Network Administrator Certificate Program

RiseWithTech.blog Presents

Objective:
Develop the technical expertise and real-world mindset to manage modern networks — from local LAN setups to hybrid cloud infrastructures. Each part builds toward your final capstone: Designing and documenting your own network.

Part 1 — Network Foundations

Read: The Role of a Network Administrator
Learn what network administrators actually do — from maintaining uptime and securing routers to troubleshooting user issues and documenting infrastructure.

Task:

  • Research the core responsibilities of a Network Administrator (daily tasks, common tools).
  • Define LAN, WAN, VLAN, and subnet in your own words.
  • Draw a simple diagram showing how data flows: router → switch → computer.

Deliverable:
A “Network Foundations Map” with:

  1. Your personal definition of a network
  2. A simple diagram of connections
  3. A short paragraph describing what role you’d play as the admin

Part 2 — Hardware, Topologies & Devices

Read: Inside the Network Closet
Understand how physical and logical layouts impact reliability and performance.

Task:

  • Identify key devices (switches, routers, firewalls, WAPs).
  • Compare common topologies (star, mesh, hybrid).
  • Note the difference between wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) communication.

Deliverable:
A one-page “Network Device Sheet” showing each component’s function, real-world brand examples (Cisco, Ubiquiti, Netgear), and the topology you’d choose for your own small network.

Part 3 — IP Addressing & Subnetting

Read: How Devices Communicate
Every system on a network needs an address. Understanding how those addresses are grouped, segmented, and assigned is foundational to every admin role.

Task:

  • Create three IP addressing plans (small office, medium business, large enterprise).
  • Practice calculating subnet masks using CIDR notation.
  • Assign IPs to devices using a simulator (like Packet Tracer or GNS3).

Deliverable:
An “IP Address Plan” with your subnet diagram, a table of assigned addresses, and a brief explanation of how you’d expand the network later.

Part 4 — Switching & Routing

Read: How Data Moves
Switches move traffic inside a network; routers move it between networks. Together, they form the backbone of connectivity.

Task:

  • Configure a static route (simulation or lab).
  • Set up VLANs to separate departments or traffic types.
  • Explain the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching.

Deliverable:
A “Routing & Switching Lab Report” that documents your configurations, diagrams your VLAN setup, and summarizes lessons learned.

Part 5 — Network Services & Protocols

Read: The Services That Make Networks Work
Explore the protocols that automate and simplify network management: DHCP, DNS, NAT, VPN, and more.

Task:

  • Configure a DHCP pool and DNS record (via simulator or real device).
  • Explain how NAT enables multiple devices to share one public IP.
  • Research how VPNs secure remote access.

Deliverable:
A “Core Network Services Setup” document that includes screenshots (or mock configs) and your own explanation of each protocol’s purpose.

Part 6 — Security & Monitoring

Read: The Network Administrator as Guardian
Protecting data is as important as moving it. Learn to think like a security-minded admin.

Task:

  • Create and apply basic firewall or ACL rules.
  • Monitor network traffic with Wireshark or similar tools.
  • Research common network attacks (spoofing, sniffing, DDoS) and list prevention steps.

Deliverable:
A “Network Security Audit” summarizing vulnerabilities found, fixes applied, and your reflections on balancing convenience vs. security.

Part 7 — Cloud & Remote Networks

Read: Beyond the Office: Cloud Integration
Modern networks stretch beyond local walls. Learn to bridge on-prem environments with the cloud.

Task:

  • Research AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud network integration.
  • Diagram a hybrid environment connecting local resources to the cloud.
  • Describe one real-world use case for SD-WAN or VPN-based remote connectivity.

Deliverable:
A “Hybrid Network Diagram” that visualizes your cloud-connected setup and includes a short write-up of how you’d manage and monitor it.

Part 8 — Troubleshooting & Documentation

Read: The Problem Solver’s Mindset
Network administrators thrive on logic and process. Mastering documentation ensures nothing is left to chance.

Task:

  • Use CLI tools: ping, traceroute, nslookup, ipconfig, netstat.
  • Build a “Troubleshooting Flowchart” showing your step-by-step process.
  • Create a system log or ticket example showing how you’d document an outage.

Deliverable:
A “Network Troubleshooting & Documentation Pack” that includes your flowchart, command outputs, and sample notes.

Final Capstone — Build Your Own Network

Read: From Blueprint to Reality
Now it’s time to combine every part into your final project.

Task:

  • Design a network for a business (restaurant, school, or office).
  • Plan addressing, devices, topology, VLANs, and security layers.
  • Write a brief operations guide for future admins.

Deliverable:
A “Full Network Design Portfolio” — your professional showcase piece for the Network Administrator Certificate. (Click here to download the Course Certificate to pair with your completed course assignments.)