Computer Network Architects

// day_to_day

WHAT THEY ACTUALLY DO.

Tasks pulled verbatim from the O*NET-SOC database — the U.S. Department of Labor's job analysis dataset for 15-1241.

• 01Develop disaster recovery plans.
• 02Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
• 03Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
• 04Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
• 05Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
• 06Coordinate installation of new equipment.
• 07Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
• 08Develop network-related documentation.
• 09Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
• 10Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
• 11Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
• 12Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
• 13Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
• 14Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
• 15Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
• 16Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
• 17Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
• 18Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
• 19Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
• 20Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
• 21Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
• 22Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
• 23Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
• 24Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
• 25Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
• 26Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
• 27Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
• 28Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
• 29Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
• 30Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
• 31Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
• 32Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
• 33Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.
• 34Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
• 35Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
• 36Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
• 37Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
• 38Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.
• 39Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
• 40Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.
• 41Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
• 42Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.
• 43Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.
• 44Instruct in use of voice, video, and data communications systems.
• 45Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.
• 46Prepare purchase requisitions for computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, test equipment, cabling, or tools.
• 47Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
• 48Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
• 49Document user support activity, such as system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.
• 50Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
• 51Order or maintain inventory of telecommunications equipment for customer premises equipment (CPE), facilities, access networks, or backbone networks.
• 52Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.
• 53Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
• 54Prepare system activity and performance reports.
• 55Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.
• 56Manage user access to systems and equipment through account management and password administration.
• 57Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, or compatibility with existing systems.
• 58Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.
• 59Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.

59 tasks · O*NET database