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Career Details
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Career Details
15-1241.00 - Computer Network Architects
15-1241.00 - Computer Network Architects
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.
Key Facts
Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
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Forecasted Employment
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Change in Employment
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Tasks
Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
- Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
- Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
- Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
- Coordinate installation of new equipment.
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
- Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
- Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
- Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
- Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop network-related documentation.
- Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
- Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
- Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
- Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
- Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
- Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.
- 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.
- Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
- Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
- Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
- Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
- Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
- Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
- Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
- Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
- Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
Supplemental
- Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
Knowledge
The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
Certifications
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific certifications are listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
Online Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.
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