Both System Administration and Network Administration are related to computer field and both field overlaps in many functions. Even though the two fields are similar in many ways, there exist lots of dissimilarities between them. System Administration mainly deals with the computer systems and networks. Network administration involves maintenance and upkeep of the computer hardware and software that includes networking. 

System Administration

System administration is the profession related to the computer field which includes the computer systems and networks. The professionals specialized in this field are called system administrators or system admin. They are employed in this field to operate and manage the computer systems and related networks.

The duties of a system administrator are very broad and it may vary depending on the organization where they are working. Some of their main responsibilities are to install, support and maintain servers or other computer systems plan and respond to the service outcomes and other related problems.

Their secondary duties include creating file systems, project management for related projects; verify that the systems are properly working, supervising computer operators, etc. To excel in their field the system administrators must have a variety of technical skills and responsibilities.

Network Administration

Network administration is considered as a very difficult task. Network administrators’, who work in network administration field, jobs include complex functions such as designing networks for various systems, their management, troubleshooting, documentation, providing security, backup and storage and also managing the users.
Network administrators maintain the operations of the computer hardware and software along with network. They are said to be the technical or network staff in a company and are rarely involved in the direct user support. They focus on the overall integrity of the network systems, server deployment, security issues and ensure the proper network connectivity of LAN/ WAN in their organization.

The role of a network administrator may vary from organization to organization, but includes some common tasks like providing IP address to various systems, authentication and authorization. They may also involve technically in the maintenance and administration of routers, servers, phones, printers, switches, etc. as well as a wide area of technologies which include hardware and software.

Key differentiators between System Administration and Network Administration

• System administration is that computer field which involves computer systems and networks whereas Network administration is the field which involves the operation and maintenance of computer hardware and software along with network.
• System administrators’ duties include installing software, support and maintain the servers, management of system-related projects, etc. whereas Network administrators’ duties include the designing of networks, providing security, backup and storage, etc.

Although the system administrators and network administrators work in the same field, their responsibilities and functions have lot of differences.