Network Infrastructure Architect
The primary task of a Network Infrastructure Architect is to design and set up computer networks, which includes Internet connections, intranets, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless LANs, and data communications networks, among others. The individual’s responsibility also includes ensuring that all the systems a company or an organization are operating optimally.
Architects analyze how existing and future networks will support their organization’s operations, besides also monitoring and organizing any projects related to networks. To optimize the technological abilities of an organization, they manage networks security and boost data transfers to make sure that all the systems are working to their fullest potential.
Primarily, network architects design efficient network infrastructures that satisfy the short-term as well as the long haul IT and commercial requirements of their organization or clients.
They should have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Architects need to have solid communications skills because they would interact with people from different departments within an organization.
Responsibilities
They assess existing systems to provide sufficient security to ensure that they meet the needs of all the users and coordinate with all the departments in an organization so that the systems are working efficiently. They analyze business requirements to identify where they can integrate new hardware, operating systems, and connectivity solutions.
Engineers configure, install, maintain, and support firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless equipment. They respond tickets that users raise by providing technical support and assistance.
An architect can also suggest improvements or other technologies to top management.
They need to troubleshoot network and system issues and breakdowns as required, including security issues.
Engineers deploy operate enterprise networking solutions efficiently and ensure that it is always accessible. They implement new networking technologies or upgrade existing technologies to improve services and capabilities.
Architects maintain and manage firewalls VPNs, and network switches and routing. They monitor and support VoIP and telecom systems.
Specialists diagnose network traffic for suspicious activities and report them to management. They need to support the IPs and network.
Falling under their ambit would also be making recommendations for the design and reviewing procedures for new systems. Moreover, Network Solutions Architects assess existing systems so that they provide sufficient security to meet the needs of the users. They coordinate with all departments in an organization so that the systems are functioning efficiently.
Specialists carry out investigations to identify critical shortages in the network and infrastructure and recommend solutions as per their findings.
They need to conceive meticulous plans to integrate new systems’ architectures into existing infrastructure. Following the integration of a new system, Infrastructure Architects take a proactive lead in assessing a project’s success, recognizing lessons learned, and best practices. They diagnose, suggest, and incorporate new security technology and tools.
They configure and test hardware and software, select apt network equipment, and procure the software and hardware tools in line with an organization’s purchasing policies.
They create documentation of incidents and standard operating procedures in order that services are delivered efficiently.
Architects will hold workshops, prepare technical presentations, and demonstrate to clients the services and products of the organization they work for. They zero in on crucial technologies and mechanisms to address existing and future requirements by assessing their applicability. Engineers also define best-practices and standards for an organization or their clients.
They define budgets and processes based on internal requirements of an organization. It is also the responsibility of the architects to ensure that proposed technology solutions comply with the IT policies and processes of the clients/organization.
Educational Qualifications and Certifications
A bachelor’s degree in computer and engineering or work experience in the relevant field is required for Network Infrastructure Architects with a proven aptitude to understand, learn, and work with emerging technologies like the SD-WAN environment.
They should have competent interpersonal skills and ability to troubleshoot issues. Besides, they should have a certification in CCNA, CCIE or CCNP or an equivalent.
It would be helpful if they have an understanding of mobile solutions’ infrastructure, telephony, and unified communications, and so on.
Prospects
According to the BLS (The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics), employment opportunities will grow nine percent by 2024 for all Computer Network Architects, including Network Infrastructure Architects.
Earnings
The average annual salary of Network Infrastructure Architect is $134,292 in the United States, according to Paysa.com, and Robert Half Technology, an IT staffing company, in its 2018 Technology and IT Salary Guide states that wireless network engineers earn an average yearly salary of $119,000 as per networkcomputing.com.
The Role of Field Engineer
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