Computer Network Technician

Computer Network Technician

A Computer Network Technician, also known as a Network Technician, manages the network system of an organization. The individual installs, operates, maintains, upgrades, and fixes computers and network equipment.

Computer network technicians maintain, resolve, and supervise the use of LANs and WANs, besides establishing and maintaining the internet, intranets, and extranets of an organization. It is their job to oversee and boost the connectivity and performance of the network.  

Technicians monitor the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer network. They also aid in installing hardware and software for all the systems.

Technicians need to interact with clients and their team members to develop and deploy new security strategies to make sure that all systems and data are secure. They formulate the best practices to meet the technological requirements of an organization.

Job Description

Technicians must possess the skills for installing operating systems, such as Windows, Unix or macOS, and network components. They need to be conversant with networking protocols, such as TCP/IP, DNS, FTP, and SMTP, among others.

Network Technicians must also assess PCs/ laptops, hardware and software of the network, servers, and other devices to identify potential issues. They also install, maintain, resolve, and examine network cabling. Technicians should be able to promptly troubleshoot issues to ensure that computers and network equipment are always up and working.  They should be conversant with network management and network ecosystem.

It is imperative that technicians keep themselves abreast of new network technologies so that they can suggest improvements to improve the network systems of their organizations.

Technicians also need to have the ability to explain technical issues to personnel belonging to non-technical backgrounds.

They need to partner with the system administration and information technology support teams of their organizations.

They will also need to document instances for future reference.    

Educational Qualifications and Other Requirements

Aspiring technicians need to have at least an associate degree in computer science or engineering or any related discipline. Certification in A+, MCSE or CCNA would be beneficial.    

If candidates understand programming, they can advance their career in computer networking. It will also help them maintain, operate, and diagnose network systems.

Because of the responsibilities mentioned above, technicians need to have excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.  They also need to be good team players.

They should be ready to work flexible hours and be prepared to work at different sites.