Freelance Network Technician
A network technician is an IT professional employed by a business entity to help with the creation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of present and future computer network hardware and software products to support business operations. Network technicians are responsible for the setup, maintenance, and upgrading of networks and resources, and prepare presentations for informing the management about the need for upgrading network resources. A network support technician should have knowledge about popular networking software, such as Novell Netware and the UNIX operating system.
People involved in network support should also be familiar with standard network configurations like peer-to-peer and client-server hookups. Their job involves assessing all of the components of a network to provide effective assistance if a connectivity problem or other issues arise.
The day-to-day duties of computer networking technicians often include:
- Installing and configuring networks and Internet systems
- Performing routine network maintenance
- Troubleshooting network or server problems
- Assisting clients or end users within their organizations
Network technicians excel in fixing problems related to computer networks. They focus on customer satisfaction and resolve the issues to the best of their knowledge. Technicians also take care of the implementation, maintenance, operation, and optimization of computer hardware and software products.
It is a must for them to have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and as also sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
Job Description
The general responsibilities of computer network technicians are to troubleshoot technical issues of end users. The entry-level network technician is often a starting point for a network engineer.
The other Responsibilities of Network Technician Include
- Advanced troubleshooting and network optimization.
- Installing, testing, monitoring and maintaining telecom and other related equipment
- Executing testing and assessing procedures on network equipment as per standards.
- Carrying out fiber splicing and termination.
- Monitoring network regularly and resolving issues related to network transmissions and connectivity.
- Understanding the need for change or development of networks.
- Installing, maintaining and configuring all levels of data communication systems.
- Overseeing network issues and troubleshooting when necessary.
- Ability to work flexible hours and solve issues related to circuit and connectivity problems.
- Providing support to end users of data communication networks.
- Keeping the systems up-to-date with firewalls, antivirus software, and spyware, malware, and adware protection software.
- Installing routers, switches and other hardware equipment.
- Maintaining logs on equipment and other technical requirements.
Prospects
Job opportunities for network and computer systems administrators are expected to increase six percent during the period 2016-2026. Demand for them will continue to swell as organizations invest in faster, emerging technologies, including mobile networks, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Technicians can also advance their careers to become network administrators, network engineers, network programmers, and network managers. They need to be able technological things to people from a non-technical background.
Educational Qualifications and Other Requirements
At least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology is required to pursue a career as a network technician. Some organizations also employ candidates who are from the non-technical background but are certified in hardware and networking courses. A non-technical candidate with IT certification from renowned institutes can also work as network technicians.
If network technicians have certifications in CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), it would be beneficial. They should have knowledge of routing protocols.
Salary
According to payscale, the average salary of a network technician is $44,634 per year in the United States. Freelancers, on the other hand, earn $20.08 per hour.
How Field Engineer Helps
If you want to be hired as a freelance Network Technician in the Telecom Freelance Marketplace, visit Fieldengineer.com. It helps you connect with employers on the lookout for candidates with the appropriate skill sets. This platform has more than 40,000 engineers belonging to various fields from over 180 plus countries, making it easy for companies to hire Freelancers.
