Should a system administrator know network theory?

Question

linux

Do I need, as a system administrator, who has more or less chosen his specialization, to study what, in principle, I do not need (network theory, know how to calculate the network mask, etc., etc.). I ask this due to the fact that, most often at interviews, they give tests on network theory and it is difficult for a girl from HR to explain that you cannot calculate the mask in your mind, but you can easily pick up a server and mail. It is very difficult to force myself to finish reading at least one book on networks and spend this time not on studying the next software or OS, but on reading what I basically need to pass the first stage of the interview. Or am I still mistaken and I just have to know this as the alphabet?

Answer 1

should, like the multiplication table up to 9
, you are a shitty sysadmin who does not know the protocol stack on which his services run

Answer 2

You don't need to study. As long as there are many like you, I will always find a job;)

Answer 3

Should an accountant know the multiplication table? if you can calmly balance your balance and have already submitted more than one correct report to the tax office?

Answer 4

A month ago, the system administrator interviewed us. HR was only looking for resumes and inviting for an interview. The company is not very big ~ 60 people, in total under 100 computers. Didn't ask for theory. I was interested in what projects I implemented independently (1-2 projects). After that he gave a real example from a 'sick man' and asked the train of thought how he would solve the problem.
It seems to me that it strongly depends on the size of the company and its itishness.

Answer 5

Valery : Must, but not obliged). Let's look at this with a prime example. Should the driver be able to repair the engine?) Or should he be able to drive)?

Answer 6

Like a table of powers of two up to 2^^10 :) That is, to get you drunk out of a salad in NG and asked - and you answered without thinking :D
Why? For example, to understand why two DHCP servers cannot be on the same subnet. :)

Answer 7

"Should a system administrator know network theory?"
- Depends on what you mean by "system administrator". If "all-in-one" - it certainly should, if there is a division by roles - then it would be nice to know in a minimal amount (for normal communication with network engineers).