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Computer Network Architect

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AVG. SALARY

$101,550

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Computer Network Architects Career Video

About This Career

Designs and implements computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Performs 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.

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster Network Systems pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Develops or recommends network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  • Develops disaster recovery plans.
  • Monitors and analyzes network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
  • Coordinates network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
  • Develops conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
  • Determines specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
  • Develops and implements solutions for network problems.
  • Communicates with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
  • Visits vendors, attends conferences or training sessions, or studies technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
  • Evaluates network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Network Analyst
  • Network Consultant
  • Networking Systems and Distributed Systems Engineer
  • Telecommunications Analyst — Coordinates strategies for, and ensure the integrity of, in-house voice, data and video equipment and its associated network connections.
  • Design Engineer — Researches and develops ideas for new products and production systems.
  • Network Systems Consultant
  • Network and Security Engineer
  • Solutions Architect

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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