Network Architect

Network Architect Job Description

Network Architects are responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance, and operation of network infrastructure and services. This differs from network administrators who manage and support networks, or network engineers who build and repair data communication networks. Network architects play a crucial role in maintaining and changing the technical aspects of network infrastructure, such as network architecture, network management, and network technology. 

In order to design an efficient, secure, and scalable network that is consistent with strategic goals, network architects need to understand the business needs of the company. With a firm understanding of business problems, a computer network architect can begin to create network plans, carefully considering which hardware, software, cables, or infrastructure is best suited to the project. This is achieved by analyzing the current network needs of the office or organization and learning how they might change in the future.

The network architect may be required to work on cloud infrastructure, small computer networks, and everything in between. The network architect is a specialist who looks after all the technical aspects of a network, such as network architecture, network management, data center management, and network technology. IT architects must decide what elements they will use to create the network infrastructure for data centers, cloud computing, mobile devices, and mobile applications.  

Network architects are responsible for drawing up plans and creating layouts for data and communication networks. This includes data, communication, and network infrastructure, as well as data storage, data processing, and networking. Network architects must have the ability to design a network that can help an organization achieve its goals in a variety of ways, from data center infrastructure to cloud infrastructure and cloud services. In addition to the design of data and communication networks, a computer network architect is also charged with maintaining computer networks, periodically upgrading and modifying them, predicting future network needs, and identifying network security issues and vulnerabilities. A network architect can be asked to analyze existing network traffic and determine how future traffic growth will affect the integrity and performance of the network systems.

A network architect builds data and communications networks, including data centers, data center infrastructure, and cloud infrastructure. These networks range from small connections between two offices to cloud infrastructures that serve multiple customers. They must decide when to upgrade to communications networks and stay up to date with the latest network technologies, including hardware and software, and state-of-the-art technology. In addition to advanced technical skills and project management skills, computer network architects must have extensive knowledge in network architecture, network design, and networking systems management.

A network architect is essentially a person who builds custom data and communication networks for a variety of applications, including data centers, cloud computing, mobile devices, and mobile applications. Depending on the size of the office or organization and the type of existing network infrastructure, a network architect may have different tasks. Network architects can also be asked to double as network technicians or network administrators.  

Modern network systems, driven largely by the proliferation of mobile and other wireless devices, are a major driver of demand for computer network architects. They work in the fields of network architecture, network management, and network technology development. Cloud computing enables companies to store data, applications, and other IT services online. Traditionally, network services that are built and managed by in-house service providers are outsourced to the cloud. 

The responsibilities of computer network architects are far-reaching and can vary by location and business. Anyone who wants to pursue a career as a network architect should consider obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer technology or computer science. A Master’s degree in Business Administration or an information technology-related field may help boost career opportunities or earning potential. The career of a computer network architect is an excellent choice for individuals who are fascinated by the world of computers and are interested in building communication network systems.