A professional who monitors data communications network to ensure that network is available to all system users and resolves data communications problems. Responsibilities include:

• Receives telephone call from user with data communications problem, such as failure of data to be transmitted to another location.
• Reviews procedures user followed to determine if specified steps were taken.
• Explains user procedures necessary to transmit data.
• Monitors modems and display screen of terminal to mainframe computer to detect error messages that signal malfunction in communications software or hardware.
• Enters diagnostic commands into computer to determine nature of problem, and reads codes on screen to diagnose problem.
• Attaches diagnostic equipment to phone line to learn if line meets specification.
• Reads technical reference manuals for communications hardware and software to learn cause of problem.
• Instructs user to enter specified commands into computer to resolve problem.
• Calls service technician for service when problem cannot be resolved.
• Enters operating commands into computer to restart program.
• Records number of daily data communications transactions and number of problems and actions taken, using computer terminal.
• Updates documentation to record new equipment installed, new sites, and changes to computer configurations.
• May inspect communications wires and cables.
• May train staff and users to use equipment.
• May coordinate installation of or install communications lines.