LAN Technician
Computer network technicians establish, operate, maintain and co-ordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software and related computer equipment. They set up and maintain Internet and intranet Web sites and Web-server hardware and software, and monitor and optimize network connectivity and performance. They are employed in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Supervisors of computer network technicians are included in this unit group.
Typical Duties:
- Assists in the development, configuration, and installation of constellations of interconnected computers and servers commonly known as a local area network (LAN);
- Collects data used to define user requirements and to establish system capacities;
- Designs and implements virus protection systems for the LAN;
- Installs and configures various software applications onto the LAN;
- Maintains and troubleshoots LAN installations to evaluate components such as hubs, switches and routers to ensure optimal connectivity among all components of the LAN;
- Identifies malfunctioning hardware or software and undertakes corrective action;
- Implements new network operating systems and application software;
- Monitors LAN to ensure peak performance;
- Provides cost analyses and recommends purchases to achieve the operating objectives of the LAN;
- Prepares and maintains a range of logs and records including software and hardware inventories;
- Provides training to staff members on the operation of installed software applications.
Educational Requirements:
Two-year college program in computer engineering technology or computer science