Computer Network Architects
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.
43 alternate job titles:
Cloud Architect
Cloud Network Engineer
Computer Network Analyst
Computer Network Engineer
Computer Network Technologist
Data Communications Analyst
Enterprise Architect
Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst)
IT Network Engineer (Information Technology Network Engineer)
Network Analyst
Network Architect
Network Computer Consultant
Network Consultant
Network Control Analyst
Network Control Analyst Assistant
Network Designer
Network Developer
Network Operations Analyst (Network Ops Analyst)
Network Operations Specialist (Network Ops Specialist)
Network Security Analyst
Network Security Systems Analyst
Network Specialist
Network Systems Analyst
Network Systems Consultant
Network Systems Engineer
Network Systems Integrator
Networking Engineer
Networking Systems Engineer
NOC Engineer (Network Operations Center Engineer)
PC Network Engineer (Personal Computer Network Engineer)
Platform Architect
Principal Network Engineer
Server Engineer
Solutions Architect
Solutions Engineer
System Programmer
Systems Engineer
Target Network Analyst
Telecommunications Analyst (Telecom Analyst)
WAN Engineer (Wide Area Network Engineer)
Wireless Engineer
Wireless Network Engineer
Salary Information
Computer Network Architects: $130,390 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access. | Maintenance |
| Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery. | Maintenance |
| Monitor the performance of computer networks. | Maintenance |
| Maintain computer hardware. | Maintenance |
| Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends. | Maintenance |
| Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details. | Development |
| Design integrated computer systems. | Development |
| Develop specifications for computer network operation. | Development |
| Develop testing routines or procedures. | Development |
| Develop models of information or communications systems. | Development |
| Develop information communication procedures. | Development |
| Develop computer or information security policies or procedures. | Development |
| Provide technical support for computer network issues. | General |
| Configure computer networks. | General |
| Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware. | General |
| Resolve computer network problems. | General |
| Document network-related activities or tasks. | General |
| Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems. | General |
| Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects. | General |
| Modify software programs to improve performance. | General |
| Install computer software. | General |
| Install computer hardware. | General |
| Test computer hardware performance. | General |
| Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues. | General |
| Coordinate software or hardware installation. | Management |
| Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments. | Management |
| Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy. | Management |
| Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation. | Management |
| Manage financial activities of the organization. | Management |
| Supervise information technology personnel. | Management |
| Analyze website or related online data to track trends or usage. | Analysis |
| Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility. | Analysis |
| Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems. | Analysis |
| Conduct research to gain information about products or processes. | Analysis |
| Communicate project information to others. | Communication |
Showing 1 to 10 of 0 entries
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services AWS software | Data base user interface and query software |
| Amazon DynamoDB | Data base management system software |
| Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2 | Data base user interface and query software |
| Amazon Redshift | Data base user interface and query software |
| Apache Cassandra | Data base management system software |
| Apache Hadoop | Data base management system software |
| Apache Hive | Data base management system software |
| Apache Spark | Business intelligence and data analysis software |
| Elasticsearch | Data base management system software |
| Hibernate ORM | Object oriented data base management software |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software |
| Microsoft SQL Server | Data base user interface and query software |
| Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS | Data base reporting software |
| MongoDB | Data base management system software |
| MySQL | Data base management system software |
| NoSQL | Data base management system software |
| Oracle Database | Data base user interface and query software |
| Oracle PL/SQL | Data base management system software |
| PostgreSQL | Object oriented data base management software |
| Structured query language SQL | Data base user interface and query software |
| Tableau | Business intelligence and data analysis software |
| Teradata Database | Data base management system software |
| Transact-SQL | Data base user interface and query software |
| Apache Pig | Data base management system software |
| Apache Solr | Data base management system software |
| IBM Cognos Impromptu | Business intelligence and data analysis software |
| MicroStrategy | Business intelligence and data analysis software |
| Network reporting software | Data base reporting software |
| Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition | Business intelligence and data analysis software |
| Oracle JDBC | Data base user interface and query software |
| Qlik Tech QlikView | Business intelligence and data analysis software |
| Quest Erwin Data Modeler | Metadata management software |
| Relational database management software | Data base management system software |
| Ansible software | Expert system software |
| Border Gateway Protocol BGP | Switch or router software |
| Linux | Operating system software |
| Microsoft Azure software | Development environment software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft PowerShell | Development environment software |
| Python | Object or component oriented development software |
| AJAX | Web platform development software |
| Adobe After Effects | Video creation and editing software |
| Amazon Simple Storage Service S3 | Storage networking software |
| Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation | Cloud-based management software |
| Apache Kafka | Development environment software |
| Apache Maven | Development environment software |
| Apache Subversion SVN | File versioning software |
| Apache Tomcat | Web platform development software |
| Apple macOS | Operating system software |
| Atlassian Confluence | Project management software |
| Atlassian JIRA | Content workflow software |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software |
| Autodesk Revit | Computer aided design CAD software |
| Bash | Operating system software |
| C | Development environment software |
| C# | Object or component oriented development software |
| C++ | Object or component oriented development software |
| Cascading style sheets CSS | Web platform development software |
| Chef | Configuration management software |
| Cisco Webex | Video conferencing software |
| Dassault Systemes SolidWorks | Computer aided design CAD software |
| Django | Web platform development software |
| Docker | Application server software |
| Drupal | Web platform development software |
| Eclipse IDE | Development environment software |
| Extensible markup language XML | Enterprise application integration software |
| Git | File versioning software |
| GitHub | Application server software |
| Go | Development environment software |
| Google Android | Operating system software |
| Google Angular | Web platform development software |
| Hypertext markup language HTML | Web platform development software |
| IBM Terraform | Configuration management software |
| IBM WebSphere MQ | Cloud-based management software |
| JUnit | Program testing software |
| JavaScript | Web platform development software |
| JavaScript Object Notation JSON | Web platform development software |
| Microsoft .NET Framework | Development environment software |
| Microsoft ASP.NET | Web platform development software |
| Microsoft Active Directory | Internet directory services software |
| Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP | Web platform development software |
| Microsoft Dynamics | Enterprise resource planning ERP software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Project | Project management software |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Document management software |
| Microsoft Visio | Process mapping and design software |
| Microsoft Visual Basic | Development environment software |
| Microsoft Visual Studio | Development environment software |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software |
| Microsoft Windows Server | Application server software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| Node.js | Web platform development software |
| Oracle Java | Object or component oriented development software |
| PHP | Web platform development software |
| Perl | Object or component oriented development software |
| Puppet | Configuration management software |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux | Operating system software |
| Red Hat OpenShift | Application server software |
| Ruby | Development environment software |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software |
| Scala | Object or component oriented development software |
| Selenium | Program testing software |
| Shell script | Operating system software |
| Splunk Enterprise | Cloud-based management software |
| Spring Boot | Application server software |
| Spring Framework | Web platform development software |
| Swift | Object or component oriented development software |
| The MathWorks MATLAB | Analytical or scientific software |
| Trimble SketchUp Pro | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| UNIX | Operating system software |
| UNIX Shell | Operating system software |
| jQuery | Object or component oriented development software |
| Firewall software | Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software |
| Operating system software | Operating system software |
| Access management software | Access software |
| Adobe ActionScript | Development environment software |
| Advanced business application programming ABAP | Object or component oriented development software |
| AirMagnet Enterprise | Network monitoring software |
| Apache Ant | Development environment software |
| Apache Groovy | Object or component oriented development software |
| Apache HTTP Server | Portal server software |
| Apache Struts | Web platform development software |
| Application management software | Configuration management software |
| Application server software | Application server software |
| Aruba Networks AirWave | Administration software |
| Asset management administration software | Administration software |
| Atlassian Bamboo | Enterprise application integration software |
| Automated installation software | Configuration management software |
| Blink | Instant messaging software |
| BroadSoft BroadWorks | Desktop communications software |
| CA eTrust | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| Capacity planning software | Requirements analysis and system architecture software |
| Cisco IOS | Operating system software |
| Cisco Systems Cisco Web Cache Communication Protocol WCCP | Switch or router software |
| Cisco Systems CiscoWorks | Administration software |
| Cisco Systems CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution | Administration software |
| Cisco Systems Gateway Load Balancing Protocol GLBP | Switch or router software |
| Cisco Systems Hot Standby Router Protocol HSRP | Switch or router software |
| Cisco Systems Wireless Control System WCS | Administration software |
| Citrix XenApp | Application server software |
| Citrix cloud computing software | Access software |
| Common business oriented language COBOL | Development environment software |
| Compaq Insight Manager | Network monitoring software |
| Computer Associates ArcServ Backup | Backup or archival software |
| Computer based training software | Computer based training software |
| Computer intrusion detection systems | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Configuration management software | Configuration management software |
| Content filter software | Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software |
| Customer information control system CICS | Transaction server software |
| Dassault Systemes CATIA | Computer aided design CAD software |
| Diagramming software | Pattern design software |
| Discrete event simulation software | Analytical or scientific software |
| Domain name system DNS | Internet directory services software |
| Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML | Web platform development software |
| Dynatrace | Network monitoring software |
| EMC Smarts Network Protocol Manager | Network operating system enhancement software |
| Element management software | Administration software |
| Email management software | Communications server software |
| Encryption software | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol EIGRP | Switch or router software |
| Enterprise JavaBeans | Web platform development software |
| Ethereal | Network monitoring software |
| Ext JS | Web platform development software |
| Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML | Web platform development software |
| Help desk software | Helpdesk or call center software |
| Hewlett Packard HP-UX | Operating system software |
| Hewlett Packard LoadRunner | Program testing software |
| Human resource management software HRMS | Human resources software |
| IBM AIX | Operating system software |
| IBM Domino | Communications server software |
| IBM InfoSphere DataStage | Enterprise application integration software |
| IBM Notes | Electronic mail software |
| IBM Power Systems software | Enterprise system management software |
| IBM WebSphere | Cloud-based management software |
| Infoblox NetMRI | Network operating system enhancement software |
| Infoblox security and networking software | Administration software |
| Integrated development environment IDE software | Development environment software |
| Intermediate System to Intermediate System IS-IS | Switch or router software |
| Internet Protocol Security IPSEC | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Intrusion prevention system IPS | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold | Network monitoring software |
| Job control language JCL | Operating system software |
| KornShell | Operating system software |
| LAMP Stack | Web platform development software |
| Local area network LAN software | LAN software |
| LogRhythm | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Logical partition LPAR software | Configuration management software |
| Lucent VitalSuite | Administration software |
| McAfee | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| McAfee VirusScan | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| Micro Focus OpenView | Network monitoring software |
| Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC | Web platform development software |
| Microsoft ActiveX | Object or component oriented development software |
| Microsoft Exchange | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft Forefront Identify Manager | Authentication server software |
| Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript | Development environment software |
| Microsoft operating system | Operating system software |
| Minitab | Analytical or scientific software |
| Multi-router traffic grapher MRTG software | Network monitoring software |
| Multiprotocol Label Switching MPLS | Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software |
| Nagios | Network monitoring software |
| National Instruments LabVIEW | Development environment software |
| NetIQ | Administration software |
| NetScout InfinitiStream Console | Network monitoring software |
| Netreo OmniCenter | Administration software |
| Network and application load and performance testing software | Network monitoring software |
| Network and component performance analysis software | Network monitoring software |
| Network and system vulnerability assessment software | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Network architecture design software | Requirements analysis and system architecture software |
| Network availability monitoring software | Network monitoring software |
| Network bridge software | Bridge software |
| Network documentation software | Administration software |
| Network intrusion detection software | Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software |
| Network intrusion prevention systems NIPS | Network monitoring software |
| Network modeling, mapping, and analysis software | Network monitoring software |
| Network storage software | Storage networking software |
| Network traffic flow monitoring and analysis software | Network monitoring software |
| Network traffic probe software | Network monitoring software |
| Network, server and operating system optimization software | Network operating system enhancement software |
| NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| OPNET APMXpert | Network operating system enhancement software |
| Online traffic calculator software | Network monitoring software |
| Open Shortest Path First OSPF | Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software |
| Optical network management software | Optical network management software |
| Oracle E-Business Suite Financials | Financial analysis software |
| Oracle Fusion Applications | Enterprise resource planning ERP software |
| Oracle Fusion Middleware | Enterprise application integration software |
| Oracle Java Enterprise Edition EE | Development environment software |
| Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP | Web platform development software |
| Oracle Solaris | Operating system software |
| Oracle WebLogic Server | Application server software |
| Packet analysis software | Network monitoring software |
| Packet filter software | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| Packet tracing software | Network monitoring software |
| Patch and update management software | Configuration management software |
| Penetration testing software | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| Perforce Helix software | Configuration management software |
| Ping Identity | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| Red Hat WildFly | Application server software |
| Remote access software | Access software |
| Requirements management software | Requirements analysis and system architecture software |
| Risk assessment software | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Riverbed Technology | Administration software |
| Root cause analysis software | Analytical or scientific software |
| Ruby on Rails | Web platform development software |
| Security incident management software | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Segue SilkPerformer | Program testing software |
| Session Initiation Protocol SIP | Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software |
| Silver Peak | Network operating system enhancement software |
| Simple mail transfer protocol SMTP | Operating system software |
| Simple network management protocol SNMP software | Administration software |
| Snort | Network monitoring software |
| Software distribution software | Configuration management software |
| SolarWinds | Cloud-based protection or security software |
| Storage area network SAN software | Storage networking software |
| Storage management software | Storage networking software |
| Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software | Industrial control software |
| Symantec Intruder Alert | Network monitoring software |
| System and data disaster recovery software | Backup or archival software |
| System testing software | Program testing software |
| Systems and applications migration software | Development environment software |
| Tcpdump | Network monitoring software |
| Ticket information tracking software | Helpdesk or call center software |
| Time reporting software | Time accounting software |
| Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links TRILL | Switch or router software |
| Ubuntu | Operating system software |
| Unified modeling language UML | Requirements analysis and system architecture software |
| VMware | Clustering software |
| Verilog | Development environment software |
| Veritas NetBackup | Backup or archival software |
| Videoconferencing software | Video conferencing software |
| Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol VRRP | Switch or router software |
| Virtual local area network management software | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Virtual private networking VPN software | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Virus scanning software | Transaction security and virus protection software |
| Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software | Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
| Websense Data Loss Prevention | Network security or virtual private network VPN management software |
| Wide area network WAN optimization software | Network operating system enhancement software |
| Wide area network WAN software | WAN switching software and firmware |
| Wireshark | Network monitoring software |
| ESRI ArcGIS software | Geographic information system |
Showing 1 to 10 of 0 entries
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | Amazon.com Web Services | Not Available |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | Amazon.com Web Services | Not Available |
| Administration of Symantec Secure Sockets Layer Visibility 5.0 | Broadcom Inc. | Not Available |
| Administration of Symantec VIP | Broadcom Inc. | Not Available |
| Administration of Symantic Data Loss Prevention 15 | Broadcom Inc. | Not Available |
| Adobe Campaign Classic Architect Master Certification | Adobe Systems Incorporated | Not Available |
| Adobe Experience Manager Architect | Adobe Systems Incorporated | Not Available |
| Advanced Certified Engineer | Xinuos | Not Available |
| BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber | Building Industry Consulting Service International | Not Available |
| CCDE Design Expert | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCIE Collaboration Certification | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCIE Data Center | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Certification | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCIE Enterprise Wireless Certification | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCIE Security Certification | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCIE Service Provider | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCNP Data Center Certification | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| CCNP Enterprise Certification | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| Certified Linux Engineer | Linux Foundation | Not Available |
| Certified Linux System Administrator | Linux Foundation | Not Available |
| Certified Network Computer Technician | ETA International | Not Available |
| Certified Network Professional | Network Professional Association | Not Available |
| Certified Network Systems Technician | ETA International | Not Available |
| Certified Senior System Architect | Pegasystems | Not Available |
| Certified System Administrator | Xinuos | Not Available |
| Certified Wireless Analysis Professional | Certified Wireless Network Professional | Not Available |
| Certified Wireless Design Professional | Certified Wireless Network Professional | Not Available |
| Certified Wireless Network Administrator | Certified Wireless Network Professional | Not Available |
| Certified Wireless Network Expert | Certified Wireless Network Professional | Not Available |
| Certified Wireless Security Professional | Certified Wireless Network Professional | Not Available |
| Cisco Certified Network Professional | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Not Available |
| Citrix Certified Associate - Networking | Citrix Systems Incorporated | Not Available |
| Citrix Certified Expert - Networking | Citrix Systems Incorporated | Not Available |
| Citrix Certified Professional - Networking | Citrix Systems Incorporated | Not Available |
| Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Advanced Administration | Citrix Systems Incorporated | Not Available |
| Cloud Architect | Dell Corporation | Not Available |
| Cloud Technology Associate Certification | Cloud Credential Council | Not Available |
| Cloud Technology Associate+ Certification | Cloud Credential Council | Not Available |
| CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI Certification | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | Not Available |
| CompTIA Network+ | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | Not Available |
| CompTIA Server+ | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | Not Available |
| Electronic Security Networking Technician | ETA International | Not Available |
| GIAC Assessing and Auditing Wireless Networks | Global Information Assurance Certification | Not Available |
| GIAC Certified Incident Handler | Global Information Assurance Certification | Not Available |
| GIAC Defensible Security Architecture | Global Information Assurance Certification | Not Available |
| HP ASE - Storage Solutions V4 | Hewlett Packard Certification and Learning | Not Available |
| IBM Certified Solution Architect - Cloud Pak for Applications V4.1 | IBM Corporation | Not Available |
| IBM Certified Solution Architect - Cloud Pak for Automation v20.0.1 | IBM Corporation | Not Available |
| IBM Certified Solution Architect - Cloud Pak for Integration v2020.1 | IBM Corporation | Not Available |
| IBM Certified Solution Architect - Watson IoT Asset Performance Management V1 | IBM Corporation | Not Available |
| IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V9.0 | IBM Corporation | Not Available |
| ICDL Insights | ICDL Foundation | Not Available |
| Internet Protocol Engineering Professional | Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers | Not Available |
| Linux Foundation Certified Engineer | Linux Professional Institute | Not Available |
| MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 | Microsoft Corporation | Not Available |
| Master - Enterprise Architect | Dell Corporation | Not Available |
| Master ACE | Xinuos | Not Available |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty | Microsoft Corporation | Not Available |
| Network Automation Essentials v10.x. Certified Professional | Micro Focus | Not Available |
| Network Technology Associate | Certified Internet Web Professionals | Not Available |
| Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2021 Certified Architect Associate | Oracle Corporation | Not Available |
| Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2021 Certified Architect Professional | Oracle Corporation | Not Available |
| Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Developer 2021 Certified Associate Certification | Oracle Corporation | Not Available |
| Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations 2021 Certified Associate Certification | Oracle Corporation | Not Available |
| Oracle VM 3.0 for x86 Certified Implementation Specialist Certification | Oracle Corporation | Not Available |
| Professional Cloud Architect | Google Inc. | Not Available |
| Professional Cloud Network Engineer | Google Inc. | Not Available |
| Professional Cloud Solutions Architect Certification | Cloud Credential Council | Not Available |
| Red Hat Certified Architect | Red Hat, Inc. | Not Available |
| Red Hat Certified Engineer | Red Hat, Inc. | Not Available |
| SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP Analytics Cloud: Planning | SAP America, Inc. | Not Available |
| Software Engineering Master Certification | IEEE Computer Society | Not Available |
| Symantec Certified Specialist - Administration of Symantec Messaging Gateway 10.6 | Broadcom Inc. | Not Available |
| Symantec Certified Specialist - Endpoint Protection 14 | Broadcom Inc. | Not Available |
| The Open Group Architecture Framework | The Open Group | Not Available |
| VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization 2022 | VMWare | Not Available |
| Wireless Communications | ETA International | Not Available |
| Wireless Networking Technician | ETA International | Not Available |
Showing 1 to 10 of 0 entries