Network Architect
Network Architect is a professional who takes care of communication networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They play a crucial role in creating, maintaining and modifying an IP network’s hardware, software and virtualized components. These professionals should have in-depth knowledge about the network’s technological requirements.
They work on networks in small range as well as on a larger scale of the communication system. Keeping in mind the security issues of the organization, they should always be prepared to design and implement security countermeasures, when network vulnerabilities arise.
The Network Architects play a prominent role in the installing of routers, modems, and any other hardware and software upgrading that are essential for the communication networks to function properly. The professionals plan and execute the layout of cables and other required components for network systems. The technician maintains and troubleshoots network systems and resolves and rectifies if any issues occur.
The professionals are responsible for solution design and business development. They offer technical guidance on networking solutions, product plans and roadmaps. The computer network architects create and design relevant solutions keeping in mind the client’s environment. It is their responsibility to develop and deliver the professional proposals and design documentation. The professional has to manage the information security within the network structure through passwords or user permissions.
Job Description
Computer network architects typically have a good understanding of both technical and business skills. They should lead the design process, manage existing networks and monitor the traffic. The professionals also work in coordination with the software and hardware teams to get the necessary network equipment in place. The Network Architect will work in collaboration with the network engineers, network administrators and other professionals in network setup and configuration. They have to assess the existing network technologies to increase the performance, security & efficiency. The Network Architects also examine and evaluate the network performance and will make changes wherever required. These are some of the responsibilities:
Network Design
The first and foremost duty is to build the networks by taking into consideration various factors like, bandwidth requirements, infrastructure requirements and security. They must plan and design in advance and should often participate in the implementation of network designs. The professional has to understand the data communication needs and come up with the best solutions to meet the requirements. The Network Architect has to take care of the designing servers, configuring components and resolving any issues prior to implementation.
Network Modeling
They must cater to the needs of network modelling. The professionals should use the information on existing network traffic and estimate the growth of the network. They also play a crucial role in upgrading the network equipment from time to time. The Network Architects will also focus on the effects the new equipment mat have on the network performance. They provide recommendations to make accurate upgrading to the network.
Network Security
This is one of the most important areas one should focus on. They must take into consideration all the factors that might affect the network security. The professional should make sure that the security equipment must be installed at the precise network location.
Networking Equipment Maintenance
It is the responsibility of the Network Architect to manage and monitor the networking systems. They have to make the required adjustments and minor repairs to ensure that the systems operate smoothly. The Network Architect should also take care of the scheduled maintenance on network systems to avoid any down time due to networking issues.
Documentation
The Network Architect should maintain a proper record of the networks they design. It will give help the professional to resolve any network issues that may occur in the future. The network documentation includes network drawings, text descriptions and equipment configurations. The network documentation comes in handy for the architects during any disaster recovery.
Skills
Anybody with good communication skills and should be well-versed with problem-solving techniques are a perfect fit for this job. Extensive knowledge of computer operations, security and wireless systems will be an add-on. Apart from these regular skills, they should be able to perform the following tasks:
- Must keep track of company network needs
- Should quickly solve the network issues
- Focus on new network systems
- Must invest time to design network data systems
Computer Networking Components
The Network Architect must have good knowledge about networking components such as routers, modems, adaptors, switches, and servers. The professionals should keep themselves updated with all the latest developments related to these components.
Communication Systems
It is essential for the Network Architect to have an in-depth understanding of communication technologies like wireless, mobile applications and telecommunications systems.
Project Management
Project management is one the essential skills Network Architects should possess.The professionals should be well-versed with all aspects of project management such as team-building, staff training and scheduling.
Education
The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology or related fields. This will give the candidate an in-depth understanding of network security and database design. Having a Masters of Business Administration Degree can come to great advantage, as some companies are looking out for professionals with educational qualification beyond a regular degree. The organizations are also in search of candidates with relevant years of work experience. Apart from these, there are also certification courses such as CCENT, CompTia A+ certification and VMware Certified Professional that can help you land a computer network architect job.
Salary
As per the recent statistics by BLS, a network architect is paid about $101,210, a median annual salary. The pay scale of the employees at the top end is $158,590. With about $125,340 highest annual mean wage network architects who are working at California are the highest paid in the country followed by Oregon ($121,250) and New Jersey ($120,150) in the second and third place. The Indeed salary estimate states that on an average a Network Architect Salary is $137,921 per year in the United States.
Career Opportunities
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment opportunities of Network Architects is expected to grow by 6 percent. In recent years, the demand for Network Architects will increase because the organizations are rapidly moving towards information technology (IT) networks. The Network Architects are one of the highest paid employees and consultant in the tech industry.
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