What Do LAN/WAN Support Specialists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

LAN/WAN Support Specialists

LAN/WAN 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.

Salary
$71040
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

Job Description

LAN/WAN 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. They also back up network data.

Other tasks include:

  • 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.

We asked LAN/WAN Support Specialists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

66%

How meaningful is this job

45%


66% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 45% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, LAN/WAN Support Specialists back up network data. They document help desk requests and resolutions.

A typical day for a Computer Network Support Specialist will also include:

  • Maintain logs of network activity.
  • Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
  • Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
  • Document network support activities.
  • Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.

We asked some LAN/WAN Support Specialists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 93% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 68% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 80% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 35% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 9% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 30% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, LAN/WAN Support Specialists also test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures. They may also run monthly network reports.

On a weekly to monthly basis, LAN/WAN Support Specialists Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment. They might also Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.

In addition, they Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.

To some LAN/WAN Support Specialists, it is also their responsibility to Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Computer Network Support Specialist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do LAN/WAN Support Specialists work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
84%


Once a week
15%


Do LAN/WAN Support Specialists work outdoors?

Never
63%


Once a year
23%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Entrepreneurs

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about LAN/WAN Support Specialists

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Related to Computer Network Support Specialists Job Description

Computer Network Support Specialists job description, what do Computer Network Support Specialists do, typical day for Computer Network Support Specialists, what is it like to work as a Computer Network Support Specialist, how many hours do Computer Network Support Specialists work, day to day work of a Computer Network Support Specialist

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm
http://www.comptia.org/
http://www.computer.org/
http://www.iccp.org/


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