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Partially updated 2012
Bright Outlook

Details Report for:
15-1152.00 - Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.

View report: Summary  Details  Custom

Tasks  |  Tools & Technology  |  Education  |  Work Values  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks   Save Table (XLS/CSV)

  • 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.
  • Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
  • Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
  • Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
  • Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
  • Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
  • Back up network data.
  • Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
  • Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
  • Document help desk requests and resolutions.
  • Maintain logs of network activity.
  • Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
  • Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
  • Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
  • Run monthly network reports.
  • Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
  • Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.

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Tools & Technology   Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Tools used in this occupation:

Access servers — Remote access servers
Circuit tester — Continuity testers; Test lights
Computer servers — Caching engines; Network address translation NAT appliances
Facsimile machines — Fax machines
Hard disk arrays — Redundant array of independent disks RAID systems
Network analyzers — Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers; Port analyzer adapters; Synchronous optical network SONET analyzers; Throughput testers (see all 9 examples)
Notebook computers — Laptop computers
Photocopiers — Copy machines
Server load balancer — Load balancers
Voltage or current meters — Cable testers

Technology used in this occupation:

Administration software — Cisco Systems CiscoWorks; ifconfig *; ipconfig *; SolarWinds software (see all 7 examples)
Backup or archival software — EMC NetWorker; NovaStor NovaBACKUP; Roxio Retrospect; Tape backup system software (see all 5 examples)
Data base management system software — Database management software; Microsoft SQL Server; MySQL software
Development environment software — Microsoft Visual Basic; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Ruby *
Electronic mail software — Email software; IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Exchange Server
Filesystem software — File server software; File system software; IBM Tivoli NetView Distribution Manager
Internet directory services software — Internet directory service software; Microsoft Active Directory; Novell eDirectory
Network monitoring software — Dartware InterMapper; Ethereal *; WildPackets OmniPeek Network Analyzer; Wireshark * (see all 35 examples)
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software — Intrusion prevention system IPS software; Network and system vulnerability assessment software; NIKSUN NetDetector; Sonicwall SonicOS Enhanced (see all 9 examples)
Operating system software — Apple Macintosh OS; Microsoft Hyper-V Server; Microsoft Windows; Microsoft Windows PowerShell (see all 12 examples)

* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.

See all 47 T2 categories

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Education

This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:

Computer Science — Computer and Information Sciences, General; Computer and Information Systems Security; Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst; Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

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Work Values   Save Table (XLS/CSV)


Extent
Work Value
72  Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
67  Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
61  Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
50  Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
50  Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
33  Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

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Wages & Employment Trends

National

Employment data collected from Computer Support Specialists.
Industry data collected from Computer Support Specialists.

Median wages (2012) $28.41 hourly, $59,090 annual
Employment (2010) 607,000 employees
Projected growth (2010-2020) Average (10% to 19%) Average (10% to 19%)
Projected job openings (2010-2020) 269,500
Top industries (2010)

State & National

          CareerOneStop

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data external site and 2010-2020 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

Find Jobs
for Computer Network Support Specialists

          mySkills myFuture

State & National Job Banks

          CareerOneStop

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Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

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