Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$83,810.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$131,790.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$156,000.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
9,250
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
10,340
+109 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
691
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers
- Backup servers
- Bit error rate testers BERT
- Broadband aggregation equipment
- Cable qualification testers
- Channel banks
- Communication cable testers
- Computer network routers
- Computer network switches
- Desktop computers
- Domain name servers DNS
- Fiber optic power meters
- File servers
- Firewall equipment
- High-end database servers
- Integrated services digital network ISDN analyzers
- Intelligent hubs
- Laptop computers
- Lightweight directory access protocol LDAP servers
- Link analyzers
- Load balancers
- Local area network LAN analyzers
- Local area network LAN switches
- Mail transport servers
- Mainframe computers
- Network analyzers
- Network cabling systems
- Network channel service units CSU or data service units DSU
- Network connectivity testers
- Network multimeters
Technology
- AJAX
- Access management software
- Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript
- Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Systems Adobe Fireworks
- Advanced business application programming ABAP
- AirMagnet Enterprise
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Redshift
- Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
- Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Android
- Ansible software
- Apache Ant
- Apache Cassandra
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- maintain or repair computers or related equipment
- perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment
- provide technical computer training
- train workers in use of computer and related equipment
- train workers in use of equipment
- work as a team member
- establish and maintain relationships with team members
- monitor computer operation
- monitor use of computer data files to safeguard information
- communicate technical information
- provide technical support to computer users
- recommend purchase or repair of furnishings or equipment
- recommend software or hardware purchases
- consult with customers concerning needs
- prepare instruction manuals
- understand computer equipment operating manuals
- select business applications for computers
- use computer networking technology
- follow data security procedures
- follow data storage procedures
- use knowledge of mainframe computers
- use project management techniques
- evaluate computer system user requests or requirements
- implement computer system changes
- maintain client-server database
- operate computer networks
- program computers using existing software
- program mainframe computer
- resolve symbolic formulations in data processing applications
- test computer programs or systems
- use computer application flow charts
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- write computer software, programs, or code
- configure computers in industrial or manufacturing setting
- adjust computer operation system
- test data communications hardware or software
- check hardware or software to determine reliability
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
- 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.
- Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.