Computer Network Architects: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers. Network architects must have extensive knowledge of an organizations business plan to design a network that can help the organization achieve its goals.

Duties

Computer network architects typically do the following:

• Create plans and layouts for data communication networks
• Present plans to management and explain why they are in the organizations best interest to pursue them
• Consider information security when designing networks
• Upgrade hardware, such as routers or adaptors, and software, such as network drivers, as needed to support computer networks
• Research new networking technologies to determine what would best support their organization in the future

Computer network architects, or network engineers, design and deploy computer and information networks. After deployment, they also may manage the networks and troubleshoot any issues as they arise. Network architects also predict future network needs by analyzing current data traffic and estimating how growth will affect the network.

Some computer network architects work with other IT workers, such as network and computer system administrators and computer and information systems managers to ensure workers and clients networking needs are being met. They also must work with equipment and software vendors to manage upgrades and support the networks.