Computer Network Support Specialist

Also called: Computer Network Specialist, Computer Network Support Specialist, Computer Networker, Configuration Technician, Controls Programmer

Varies

estimated salary

Computer network support specialist analyzes, tests, troubleshoots, and evaluates existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

  • Back up network data.
  • Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
  • Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
  • Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
  • Document network support activities.
  • Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
  • Install network software, including security or firewall software.
  • Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
  • Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
  • Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes.
  • Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
  • Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
  • Configure and define parameters for installation or testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, routers, switches, controllers, multiplexers, or related networking equipment.
  • Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
  • Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
  • Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
  • Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
  • Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
  • Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
  • Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
  • Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
  • Maintain logs of network activity.
  • Document help desk requests and resolutions.
  • Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
  • Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
  • Run monthly network reports.
Work Context
  • Telephone — 94% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 94% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 79% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 68% responded "Extremely important".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 64% responded "Extremely important".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Monitor the performance of computer networks.
  • Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
  • Develop specifications for computer network operation.
  • Configure computer networks.
  • Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
  • Configure computer networks.
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Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications
  • Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base management system software
  • MySQL Hot Technology
  • Teradata Database Hot Technology
  • Database management software
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Microsoft SQL Server Hot Technology
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
Operating system software
  • Linux Hot Technology
  • Oracle Solaris Hot Technology
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Windows Server Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
  • Bash Hot Technology
  • Apple macOS Hot Technology
  • UNIX Shell Hot Technology
  • Shell script Hot Technology
  • UNIX Hot Technology
  • Ubuntu
  • BlackBerry Enterprise Server
  • KornShell
  • Microsoft Hyper-V Server
  • Job control language JCL
  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell
  • Hewlett Packard HP-UX
  • IBM AIX
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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