Computer Network Architect

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A computer network architect could...

Overview Listen to this section

Computers are an important part of our lives. We use computers to hold and process data, to control manufacturing factories, and to surf the Internet. We are all part of many different kinds of computer networks that are continually sharing information. The role of the computer network architect is to design, model, and evaluate computer networks so that they can share information seamlessly. This is an exciting career for those people who enjoy working with rapidly changing technology.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Computer Network Architect?

1. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2. 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.
3. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
4. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
5. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

6. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
7. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
8. Systems Analysis: ? Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
9. Systems Evaluation: ? Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
10. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Computer Network Architect might do:

• 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.
• Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
• Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
• 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.