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Computer Network Architects: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 33 tasks, including 30 marked Core and 3 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2024.

33 tasks shown

Core · Task 18968 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop disaster recovery plans.

Core · Task 18971 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.

Core · Task 18965 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop and implement solutions for network problems.

Core · Task 18977 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.

Core · Task 18960 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Core · Task 18959 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate installation of new equipment.

Core · Task 18979 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

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.

Core · Task 18969 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop network-related documentation.

Core · Task 18966 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.

Core · Task 18980 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.

Core · Task 18962 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.

Core · Task 18956 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.

Core · Task 18958 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.

Core · Task 18967 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.

Core · Task 18975 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

Core · Task 18988 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.

Core · Task 18972 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.

Core · Task 18957 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.

Core · Task 18964 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.

Core · Task 18982 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.

Core · Task 18985 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.

Core · Task 18984 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.

Core · Task 18974 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.

Core · Task 18963 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.

Core · Task 18976 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.

Core · Task 18973 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.

Core · Task 18961 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.

Core · Task 18983 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.

Core · Task 18981 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.

Core · Task 18986 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.

Supplemental · Task 18987 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.

Supplemental · Task 18970 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Develop or maintain project reporting systems.

Supplemental · Task 18978 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.