15-1241.00 · Task explorer
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.
Use the skill profile to plan your next practice →
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.
Make the shortlist useful
- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
- Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.
The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.
Keep your worksheet
Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.
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.