Computer Network Support Specialists
SOC: 15-1152.00 · Job Zone 4 (Considerable preparation)
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.
AI Impact Summary
Computer Network Support Specialists faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 48/100. Significant displacement is estimated between 2038 and 2046. Of 26 analyzed tasks, 13 are highly automatable, particularly in routine_cognitive. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 22.6%
Skill 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 (7)
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.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (5)
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Computer Network Support Specialists professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Memorization
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
- Mathematics
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
- Programming
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Instructing
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Manual Dexterity
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Task Breakdown
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.
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.
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
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 | Category | AI Capability | Risk Score | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back up network data. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 4% |
| Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 5% |
| Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches. | Non-Routine Analytical | 75 | 57.0 | 4% |
| Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment. | Non-Routine Analytical | 70 | 55.0 | 7% |
| Document network support activities. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 5% |
| Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 5% |
| Install network software, including security or firewall software. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 4% |
| 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. | Non-Routine Analytical | 70 | 55.0 | 4% |
| Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 7% |
| Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 40 | 31.0 | 6% |
| Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 4% |
| Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment. | Routine Manual | 30 | 45.0 | 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. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 4% |
| Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems. | Non-Routine Manual | 10 | 13.0 | 4% |
| Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures. | Routine Cognitive | 80 | 81.2 | 3% |
| Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 2% |
| Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables. | Non-Routine Manual | 10 | 13.0 | 3% |
| Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 3% |
| Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 40 | 31.0 | 3% |
| Test repaired items to ensure proper operation. | Routine Cognitive | 75 | 79.2 | 2% |
| Install and configure wireless networking equipment. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 4% |
| Maintain logs of network activity. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 2% |
| Document help desk requests and resolutions. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 4% |
| Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs. | Non-Routine Analytical | 70 | 55.0 | 3% |
| Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 3% |
| Run monthly network reports. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 2% |
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