What You'll Do

  • Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
  • 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.
  • Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
  • Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
  • Document network support activities.
  • 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.
  • Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
  • Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
  • Install network software, including security or firewall software.
  • Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.

Essential Skills

Critical Thinking 3.75/5
Active Listening 3.5/5
Reading Comprehension 3.38/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.38/5
Speaking 3.25/5
Active Learning 3.25/5
Monitoring 3.25/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.25/5
Troubleshooting 3.12/5
Systems Analysis 3.12/5
Writing 3.0/5
Operations Monitoring 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.

Common styles

Cooperation, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Dependability, Integrity

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Oral Comprehension 3.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.88/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.88/5
Oral Expression 3.75/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.75/5
Written Comprehension 3.62/5
Information Ordering 3.5/5
Written Expression 3.38/5

Technologies & Tools

Adobe Acrobat Anti-spyware software Antivirus software Apache Tomcat Apple macOS Application management software Arping Automated installation software B&W Port Scanner Bash Bentley Systems ProjectWise BitWizard B.V. mtr BlackBerry Enterprise Server BMC Software Control-M BMC Software Remedy IT Service Management Suite Border Gateway Protocol BGP Cisco Systems Cisco NetFlow Collection Engine Cisco Systems Cisco Traffic Analyzer Cisco Systems CiscoWorks Cisco Systems CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.54/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.51/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.48/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.45/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.36/5)

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How to Become One

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Cloud Engineer Cloud Support Specialist Computer Network Analyst Computer Network Specialist Computer Network Support Specialist Computer Networker Computer Operations Technician Computer Systems Specialist Configuration Technician Controls Programmer Customer Engineer Customer Service Engineer Customer Support Engineer Cyber Defense Incident Responder Field Systems Technician Information Technology Network Specialist (IT Network Specialist) Information Technology Operations Analyst (IT Operations Analyst) Installation Technician Internet Network Specialist Internet Specialist Internetworking Technician IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant) IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician) IT Support Technician (Information Technology Support Technician) LAN Support Specialist (Local Area Network Support Specialist) Network Analyst Network and Threat Support Specialist Network Applications Specialist Network Consultant Network Control Analyst Network Control Analyst Assistant Network Data Specialist Network Desktop Support Specialist Network Diagnostic Support Specialist Network Field Technician Network Management Specialist Network Operations Analyst Network Operations Specialist Network Operations Technician Network Relations Consultant Network Services Specialist Network Specialist Network Support Engineer Network Support Specialist Network Support Technician Network Technical Analyst Network Technician Network Workstation Technical Specialist Networking Specialist NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician) Operations Support Technician Personal Computer Network Analyst Support Engineer Support Technician Surveillance Technician Systems Specialist Systems Support Engineer Systems Support Representative Systems Support Specialist Technical Analyst Technical Services Specialist Technical Support Specialist Telecommunications Network Technician VoIP Technician (Voice over Internet Protocol Technician) WAN Support Specialist (Wide Area Network Support Specialist)