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Network Administration Technology

Overview Admissions Careers & Connections Tools & Supplies Courses & Costs

Overview

Assiniboine’s two-year Network Administration Technology diploma prepares graduates for a career as a computer network administrator. The skills you gain in this program can also be used towards industry certifications, such as current CompTia, Microsoft and Cisco certifications. 

Network administrators establish, operate, maintain and coordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software and related computer equipment. They set up and maintain extranet, intranet and internet services, while monitoring and optimizing network connectivity and performance.  

They are employed in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. They are prepared to work in the areas of troubleshooting and supporting data, wireless and voice networks, installing and upgrading computer hardware, installing and supporting computer software. 

Program Learning Outcomes 

  • Design, install, configure, and manage local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), networks, and related computer equipment. 
  • Analyze network requirements and make recommendations for hardware, software, and network design. 
  • Configure, monitor, and maintain network security protocols and systems to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. 
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose network problems, and implement effective solutions to restore network functionality. 
  • Establish and maintain effective communication with network users to understand and meet their needs, and provide timely support and assistance. 
  • Develop and implement backup and disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity and minimize downtime in the event of a network failure. 
  • Configure and manage servers and related hardware and software to support internet, extranet, and intranet websites and services.  
  • Monitor and optimize network performance to ensure efficient and effective data transfer and access. 
  • Demonstrate effective project management skills in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. 
  • Adhere to ethical and legal standards related to network administration and information technology, including privacy, security, and intellectual property rights. 

Examples of what network administrators can do: 

  • Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls. 
  • Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software, operating system software and software applications. 
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, repair and administer local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks, computer workstations, connections to the Internet and peripheral equipment. 
  • Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate access and use of computer networks. 
  • Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations. 
  • Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records. 
  • Perform shell scripting or other basic scripting tasks. 
  • Provide problem-solving services to network users. 

Success Factors 

You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy: 

  • Working with computers and technology 
  • Troubleshooting technical issues 
  • Solving problems or puzzles  
  • Working closely with team members  
  • Learning new tools and techniques and growing as a professional 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 

  • Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work. 
  • Communicate effectively with team members and clients. 
  • Continually seek and be open to feedback and critiques. 
  • Listen to direction and act on that accordingly. 
  • Maintain professionalism, attention to detail and quality of work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Manage projects and time effectively, meeting deadlines and delivering work within industry standards and best practices. 
  • Perform static tasks, such as sitting and using a computer. 
  • Perform physical tasks, such as operating and maintaining equipment of various sizes.  
  • Use and keep up to date with changes in technology and be willing to continuously learn and adapt. 
  • Work in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires. 
  • Take ownership of your work and be accountable for meeting deadlines, communicating progress, and solving problems independently as they arise. 
  • Adhere to ethical and legal standards related to network administration and information technology, including privacy, security, and intellectual property rights. 

Admissions

  • A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent

  • English 40G/40S or equivalent

  • Consumer/Essential Mathematics 40G/40S with a minimum mark of 60%.

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.

Information for International Students

International students can find more information in the Helpful Information for International Students - Network Administration Technology.

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • In-house IT department (e.g. school divisions, hospitals, large corporations, etc.)
  • IT service companies
  • Network support and management
  • System administration

Connections

Assiniboine has an on-campus Pearson VUE and Prometric Authorized Testing Centre. Students in this program may choose to write exams to acquire current industry certifications such as CompTia, Microsoft, and Cisco certifications.

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.

Tools & Supplies

Network Administration Technology students learn by working in hands-on, state of the art computer labs. Our instructors explain and demonstrate how to configure complex computer networking solutions, and challenge students to build and configure their own computer networks in a controlled test environment. We are also partnered with Cisco Systems Inc. and use their current curriculum to teach network routing in a full equipped Cisco laboratory.

At the completion of classroom studies, students round out their training with a two-month work practicum, filling the job role of a junior computer systems administrator in the IT department of one of our many supportive employers. The skills learned in the program can also be used to obtain Industry Certifications, using our online testing centre.

Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.

Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career. 

Program Checklist & Textbooks/Supplies

Program Checklists:

Supplies:

    Technology Requirements

    Students in this program are expected to have a computer at home with internet access that meets the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information. 

    Courses & Costs

    Costs

    Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
      Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
    Network Administration Technology (YR 1) 60 $3,450 $1,810 $470 $210
    Network Administration Technology (YR 2) 61 $3,450 $1,920 $470 -

    All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

    Estimated Program Costs (International students)
      Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
    Network Administration Technology (YR 1) 60 $15,530 $1,810 $470 $750 $210
    Network Administration Technology (YR 2) 61 $15,530 $1,920 $470 $750 -

    All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

    Courses

    To graduate with a Network Administration Technology diploma, students must successfully complete 120 academic credits and 1 practical credit. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

    Year One Courses
    Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
    College Foundations (PEDV-0356)

    This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

    		 0 credit(s) No No No
    Computer Repair 1 (NETW-0002)

    In this course, students combine theory and practical work of all components found in modern computer hardware. Areas of study include computer assembly and repair, and troubleshooting hardware and peripherals. Students install hardware components and diagnostic programs to facilitate diagnosis, troubleshooting and benchmarking of hardware and operating systems.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Computer Repair 2 (NETW-0003)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0002 Computer Repair 1
    This course expands beyond topics covered in Computer Repair 1 by placing all skills into a real-life environment. Students run a computer repair shop and handle all aspects including: customer service, communications, and repair or solutions based on the customers’ needs. Advanced lab topics include: computer cleaning (physical and software), virus detection and removal, backup solutions, registry, documentation writing and basic scripting.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Customers and Communications (COMM-0394)

    In this course, students examine customer service and communication skills. Students react and respond to different challenges of customer service and effectively communicate with customers through personal contact, email, and written correspondence. Students engage heavily in emotional intelligence exercises, practice presentation skills, and utilize various types of written and
    oral communication important to the network administration field.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 1 (NETW-0005)

    In this course, students install, configure and troubleshoot a modern desktop network operating system. Topics include: basic and advanced installation methods, hardware management, network connectivity, file system security, group policy, software security, user account creation and management of operating system. Students construct and administer peer-to -peer networks.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 2 (NETW-0006)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0005 Networking 1
    In this course, students install and manage server based network operating systems. Topics include: configuration of server software, network security administration, global policy objects and optimization of a network server. Students build and administer a server-based network.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 3 (NETW-0007)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0006 Networking 2, NETW-0015 Routing 1
    In this course, students configure various physical and logical topologies for an Active Directory based network. Topics include: multiple authentication policies, DNS (Domain Name Services), subnetting, site objects, and complex domain configurations. Students install and configure networking services in a networking laboratory.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 4 (NETW-0008)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0007 Networking 3
    In this course, students configure a network infrastructure to support Active Directory based networks. Topics include: the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) model, name resolution, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), routing, NAT (Network Address Translation), IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), and VPN (Virtual Private Networking).

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Routing 1 (NETW-0015)

    In this course, students examine the architecture, structure, functions and components of the Internet and other computer networks. Students build and configure simple local area networks (LAN), perform basic router and switch configurations, and implement the Internet Protocol (IP). Topics include: IPv4 & IPv6, the OSI model, basic device configuration, simple security best
    practices and industry standard cabling procedures. Students plan, build and troubleshoot simple networks in a routing laboratory.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Routing 2 (NETW-0016)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0015 Routing 1
    In this course, students learn to install and manage server based network operating systems. Topics include: configuration of server software, network security administration, global policy objects and optimization of a network server. Students build and administer a server-based network.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Technology Foundations 1 (NETW-0018)

    In this course, students learn fundamental digital/electronics skills and shop practices required to work in the computer job market. Through a theoretical and practical approach, students learn basic skills such as DC electronics fundamentals, logic gates, meters and safety in the workplace.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Year Two Courses
    Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
    Advanced Operating Systems (NETW-0014)

    Prerequisites: NETW-0001 Operating Systems Fundamentals, NETW-0007 Networking 3
    In this course, students examine various operating systems used to provide enterprise services to a business. Topics include: Dynamic Host Resolution Protocol (DHCP), Domain Name System (DNS), firewall products, packet capture and analysis, virtualization, and web hosting services. Students design and configure an enterprise network in both physical and virtualized environments.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Network Protection (NETW-0004)

    Prerequisites: NETW-0014 Advanced Operating Systems, NETW-0017 Routing 3, NETW-0009 Networking 5
    In this course, students examine threats and vulnerabilities computer networks are exposed to. Topics include reconnaissance, cryptography, penetration testing, virtual private networks (VPN), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), next-generation firewalls (NGFW), network monitoring and advanced security best practices. Students protect the network from malicious activity to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices in a practical laboratory environment.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 5 (NETW-0009)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0008 Networking 4
    In this course, students plan, implement and maintain a network infrastructure. Topics include: firewall configuration, WSUS (Windows Server Update Services), virtualization of resources, RDS (Remote Desktop Services), IIS (Internet Information Services), PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and WDS (Windows Deployment Services).

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 6 (NETW-0010)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0009 Networking 5
    In this course students design, implement, and secure an enterprise network infrastructure and directory services topology to meet the needs of a business. Topics include: network topologies, name resolution, securing connections to public and private resources, virtualization of various resources, cloud computing services, web sites, and traffic management. Students practice configuration tasks both in a physical laboratory and public cloud environment.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 7 (NETW-0011)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0010 Networking 6
    Corequisite: NETW-0012 Networking 8
    In this course, students set up, manage, maintain, and support a messaging system for an existing network. Topics include: supporting email client software and administration of the underlying infrastructure to deliver messages to the appropriate recipient or destination network. Students practice and enhance the skills needed for message delivery in a networking laboratory.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 8 (NETW-0012)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0010 Networking 6
    Corequisite: NETW-0011 Networking 7
    In this course, students advance skills in configuring and managing network servers to provide advanced services to the network. Topics include: high availability solutions using clustering methods (availability), Branch-Caching (network efficiency), claims based file security (security), virtualized application delivery (network efficiency and availability), Direct Access and Federated Trusts and Rights Management Services (access and security). Students create accurate documentation on all solutions.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Networking 9 (NETW-0013)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0012 Networking 8
    In this course, students install, configure and manage Microsoft’s System Center Suite for a variety of tasks to serve the network’s users and workstations. Topics include: installation, configuration, deployment of services, application delivery, data collection and queries, security update management, anti-virus reporting and management and operating system deployment in task sequences.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Operating Systems Fundamentals (NETW-0001)

    Prerequisite:NETW-0005 Networking 1
    In this course, students examine different operating systems. Students research, install and configure operating systems on desktop computers. Topics include: planning, configuration, installation, administration, process and storage management, basic security practices and performance evaluation. Students practice working with operating systems through the command line for
    greater control and efficiency.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Practicum - NTWTN (PRAC-0292)

    Prerequisites: A cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater, NETW-0013 Networking 9, NETW-0017 Routing 3, NETW-0004 Network Protection
    During a period of eight weeks, students are assigned to unpaid positions in computer-related fields or to instructor-assigned duties, to observe, practice and work in employment situations. In all cases, placements are designed to complement the training and experience level achieved by the student, and to enhance student employability.

    		 1 credit(s) No No No
    Routing 3 (NETW-0017)

    Prerequisite: NETW-0016 Routing 2
    In this course, students examine the architecture, components, operations, and security to scale for large complex networks including wide area network (WAN) technologies. Topics include: OSPF, Access Control Lists (ACLs), Network Address Translation (NAT), security best practices, network scalability and automation. Students configure, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise network devices and use application programming interfaces (APIs) to enable network automation in a routing laboratory.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No
    Technology Foundations 2 (NETW-0019)

    Prerequisites: NETW-0018 Technology Foundations 1, NETW-0006 Networking 2
    In this course, students build a basic foundation of programming and scripting tools using Microsoft PowerShell. Students apply knowledge inPowerShell scripting to automate network administration tasks. Students create basic scripts and programs to solve real-world time consuming problems by customizing and automating solutions. Students use an Active Directory Domain environment to perform tasks and will use PowerShell to manage headless Microsoft Servers.

    		 6 credit(s) No No No

    Fast Facts

    Infosessions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is the next program information session?

    Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.

    To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.