network troubleshooting and performance tuning skills

Tools and technologies

System administrators:

• System monitoring tools
• Configuration management platforms
• Cloud services and containerization
• Backup solutions and database administration
• Infrastructure as code tools, such as Terraform

Network administrators:

• Network monitoring tools, such as Wireshark and SolarWinds
• Configuration management software
• Hardware, such as load balancers and network storage devices
• Network security tools and wireless network configurations
• Network virtualization technologies

Interaction with users

System administrators engage directly with users to provide support, install software, address system-related inquiries, train on new systems and enforce security policies.

Network administrators often work behind the scenes but assist with connectivity issues or access problems when necessary.

When to hire a system administrator

Hiring a system administrator for your team may be best if:

• Complex systems need oversight: Managing multiple servers, databases, applications, virtualization platforms or cloud services requires specialized attention.
• System performance issues arise: If slow or unreliable systems impact productivity, a sysadmin can optimize performance.
• Ongoing software management is essential: Regular software updates, deployments and security patches are vital for maintaining security and functionality.
• Data protection is critical: Implementing robust backup solutions and disaster recovery plans safeguards your business against data loss.

Related: 5 System Administrator Interview Questions and Answers

When to hire a network administrator

Consider hiring a network administrator when:

• Connectivity is critical: Your operations rely heavily on real-time data exchange, VoIP systems, cloud services, remote collaboration tools or online transactions.
• You’re scaling up: Expanding or upgrading your network infrastructure to handle increased traffic may require expert management.
• Security is paramount: You may need network security expertise to protect sensitive data.
• Multiple locations exist: You need to coordinate networks across various sites for seamless connectivity and consistent performance.

Related: Network Administrator Interview Questions

How to choose which professional to hire

To determine the best fit for your business, consider these steps:

1. Evaluate your IT landscape: Identify whether your primary challenges are system-related (servers, applications, data storage) or network-related (connectivity, security, capacity).
2. Define clear objectives: Establish your goals—enhanced security, improved performance, cost reduction, increased capacity or improved user satisfaction.
3. Develop detailed job descriptions: Clearly outline responsibilities, required skills, experience levels, certifications and industry-specific knowledge needed.
4. Anticipate future needs: Choose a professional who can grow with your evolving IT requirements.

Tips for successful hiring

Consider these tips when deciding between a system admin vs. a network admin:

• Seek relevant experience: Consider candidates who have worked in your industry or with similar IT environments.
• Verify certifications:

• System administrators: Look for CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), VMware Certified Professional or CompTIA Linux+ certifications.
• Network administrators: Certifications such as Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, CISSP, Juniper Networks Certified Associate or Wireshark Certified Network Analyst can indicate expertise.

• Assess soft skills: You may choose to look for strong communication, teamwork, adaptability, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Use practical assessments: Technical interviews, practical tests, code reviews and scenario interview questions for network administrators and system administrators may help verify a candidate’s capabilities.
• Emphasize culture add: Choose candidates who align with your company’s values, work culture and professional ethics.
• Offer competitive packages: You might attract top talent by providing competitive salaries, benefits, professional development opportunities and flexible work arrangements.
• Leverage networks: Utilize industry contacts, online forums, professional associations, social media platforms and networking events to find candidates.
• Provide growth opportunities: Highlight career advancement paths, ongoing training, mentorship programs, certification support and leadership opportunities within your organization.
• Consider recruitment agencies: Partnering with specialized IT recruitment firms can broaden your candidate pool and streamline the hiring process.

Frequently asked questions about system administrators vs. network administrators

What distinguishes a system administrator from a network administrator?

A system administrator manages computer systems and servers, ensuring hardware and software operate efficiently. A network administrator focuses on the network infrastructure, handling connectivity, network devices and security.

Is it possible for one person to handle system and network administration?

In smaller organizations, one individual might perform both roles due to budget constraints or simple IT setups. However, as your infrastructure grows in complexity, you might hire dedicated professionals for each area.

How do system and network administrators collaborate within an organization?

They collaborate to maintain seamless operation of systems and networks. For example, when the system administrator deploys new applications, the network administrator may ensure they’re accessible over the network.