Computer Network Support Specialists

15-1231.00

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate 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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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 Web sites 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.

Technology Skills

• Access software - Citrix cloud computing software
• Administration software - Cisco Systems CiscoWorks; Cisco Systems CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution; Hewlett-Packard HP Network Node Manager; ifconfig; ipconfig
• Backup or archival software - EMC NetWorker; NovaStor NovaBACKUP; Roxio Retrospect; Symantec Veritas NetBackup; Tape backup system software; Veritas NetBackup
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Cloud-based management software - IBM WebSphere; Splunk Enterprise 🔥
• Cloud-based protection or security software - SolarWinds
• Clustering software - VMware
• Communications server software - IBM Domino
• Computer aided design CAD software - Network design software
• Configuration management software - Application management software; Automated installation software; EMC Ionix Network Configuration Manager; Microsoft Windows Sysprep; Patch and update management software
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Customer relationship management CRM software
• Data base management system software - Database management software; MySQL 🔥; Teradata Database 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Microsoft SQL Server 🔥; Structured query language SQL
• Desktop communications software - Remote control software; Symantec pcAnywhere
• Development environment software - Microsoft Azure software ; Microsoft PowerShell 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Ruby 🔥
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - IBM Notes; Microsoft Exchange
• Enterprise application integration software - BMC Software Control-M
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Microsoft Dynamics 🔥
• Enterprise system management software - IBM Power Systems software
• Filesystem software - File server software; IBM Tivoli NetView Distribution Manager
• Helpdesk or call center software - BMC Software Remedy IT Service Management Suite; Help desk software
• Internet directory services software - Microsoft Active Directory ; Novell eDirectory
• Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software - Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
• Network monitoring software - Arping; B&W Port Scanner; BitWizard B.V. mtr; Cisco Systems Cisco NetFlow Collection Engine; Cisco Systems Cisco Traffic Analyzer; Clarified Networks Clarified Analyzer; Colasoft Capsa Enterprise; Colasoft Capsa Free; Compuware ClientVantage Agentless Monitoring; Congruity Technologies Inspector; Dartware InterMapper; Dig; Ethereal; Ettercap NG; Fluke Networks Enterprise LANMeter; LogMatrix NerveCenter; Microsoft Network Monitor; Nagios; nbtstat; NetScout Sniffer Global Analyzer; NetScout Sniffer Portable Professional Analyzer; netstat; Network Instruments Observer Standard; Network monitoring software; ngrep; Nslookup; OPNET SP Sentinel; Packet analyzers; Port scanners; Route; Tcpdump; Traceroute; WildPackets OmniPeek Network Analyzer; Wireshark; Zabbix
• Network operating system enhancement software - Traffic shapers
• Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software - Firewall software; Network intrusion detection software; Virtual private networking VPN software
• Network security or virtual private network VPN management software - IBM Security Network Intrusion Prevention System; Intrusion prevention system IPS; Network and system vulnerability assessment software; NIKSUN NetDetector; Security incident management software; Sonicwall SonicOS Enhanced
• Object or component oriented development software - Oracle Java 🔥; Perl 🔥; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Apple macOS 🔥; Bash 🔥; BlackBerry Enterprise Server; Hewlett Packard HP-UX; IBM AIX; Job control language JCL; KornShell; Linux ; Microsoft Hyper-V Server; Microsoft Windows 🔥; Microsoft Windows PowerShell; Microsoft Windows Server ; Operating system software; Oracle Solaris; Red Hat Enterprise Linux; Shell script 🔥; Ubuntu; UNIX 🔥; UNIX Shell 🔥
• Platform interconnectivity software - Connectivity software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Program testing software - Load testing software
• Project management software - Bentley Systems ProjectWise; Microsoft Project 🔥; Project planning software
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Storage networking software - EMC Symmetrix DMX; Storage area network SAN software
• Transaction security and virus protection software - Anti-spyware software; Antivirus software; Encryption software; McAfee; Norton AntiVirus; NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software; Packet filter software; Ping Identity; Root kit detection software
• Transaction server software - Customer information control system CICS; Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)
• Web platform development software - Apache Tomcat 🔥; LAMP Stack
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
• Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
• Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
• Resolve computer network problems.
• Document network-related activities or tasks.
• Configure computer networks.
• Install computer software.
• Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
• Provide technical support for computer network issues.
• Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
• Monitor the performance of computer networks.
• Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
• Maintain computer hardware.
• Develop specifications for computer network operation.
• Install computer hardware.
• Test computer hardware performance.
• Test software performance.
• Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
• Train others in computer interface or software use.
• Document operational activities.
• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
• Prepare instruction manuals.