What is network administration? What IT leaders need to know

Networks keep work moving, but the cost of downtime, hybrid work at scale, and rising security risk make strong network administration a business priority, not a back-office task.

Hybrid is the norm, with 86% of organizations supporting remote work to some degree, according to Auvik’s Network IT Management Report.

As organizations expand, IT teams carry greater responsibility for uptime, access, and protection across environments. Patching issues after they happen isn’t enough when customers, employees, and revenue depend on real-time performance.

In this article, we’ll explore how a connected service management platform like monday service supports modern network administration. With monitoring, tickets, workflows, and collaboration in a unified view — and with monday AI powering automation and insights — administrators gain the visibility and efficiency needed to manage complex networks.

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Key takeaways

• Network administration is the discipline that keeps systems connected, secure, and reliable — touching everything from infrastructure to end-user experience.
• The 5 pillars of administration — fault, configuration, account, performance, and security management — form the backbone of resilient IT operations.
• Smart software like monday service unify monitoring, ticketing, analytics, and AI-powered workflows so administrators can manage complexity in a single workspace.
• Automation and AI aren’t “nice to have” anymore; they’re essential for proactive monitoring, faster resolution times, and predictive maintenance.
• Strong network administration directly impacts business outcomes, reducing downtime costs, supporting hybrid work, and safeguarding compliance.

What is network administration, and why does it matter?

Network administration is the set of practices that keep infrastructure running reliably and securely. It includes managing hardware, software, configurations, and security protocols, as well as monitoring performance and resolving issues.

For enterprises, effective network administration does more than keep systems online — it minimizes costly downtime, sustains employee productivity, and ensures customers have a seamless experience. A single disruption can affect entire departments and revenue streams. Strong network administration reduces these risks and supports growth at scale.

Network administration vs. system administration vs. network engineering

Although these roles often overlap, each has a distinct focus within IT infrastructure:

• Network administration: Day-to-day management of connectivity, configurations, monitoring, and security to ensure reliable and secure communication between devices and systems
• System administration: Oversight of servers, operating systems, and applications that run on top of the network, including patching, updates, and user management
• Network engineering: The strategic design and optimization of network architectures, including capacity planning, new technology adoption, and long-term performance improvements

In practice, these functions work closely together. Network administrators keep the environment running smoothly, system administrators maintain the servers and applications that rely on it, and engineers design what the future state should look like. Together, they create a resilient IT foundation that supports business operations.

Want to learn more about how network performance monitoring can help? Read about network performance monitoring to learn how to boost speed and security.

The 5 pillars of effective network administration

These 5 pillars form the foundation of effective network administration. They keep networks reliable, secure, and aligned with business needs.

Fault management

Fault management is the first line of defense in protecting network health.

• Real-time health monitoring surfaces issues as they emerge.
• SNMP gives device-level visibility; clear escalation paths limit downtime.
• The goal is to achieve fast detection and a consistent response.

Configuration management

Configuration management keeps your infrastructure organized and stable.

• Track and control changes across switches, firewalls, and routers.
• Change control processes reduce errors, and version histories support quick rollback.
• The aim is a stable infrastructure that scales without disruption.

But configuration visibility still lags, with 45% of IT pros sharing they don’t fully know their network configuration, according to the Network IT Management Report.

Account management

Account management ensures fair use of resources and long-term scalability.

• Monitor utilization across departments to spot inefficiencies.
• Resource allocation and billing create visibility into demand.
• The outcome is smarter capacity planning and fair use of resources.

Performance management

Performance management keeps operations running at agreed-upon service levels.

• Measure service levels through metrics like response times and packet loss.
• Apply QoS policies to prioritize critical traffic.
• The focus is on maintaining reliable operations at agreed standards.

Security management

Security management protects networks from external and internal threats.

• Control access through authentication and device authorization.
• Firewalls and intrusion detection block malicious activity.
• Security must remain continuous, with monitoring aligned to compliance needs.

Security also means preparing for audits and regulatory checks. Logging activity, tracking configuration changes, and aligning workflows with standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR provide a consistent record that supports daily operations and long-term compliance. With monday service, these workflows can be built directly into incident and change management processes, giving IT teams both traceability and speed.

Embedding security into daily operations ensures teams meet current requirements while staying prepared for evolving threats and regulations.

The hidden costs of outdated network administration

Even with strong practices in place, many teams run into familiar roadblocks. Time is nearly split between planned work and firefighting — 52.5% proactive vs 47.5% reactive — and capacity is the constraint, with 61% citing limited time or budget as the top blockers, according to Auvik’s Network IT Management Report.

Common pain points include:

• Teams forced to plan ahead rather than firefight, but without enough visibility
• Tools locked in silos, leaving information disconnected
• Limited reporting for business stakeholders
• Manual processes that can’t scale with growth

The cost of outdated approaches goes beyond IT teams. Downtime drains productivity and frustrates employees. Inefficient processes waste resources, and poor visibility increases security risk. For growing organizations, these issues compound and make it harder to adopt new technologies with confidence.

Inside the role: What network admins really manage

Network administrators are the people who keep networks running every day. Their role blends technical expertise with constant attention to performance, security, and user needs.

The work goes beyond troubleshooting. Administrators anticipate demand, plan for capacity, and align their tasks with business priorities. Balancing daily operations with longer-term planning is what sustains resilience and supports growth.

Advance through certifications and experience

Certifications play a key role in career progression for network administrators. Foundational credentials like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA validate core knowledge of protocols, troubleshooting, and infrastructure. More advanced options — CCNP, CISSP, or vendor-specific programs from Juniper, Microsoft, and AWS — help professionals specialize in areas such as security, cloud, or large-scale architecture.

For employers, certifications provide assurance of skills and up-to-date expertise, while for administrators, they open doors to senior roles, higher salaries, and leadership opportunities. Pairing certifications with real-world experience in integration, automation, and system design often leads to progression into network engineering or IT leadership.

The tools that keep modern networks running

Reliable network administration depends on a mix of technologies, including monitoring and ticketing tools to track performance, incidents, and SLAs (service level agreements). They also need collaboration and automation features to align teams and reduce manual lift

A platform like monday service unifies these functions in a shared environment and integrates with the tools IT teams already use:

• Azure DevOps links incidents to development work for end-to-end resolution.
• DocuSign brings contract approvals and vendor workflows into the same process.
• Slack, Outlook, and Gmail integrations keep communication in context, while asset management connections provide visibility into equipment and licensing.

This unified view reduces context switching and enables faster, more informed decisions.

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The metrics and protocols every IT leader should track

Visibility starts with the right signals. Monitoring is central to network administration, and focusing on the right metrics helps teams anticipate problems instead of responding after the fact.

Key metrics include:

• Uptime: Percentage of time the network is available
• Latency and jitter: End-to-end delay and its variability, critical for voice and video
• Bandwidth: Maximum rate of data transfer
• Packet loss: Percentage of packets that never reach their destination

Protocols provide the foundation for measuring and interpreting these metrics:

• SNMP for monitoring device performance
• ICMP for error messages and connectivity tests
• Syslog for system event analysis across devices

Dashboards turn this data into actionable insights. Instead of scanning raw logs, administrators can track SLA compliance, performance trends, and anomalies in real time. Dashboards in monday service, powered by monday AI, surface the most important signals and summarize patterns — helping teams act quickly and confidently.

Proven practices that strengthen network reliability

Strong network administration depends on structure, consistency, and a mindset focused on planning ahead. These practices give IT teams the control needed to manage complexity while keeping networks secure and reliable.

Strengthen core habits

• Document configurations, changes, and incidents in detail.
• Automate repetitive tasks to free up time.
• Embed security into every workflow.
• Track performance continuously to catch issues before users feel the impact.
• Use platforms that connect teams and data instead of managing silos.

Standardize processes

When workflows are consistent, stability and scalability improve. Many teams:

• Apply the 5 pillars framework as a foundation.
• Set up change management workflows with clear approvals.
• Hold regular performance reviews to spot trends.
• Look for minor, ongoing improvements instead of occasional big overhauls.

Teams that document often move faster, with 58% updating network docs weekly or daily, according to Auvik’s Network IT Management Report.

Adapt to organization size

Network practices often shift depending on scale.

• Small businesses benefit from lightweight processes, since individuals often cover multiple responsibilities.
• Mid-sized companies need more defined procedures and dedicated teams.
• Enterprises require structured governance and cross-department alignment to manage complex environments.

Build security into everything

A security-first posture reduces risk and strengthens resilience. That means adopting zero-trust principles, running vulnerability tests, and training employees to recognize issues — all embedded across the 5 pillars rather than treated separately.

Make performance visible

Clear reporting turns raw metrics into decisions. Teams should:

• Define KPIs that tie directly to business goals.
• Share updates regularly with stakeholders.
• Use analytics to guide planning and investment.
• Establish baselines to measure improvements over time.

Best practices set the foundation — now let’s look at how a connected service platform puts them to work day to day.

How monday service transforms network administration

Traditional approaches rely on separate dashboards, ticketing systems, and spreadsheets. Each tool solves part of the problem but leaves gaps in visibility. The monday service platform consolidates these functions in a connected workspace, giving IT teams control over incidents, performance, and collaboration without switching platforms.

Key advantages include:

• Ticketing is tied to projects and context, so issues don’t sit in isolation.
• AI-driven routing that assigns work where it can be resolved fastest.
• Workflows that automatically bring in the right teams.
• Dashboards that highlight the most important metrics.
• A no-code setup that lets teams customize processes without outside help.

Manage the 5 pillars in one workspace

Each of the 5 pillars of network administration — fault, configuration, account, performance, and security management — is supported directly within monday service. Here’s how:

• Fault management: Incidents are automatically routed to the right team for faster resolution.
• Configuration management: Change approvals and rollback options keep infrastructure stable.
• Account & performance management: Dashboards provide visibility into utilization, SLAs, and reporting.
• Security management: Compliance checkpoints and audit-ready records are built into every workflow.

By embedding these functions into a single connected workspace, IT teams reduce context switching and manage all aspects of network administration with clarity and speed.

Enable cross-departmental collaboration

Network issues often require multiple teams. With monday service, IT, security, and business leaders share updates directly in workflows, while stakeholders track progress in real time. Integrated project tools make it easier to coordinate initiatives from start to finish.

Simplify vendor and asset management

Licenses, equipment, and contracts are all stored in one place. Asset lifecycle tracking helps plan upgrades, while integrations with monitoring tools add context without leaving the workspace. Clean records and clear ownership keep operations on track.

Scale with your organization

Templates make it simple for smaller companies to get started, while enterprises can configure complex workflows to match their environments. Processes remain adaptable, allowing teams to adjust as business needs evolve, rather than rebuilding from scratch.

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Leveraging AI and automation for proactive network maintenance

Can AI make network work feel lighter? For most IT teams, yes. Automation and AI are now essentials for handling modern complexity.

• Automated classification and routing: Issues are categorized under the 5 pillars, assigned to the right expertise, and prioritized by business impact or SLA requirements.
• Predictive monitoring: AI analyzes performance trends, flags potential failures, and handles routine maintenance to prevent repeat issues.
• Knowledge management: An AI-powered knowledge base answers common questions, while self-service portals let end users solve simple problems on their own.
• Continuous learning: Systems improve accuracy over time by learning from past resolutions.

Through AI Blocks and the Digital Workforce, monday service enables teams to automate labeling, generate insights, detect sentiment in feedback, and use digital workers for monitoring and reporting. Together, these tools let administrators anticipate issues, reduce manual lift, and strengthen network stability over time.

AI is already reshaping daily tasks, and its role will expand as the network edge and cloud services evolve.

Want to learn more about using AI for IT service management needs? Check out AI for ITSM: From reactive support to predictive service.

What’s next for network administration

Network administration is evolving quickly as both technology and business expectations accelerate. Traditional practices are no longer enough — teams now face rising security threats, the push toward AI-first management, and the need for predictive maintenance that prevents issues before they happen. At the same time, hybrid and remote networks add new layers of complexity, demanding faster response times and greater visibility.

Key innovations shaping the network admin

Several emerging technologies are already redefining how networks are designed, monitored, and managed. Among the most impactful:

• SDN and NFV simplify infrastructure management and improve flexibility.
• Edge computing and IoT extend networks into more environments.
• 5G connectivity enables higher speeds and new use cases.
• Cloud-native approaches shift operations away from on-premise systems.

Skills required for future-ready administrators

Administrators need more than technical expertise. Scripting, automation, cloud platform management, and hybrid infrastructure are becoming table stakes. Business awareness also matters, understanding how network choices affect productivity, customer experience, and costs. AI and machine learning will continue to expand their role in both daily operations and long-term planning.

The connection between networks and business goals

Network administration is increasingly tied to digital transformation and user experience. The network goes from being a utility to a business enabler. Success comes from aligning infrastructure with enterprise goals.

Built to evolve with these demands, monday service adapts as needs shift, providing the flexibility, automation, and visibility IT teams require to manage tomorrow’s networks confidently. With monday AI, administrators gain predictive insights and automated workflows that reduce risk and keep operations moving.

Getting started with smarter network administration

Modernizing network administration starts with clarity and a plan. Taking a structured approach reduces risk, improves performance, and supports growth.

Assess and plan

Evaluate current processes against the 5 pillars. Identify gaps in tools, workflows, and team alignment. Then build a modernization roadmap with milestones that reflect both technical and business priorities.

Implement in phases

Rollouts work best when done in steps. Start small, expand steadily, and include change management and team training to drive adoption. Define success metrics early and track performance improvements over time. Integration planning is critical — new workflows should connect smoothly with existing tools and infrastructure.

Choose the right platform

Look for a service platform that supports all 5 pillars and flexes with future needs. Key criteria include integration capabilities, vendor ecosystem support, scalability, and alignment with business goals. A platform should adapt as the organization grows and meet the needs of both IT teams and stakeholders.

Effective network administration keeps employees productive, protects against threats, and creates the foundation for digital transformation.

Organizations using monday service report faster resolution times, better visibility into performance trends, and stronger alignment between IT and business priorities. With automation and AI-powered insights built in, the platform reduces downtime, improves service quality, and gives leaders the confidence to scale without adding overhead.

See how monday service can help your IT team modernize network administration and deliver stronger service outcomes.

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