201 guide - BIG-IP Administrator Updated: 2023

Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization's computer networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Information Technology Manager (IT Manager), Information Technology Director (IT Director), Systems Engineer, Network Manager, Network Specialist

When you use your company's intranet or local computer network, you're enjoying the work of a network and computer systems administrator. These administrators ensure that email and data storage networks work properly, and keep employee workstations connected to the central computer network. They also set up and maintain an organization's computer servers and participate in decisions about hardware or software upgrades to the computer network. Some network and computer systems administrators also manage telecommunication networks so employees can work from home or on the road.

Network and computer systems administrators typically do the following:

• Determine what the organization needs in a network and computer system before it is set up
• Install all network hardware and software and make needed upgrades and repairs
• Maintain network and computer system security and ensure that all systems are operating correctly
• Collect data to evaluate the network’s or system’s performance and help make the system work better and faster
• Train users on the proper use of hardware and software when necessary
• Solve problems quickly when a user or an automated monitoring system lets them know about a problem

Educational Requirements

Network and computer systems administrator jobs often require a bachelor's degree—typically in computer or information science, although sometimes a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering is acceptable. Coursework in computer programming, networking, or systems design will be helpful. Some businesses require that an administrator get a master's degree, while others are willing to accept an associate's degree or professional certification along with related work experience.

Completing certification programs and otherwise keeping up with new technologies is also important. "It's imperative to stay current with technology trends and changes by practicing blogs, technology magazines, and attending conferences," says Simran Sandhu, manager of network infrastructure at Adobe. "It's also important to study and learn the basics of network technology and acquire an acute understanding of how information flows. Be able to identify key services such as DNS, DHCP, and firewalls, and define the roles they play in a network infrastructure."

Salary Information 2018

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following information corresponds to the salaries of Network Computer Systems Administrators in 2018. The bottom 10% of earners made less than $50,990, median salary was $82,050, and the top 10% of earners made more than $130,720.

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Information retrieved from U.S. News Money: Computer Systems Administrator, Bureau of Labor Statistics: Network and Computer Systems Administrators and O*NET Online: Network and Computer Systems Administrators.

Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Computer network and system administration (CNSA) refers to the day-to-day operation of these networks. CNSA professionals organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Systems administrators, or SysAdmins, are a central part of information technology (IT) teams that support software functions, data transfers, and network connectivity for computer systems. Their role is to oversee the network as a whole, making routine improvements and updates to ensure the system can handle all networking tasks and meet security requirements. Their duties include tracking network traffic and activity, installing and configuring software updates and performing database backups to restore and protect user information.

There are several types of system administrators that oversee a certain aspect of system operations: network administrators, security administrators, database administrators, and server administrators. Some system administrators are responsible for multiple roles while others exclusively focus on their subject area. For example, a security administrator is in charge of cybersecurity, password protection, and user access. A server administrator may have some security responsibilities alongside running hardware and operating systems.

What Careers Are There in Computer Network and System Administration?

A career as a system or network administrator may take many paths. They might work in a corporate setting, a government agency, or an educational institution. Some could end up being self-employed consultants, while others may advance their careers by moving into other IT sectors such as systems engineering or software development. Those with the required skills and accreditation have plenty of options available to them.

Job titles for CNSA professionals include:

• Application Developer
• Chief Security Officer (CSO)
• Database Administrator
• E-commerce Developer
• Information Analyst
• Information Systems (IS) Manager
• Information Technology (IT) Specialist
• Local Area Network (LAN) Specialist
• Local Area Network (LAN) Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Network Coordinator
• Network Engineer
• Network Manager
• Security Specialist
• Senior Interface Developer
• Systems Administrator
• Systems Engineer
• Voiceover IP (VoIP) Engineer

What Tasks do Computer Network and System Administrators do?

A CNSA professional is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s network. They install and maintain network hardware and software and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. They also research computing tools, develop policies and procedures for using and maintaining the network, and may be required to provide support to users (both internally within their organization and externally with clients).

System administrators may meet with clients to discuss their computing needs and identify how they can access system tools while keeping their information secure. They may answer phone calls, mentor IT support staff, plan updates, and delegate incoming tasks to members of their team. System administrators may also perform research to find ways to Excellerate system efficiency by identifying signal interruptions and environmental factors that impact network performance.

Specific daily job duties may depend on the size and scope of an organization's computer systems. At smaller businesses, the system administrator may handle all IT duties, including maintaining and updating all computers, and ensuring data security and backup. Larger corporations may divide system administrators' responsibilities into more specific sub-roles, therefore resulting in specialized positions like database administrators or security administrators.

Some tasks that network and computer systems administrators undertake include:

• Installing hardware and software for the network
• Performing necessary upgrades and repairs
• Evaluating and optimizing network or system performance
• Identifying user needs and selecting appropriate IT systems
• Training users in the proper use of hardware and software
• Analyzing complex computing problems and implementing solutions
• Maintaining network and computer system security

How Much do Computer Network and System Administrators Make?

The mean annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $97,160 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,260 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $140,430.

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Skills do Computer Network and System Administrators Need?

While most employers require computer network and systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science, others may require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree. Some employers may even require that administrators have a master’s degree.

Generally speaking, CNSA professionals need to have a working knowledge of:

• Network topologies
• Network protocols
• Routing and switching concepts
• LAN/WAN technologies
• Configuring and managing firewalls
• Managing VPNs
• Configuring and managing routers
• Monitoring network performance
• Analyzing network traffic
• Planning and implementing disaster recovery procedures

Other necessary skills for a systems administrator may include:

• Critical thinking skills
• Analytical skills
• Time management and multitasking skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills

Because network technology is constantly changing, administrators need to keep up with the latest developments. Many continue to take courses throughout their careers and attend IT conferences to keep up with the latest technology.

In addition, many companies require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the products they use. Certification programs are usually offered directly from vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers and function to validate the knowledge and use of best practices required of network and computer systems administrators. Microsoft and Cisco offer some of the most common certifications.

The Future of Computer Network and System Administration

CNSA professionals are a central part of IT teams that support software functions, data transfers and network connectivity for computer systems. Employed by virtually all organizations, CNSA is an enduring career opportunity.

Computer Network and System Administration at Michigan Tech

Michigan Technological University's College of Computing is the first college in Michigan fully dedicated to computing, and one of only a few nationwide. Michigan Tech computer network and system administration students learn to build and troubleshoot computer networks and manage enterprise systems effectively and securely.

Computer Network and System Administration—BS

Michigan Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Network and System Administration program prepares you for some of today's most challenging and exciting career areas: computer network design, administration, and security.

Learn to design and implement advanced technologies. Gain experience with technology relevant to industry. Take hands-on labs for each of your technical courses—and enjoy 24/7 lab access. Plus, customize your degree with a concentration in cybersecurity, IT management, or network engineering.

Take advantage of highly competitive cooperative education (co-op) and internship opportunities during your time at Tech. You’ll gain essential industry experience in technical and non-technical areas related to the field. When you graduate, you’ll be well prepared with the skills and qualifications sought by today’s employers.

In your final year, you’ll complete either a Senior Design project or an Enterprise project and present your project at Design Expo—an annual competition that highlights hands-on, discovery-based learning at Michigan Tech. During the event, more than a thousand students in Enterprise and on Senior Design teams showcase their work and compete for awards. A panel of judges, made up of distinguished corporate representatives, Michigan Tech staff and faculty members, and community members, critique the projects and determine the award winners.

Our CNSA graduates are in high demand for their ability to design, secure, and manage computer networks and enterprise IT systems in all sectors of the economy, including healthcare, retail, insurance, manufacturing, government, and research. 100% of Michigan Tech CNSA graduates land full-time jobs within six months of graduation.

Cybersecurity—BS

Unsure if CNSA or Cybersecurity is right for you? Our bachelor’s programs in CNSA and Cybersecurity share a similar curriculum for the first year, so there’s time to discover your interests and talents before making a choice.

Accelerated Master’s Program

Earn a master's degree in just one additional year of study beyond your bachelor's through our Accelerated Master’s Program. CNSA students may choose between an MS in Cybersecurity or an MS in Health Informatics.

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for F5 Networks (FFIV). Shares have added about 5.8% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.

Will the accurate positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is F5 due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most accurate earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.

F5 Networks' Q2 Earnings and Sales Top Estimates

F5 reported second-quarter fiscal 2023 results, wherein the top and the bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

This Seattle-based company’s non-GAAP earnings of $2.53 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.42. The bottom line increased 18.8% from the year-ago quarter’s $2.13 per share and was way higher than management’s guided range of $2.36-$2.48 per share.

During the reported quarter, F5 Networks witnessed a 11% increase in its revenues amid a global chip shortage scenario in the semiconductor industry. The company’s non-GAAP revenues were $703.2 million, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $700.7 million. The top line was above the mid-point of the guided range of $690-$710 million.

Top Line in Detail

Product revenues (48.4% of total revenues), which comprise Software and Systems sub-divisions, increased 14% year over year to $340.6 million. System sales jumped 43% year over year to $209 million, accounting for approximately 61.3% of the total Product revenues. However, Software revenues slumped 13% to $132 million, making up the remaining 38.7% of the total Product revenues.

Global Service revenues (51.6% of total revenues) grew 8% to $362.6 million.

F5 Networks registered sales growth across the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions, witnessing a year-over-year increase of 7%, 22% and 9%, respectively. Revenue contributions from the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions were 54%, 27% and 18%, respectively.

Story continues

Customer-wise, Enterprises, Service providers and Government represented 67%, 13% and 20% of product bookings, respectively.

Margins

GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins contracted 220 basis points (bps) and 250 bps to 77.9% and 80.4%, respectively.

GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses went up 1.9% and 4.6%, respectively, to $441.5 million and $374.1 million. F5 Networks’ GAAP and non-GAAP operating margins expanded 330 bps and 70 bps to 15.1% and 27.2%, respectively.

Balance Sheet & Cash Flow

F5 Networks exited the March-ended quarter with cash and short-term investments of $755.3 million compared with the previous quarter’s $660 million.

During the fiscal second quarter, the company generated $141 million of operating cash flow compared with the $158 million reported in the previous quarter. The operating cash flow remained under pressure due to strong multi-year subscription sales, which impacted the cash collection process.

Guidance

F5 Networks projects non-GAAP revenues in the $690-$710 million (mid-point of $700 million) and non-GAAP earnings per share in the $2.78-$2.90 band (mid-point of $2.84) for third-quarter fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP gross margin is forecast to be around 82%.

For fiscal 2023, F5 Networks expects low-to-mid-single digit revenue growth.
The company anticipates non-GAAP earnings to grow in 7-11% band. Non

GAAP operating margin is forecasted to be roughly 30%.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates.

VGM Scores

At this time, F5 has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Outlook

Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, F5 has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.

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F5, Inc. (FFIV) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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