2. Network architects design and create
computer networks. They set-up the
actual hardware for computer
networks and then test and evaluate
the networks to be sure they are
working correctly. The networks that
network architects are involved in
include local area networks
(LANs), wide area networks
(WANs), the internet, intranets, and
other data communication systems.
Network architects must also make
upgrades to systems when new
software and hardware are needed.
The biggest new concern for network
architects is network security and
being sure that information being
shared over a network is secure and
safe.
3. Duties
Communicate with vendors to gather information about products
Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets or cost control
Supervise engineers or other staff in the design of network solutions
Use network CAD software packages to optimize network designs
Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers
Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such
as printers
Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers
Prepare detailed network specifications, including
diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended
technologies
Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition,
deletion, or backup
4. Tasks
Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs
Develop disaster recovery plans
Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability,
reliability, capacity, or utilization
Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or
product education sessions for staff or suppliers
Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such
as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemes.
Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement
Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades
Coordinate installation of new equipment
5. •Work in well-lighted, comfortable offices
or computer laboratories
•Usually work more than 50 hours/week
•May be required to be “on call” outside
of normal business hours in order to
resolve system failures or other problems
•As computer networks expand, more of
these workers may be able to perform
their duties from remote locations,
reducing or eliminating the need to travel
to the customer’s workplace
•Injuries in these occupations are
uncommon, but like other workers who
spend long periods in front of a computer
terminal typing on a keyboard, these
workers are susceptible to eyestrain, back
discomfort, and hand and wrist problems
such as carpal tunnel syndrome
6. •bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field
generally is required, although some employers
prefer applicants with a master’s degree in
business administration (MBA) with a
concentration in information systems. MBA
programs usually require 2 years of study beyond
the undergraduate degree, and, like
undergraduate business programs, include courses
on finance, marketing, accounting, and
Schools: management, as well as database management,
• ITT Technical Institute electronic business, and systems management
•AUI Online and design
•Ashford University •may be required to have several years of relevant
•Colorado Technical University work experience
7. •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
•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
•Mathematics- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and
their applications
•Administration and Management- Knowledge of business and management
principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources
modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and
resources
8. •Installing and managing routers & switches, firewalls and
IDS/IPS security devices.
•Hands on experience with routing protocols (OSPF, BGP,
EIGRP etc).
• IP networking, utilizing Juniper and Cisco hardware; and
all types of IP routing utilizing a range of routing
protocols.
•Hands-on experience solving network problems.
Experience using protocol analyzers and understanding of
communication protocol details.
•SSL and/or IPSec VPN, network load-balancers, protocol
analysis (Sniffer), web proxy, SMTP e-mail relay and spam
filtering, SNMP, DNS and VMWare.
11. The projected outlook for network
architects is expected to increase by 53%
from 2008 to 2018, which places itself
among one of the fastest growing
occupation. Demand for network
architects and engineers will increase as
organizations continue to upgrade their IT
capacity and incorporate the newest
technologies. The growing reliance on
wireless networks will result in a need for
many more of these workers. Workers with
knowledge of information security also will
be in demand, as computer networks
transmit an increasing amount of sensitive
data.
12. Computer network, systems, and database administrators. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-
11 Edition.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 701, New
York, NY 10121-0701. Phone: (800) 342-6626.
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), 1815 S. Meyers Rd.,
Suite 300, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5228. Phone: (630) 678-8300. Fax:
(630) 268-1384.
IEEE Computer Society, 1730 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20036-1992. Phone: (202) 371-0101. Fax: (202) 728-9614.
Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), 2350 E. Devon
Ave., Suite 115, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4610. Phone: (847) 299-4227. Fax:
(847) 299-4280.
National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET), Bellevue
Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, N258, Bellevue, WA 98007-
6484. Phone: (425) 564-4229. Fax: (425) 564-6193.
