Computer Network Architect

Also called: Computer Network Engineer, Data Communications Analyst, Design Engineer, Enterprise Architect, Information Technology Specialist

Computer Network Architect

Varies

estimated salary

Computer network architect designs and implements 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.

  • Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  • Develop disaster recovery plans.
  • 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.
  • Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
  • Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
  • Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
  • Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
  • Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
  • Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
  • Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
  • Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
  • Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
  • Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
  • Develop network-related documentation.
  • Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
  • Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
  • Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  • Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
  • Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
  • Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
  • Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
  • Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
  • Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
  • Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
  • Coordinate installation of new equipment.
  • Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
  • Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
  • Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
  • Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.
  • Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
  • Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
  • Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
  • Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 50% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 73% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 50% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 55% responded "More than half the time".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 45% responded "Very important".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 46% responded "Some freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
  • Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
  • Provide technical support for computer network issues.
  • Coordinate software or hardware installation.
  • Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
  • Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
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Knowledge

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.
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.
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Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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).
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Web platform development software
  • Drupal Hot Technology
  • JavaScript Hot Technology
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON Hot Technology
  • PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor Hot Technology
  • Google AngularJS Hot Technology
  • Ruby on Rails Hot Technology
  • Hypertext markup language HTML Hot Technology
  • Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP Hot Technology
  • Microsoft ASP.NET Hot Technology
  • Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC Hot Technology
  • Node.js Hot Technology
  • Spring Framework Hot Technology
  • Cascading Style Sheets CSS Hot Technology
  • Apache Tomcat Hot Technology
  • Apache Struts Hot Technology
  • Django Hot Technology
  • AJAX Hot Technology
  • Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML
  • Ext JS
  • Enterprise JavaBeans
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • LAMP Stack
Enterprise application integration software
  • IBM WebSphere Hot Technology
  • Extensible markup language XML Hot Technology
  • Oracle Fusion Middleware Hot Technology
  • Atlassian Bamboo Hot Technology
  • IBM WebSphere MQ
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
Development environment software
  • Integrated development environment IDE software Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Azure Hot Technology
  • Eclipse IDE Hot Technology
  • Go Hot Technology
  • Ruby Hot Technology
  • Microsoft .NET Framework Hot Technology
  • National Instruments LabVIEW Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Studio Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript Hot Technology
  • Microsoft PowerShell Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Hot Technology
  • Apache Ant Hot Technology
  • Apache Kafka Hot Technology
  • Common business oriented language COBOL Hot Technology
  • Oracle Java EE
  • Systems and applications migration software
  • Verilog
  • Apache Maven
  • C
  • Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript
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