Microsoft Entra ID · Developer & Technical

Network Administrator

Can manage network locations and review enterprise network design insights for Microsoft 365 SaaS applications.

Scope: Network location management and M365 connectivity optimization

Permissions

  • Manage network locations
  • Review network performance insights
  • Configure discovered user locations
  • View network telemetry
  • Optimize M365 network connectivity
  • Review network design recommendations

Common use cases

  • Office network location configuration
  • Network performance optimization
  • Connectivity troubleshooting
  • Network design review
  • User location configuration

Best practices

  • Configure accurate office locations
  • Review network insights regularly
  • Implement connectivity recommendations
  • Document network configurations
  • Monitor performance trends

Security considerations

  • Network location data affects Conditional Access
  • Location accuracy impacts policy enforcement
  • Review location configurations carefully

Common questions

When should I assign the Network Administrator role?

Assign Network Administrator when you need to: Office network location configuration; Network performance optimization; Connectivity troubleshooting; Network design review; and User location configuration. It is part of Microsoft Entra ID and should be granted as a least-privilege alternative to broader roles like Global Administrator.

What can someone with the Network Administrator role do?

The Network Administrator role grants permissions including: Manage network locations; Review network performance insights; Configure discovered user locations; View network telemetry; Optimize M365 network connectivity; and Review network design recommendations. See the Permissions section above for the full list.

What are the security risks of the Network Administrator role?

Key considerations when assigning Network Administrator: Network location data affects Conditional Access; Location accuracy impacts policy enforcement; and Review location configurations carefully. Review the Security considerations section before assignment, and pair with Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time access where possible.

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