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Computer Network Architects - 15-1241.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Design Engineer
  • Network Analyst
  • Network and Security Engineer
  • Network Consultant
  • Network Systems Consultant
  • Networking Systems and Distributed Systems Engineer
  • Solutions Architect
  • Telecommunications Analyst

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
  • 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.
  • Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
  • 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 networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
  • Analyze website or related online data to track trends or usage.
  • Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
  • Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
  • Communicate project information to others.
  • Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
  • Configure computer networks.
  • Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
  • Coordinate software or hardware installation.
  • Design integrated computer systems.
  • Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
  • Develop information communication procedures.
  • Develop models of information or communications systems.
  • Develop specifications for computer network operation.
  • Develop testing routines or procedures.
  • Document network-related activities or tasks.
  • Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
  • Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
  • Install computer hardware.
  • Install computer software.
  • Maintain computer hardware.
  • Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
  • Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery.
  • Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation.
  • Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
  • Manage financial activities of the organization.
  • Modify software programs to improve performance.
  • Monitor the performance of computer networks.
  • Provide technical support for computer network issues.
  • Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
  • Resolve computer network problems.
  • Supervise information technology personnel.
  • Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
  • Test computer hardware performance.
  • Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Applications Developer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Aviation Logistics Information Management System (ALIMS) Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Chief Signal NCO (Army - Enlisted)
  • Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Planning And Implementation (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Planning And Implementation Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Planning And Implementation Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Planning And Implementation Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Planning And Implementation Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Planning And Implementation Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Communications Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Computer Network Capability Development (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Cryptologic Systems Maintenance Director (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • CVN Propulsion Plant Local Area Network (PPLAN) Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cyber (Coast Guard - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Cyber Capabilities Development Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Cyber Defense Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Client Systems Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Data Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Enterprise Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Expeditionary Communications (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Knowledge Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Mission Defense Activities (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Networks Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, RF Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Security Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Software Development Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Systems Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Craftsman, Data Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Craftsman, Enterprise Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Craftsman, Expeditionary Communications (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Craftsman, Mission Defense Activities (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Helper, Data Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Helper, Enterprise Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Helper, Expeditionary Communications (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Helper, Mission Defense Activities (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Journeyman, Data Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Journeyman, Enterprise Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Journeyman, Expeditionary Communications (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Journeyman, Mission Defense Activities (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Defense Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber IT (Coast Guard - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Cyber Network Defender (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Network Systems Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Cyber RandD Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Apprentice, Data Links (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Craftsman, Data Links (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Helper, Data Links (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Transport Systems Journeyman, Data Links (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Warfare Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Warfare Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Warfare Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Warfare Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Warfare Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Warfare Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyberspace Defense Warrant Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Data Network Engineering (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Data Operations Warrant Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Data Systems Administrator (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Data Systems Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Data Systems Engineer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Data Systems Engineering (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Data Systems Engineering Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, ABM (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Aeronautical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Airlift (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Astronautical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Bomber (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, C2ISREW (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Computer Systems (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Electrical/Electronic (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Fighter (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Flight Test (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, General (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Mechanical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Project (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, RPA (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Special Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Systems/Industrial/Human Factors (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Tanker (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Trainer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Fire Controlman (AEGIS) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Fire Controlman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Systems Management (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Craftsman, C4ISR Mission Systems (E-3, E-4, E-7, E-8, EC-130H, RC-135, VC-25) (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Journeyman, C4ISR Mission Systems (E-3, E-4, E-7, E-8, EC-130H, RC-135, VC-25) (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Information Management Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Information System Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Information Systems Management (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Information Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Information Systems Technician Submarines (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Information Technology Manager Submarines (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Information Technology Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems Engineer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Intelligence Technology and Data Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Management Information Systems Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Military Intelligence (MI) Systems Maintainer/Integrator (Army - Enlisted)
  • Network Administrator (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Network Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Network Engineering Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)
  • Network Integration (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Network Operations Warrant Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Network Systems Engineering (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Senior Signal Warrant Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Signal Operations (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Signals Intelligence/Electromagnetic Warfare Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Technical Electronic Intelligence Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Internetworking Technician

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Data Communications Analyst
  • Internetworking Technician