Computer Network Architects

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1241
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

AJAX, Adobe After Effects, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Apache Cassandra, Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apache Kafka

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
• Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Software Developers
• Information Security Engineers
• Database Administrators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Computer Network Architects — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.