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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
26 tasks analyzed
Back up network data.
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.
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
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.
Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
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.
Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
Maintain logs of network activity.
Document help desk requests and resolutions.
Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
Run monthly network reports.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back up network data. | 58.6Observed | 72.6% | 3% | |
| Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals. | 38.52Observed | 64.6% | 5% | |
| Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches. | 45.53Observed | 45.2% | 4% | |
| Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 6% | |
| Document network support activities. | 41.67Observed | 65.9% | 4% | |
| Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Install network software, including security or firewall software. | 64.45Observed | 75.0% | 4% | |
| Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues. | 45.27Observed | 33.1% | 6% | |
| 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. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 5% | |
| Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups. | 54.83Observed | 48.9% | 6% | |
| Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function. | 51.65Observed | 69.9% | 4% | |
| Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 3% | |
| 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. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 5% | |
| Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures. | 72Estimated | 78.0% | 3% | |
| Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification. | 54.12Observed | 70.9% | 2% | |
| Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 3% | |
| Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 3% | |
| Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 3% | |
| Test repaired items to ensure proper operation. | 70Estimated | 77.2% | 2% | |
| Install and configure wireless networking equipment. | 62Estimated | 74.0% | 4% | |
| Maintain logs of network activity. | 41.12Observed | 65.7% | 3% | |
| Document help desk requests and resolutions. | 39.25Observed | 64.9% | 4% | |
| Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs. | 57.75Observed | 50.1% | 3% | |
| Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals. | 54.85Observed | 71.1% | 3% | |
| Run monthly network reports. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
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Education & Training
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Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
NetBox Labs launches AI tool to automate IT infrastructure operations
IT infrastructure teams face new automation pressures as NetBox Labs rolls out an AI-enabled platform to model, monitor, and govern network operations. The tool aims to streamline tasks traditionally handled by network engineers.
Cisco's Pivot to AI Infrastructure Signals Shift in IT Networking Jobs
Cisco is overhauling its product line to focus on agentic infrastructure operations, automating many traditional network management tasks. IT professionals will need to adapt as manual network configuration gives way to AI-driven systems.
TCS to Automate Nokian Tyres' IT Operations with AI Solutions
The Indian outsourcing giant will overhaul the Finnish tire manufacturer's infrastructure using artificial intelligence. The deployment aims to streamline operations, likely reducing the need for traditional IT support staff.
Cygna Labs launches 'agentic' AI platform to automate network management jobs
The software developer has released an autonomous AI platform designed to handle DNS, DHCP, and IP address management. This marks a significant shift from AI as an assistant to AI as an independent agent capable of executing complex IT network tasks.
Telecoms Deploy Agentic AI to Automate Network Ops and Cut Costs
Telecommunications companies are transitioning from basic AI pilots to autonomous agents that actively manage network operations. This shift toward automated decision-making is designed to reduce overhead, threatening traditional network management roles.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis