Computer network technicians, which are also known as computer network engineers or network specialists, must know current standards and terminology used for local area networks (LANs) and larger wide area networks (WANs). Most commonly, network technicians administer existing computer networks and troubleshoot problems as they arise. Planning a computer network entails analyzing costs and needs o
f a company and then selecting the appropriate media (e.g., twisted-pair copper wire, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, wireless) for a given situation. Computer network technicians may also recommend appropriate network addressing systems, appropriate layouts for various network configurations, and appropriate connection devices. Implementing a computer network entails designing and following administrative plans to meet specific needs such as account management and security. Much of the work involved in implementing a network consists of installing, configuring, and resolving conflicts among different hardware used in the network, such as network adapters. Administering and troubleshooting a network entails identifying and resolving network performance problems. Technicians identify problems common to components of the network, such as cards, cables, and other related hardware. They also establish disaster recovery plans for various situations if the network were to malfunction. In addition to knowing relevant computer and networking terminology, protocols, and hardware, computer network technicians must have mastered necessary software, including different operating systems such as Novell NetWare, Unix, and Windows. They must also understand basic network architecture models such as peer-to-peer and client-server. Computer network technicians need self-discipline and the ability to balance a variety of tasks. A technician must be able to spend long hours at a keyboard debugging a program and be dexterous and patient enough to weave a complex web of wires. Because network technicians often provide technical support to network users, they must be able to help nontechnical people understand and use complex equipment and software. In addition to technical expertise, employers often require network technicians to excel in verbal and written communication and to have good interpersonal skills.
