Computer network technicians perform physical and investigative processes including technical support. Usually, experienced IT technicians specialize in a single area such as information systems, data recovery, network management, or system administration.

A computer network technician needs to have the following abilities or knowledge:

• The ability to install, configure, operate, repair, maintain, troubleshoot, and diagnose PCs, servers, network hardware, network software, and other peripheral equipment.
• The ability to install, maintain, repair, and inspect network cabling and other hardware.
• The ability to quickly respond with solutions to malfunctions, while making sure that the designated computers and network equipments stay functional.
• Knowledge in troubleshooting, repairing, and problem-solving techniques.
• Knowledge in network control programs, network management, and network architecture.
  

System administrators may also work with computer network technicians. Depending on the business, which may range from local area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs) and Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks, such technicians may manage network hardware including multiplexers, demultiplexers, fiber optics, signal amplifiers (like Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers), routers, switches, and wireless networks.