Example Career: Computer Network Architects

Career Description

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

What Job Titles Computer Network Architects Might Have

• Computer Network Technologist
• Network Analyst
• Solutions Architect
• Systems Engineer

What Computer Network Architects Do

• Develop disaster recovery plans.
• Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
• Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
• Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
• Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
• Coordinate installation of new equipment.
• Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
• Develop network-related documentation.
• Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
• Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
• Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
• Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
• Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
• Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
• Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
• Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
• Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
• Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
• Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
• Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
• Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
• Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
• Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
• Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
• Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
• Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
• Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
• Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
• Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
• Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.

What Computer Network Architects Should Be Good At

• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

What Computer Network Architects Should Be Interested In

• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

What Computer Network Architects Need to Learn

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.