Network technician

A network technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots the physical and logical components of computer networks. They run and terminate cabling, set up and configure routers, switches, and access points, test connectivity, diagnose and fix network problems, and support the day-to-day operation of an organization's network.

The role is the hands-on counterpart to network engineering, more focused on implementation and maintenance than design, requiring solid networking knowledge and practical skills. Technicians work across industries and for service providers.

It's a common entry into networking careers, suiting practical, methodical people who enjoy hands-on work and want to build toward more advanced network engineering roles over time.