ict-network-architect/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — ICT network architect

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 15-1241.00 (Computer Network Architects) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 2523; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
• [Core] Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
• [Core] Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
• [Core] Coordinate installation of new equipment.
• [Core] Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
• [Core] Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
• [Core] Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
• [Core] Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
• [Core] Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
• [Core] Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
• [Core] Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
• [Core] Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
• [Core] Develop disaster recovery plans.
• [Core] Develop network-related documentation.
• [Supplemental] Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
• [Core] Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
• [Core] Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
• [Core] Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
• [Core] Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
• [Core] Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
• [Core] Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
• [Core] Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
• [Supplemental] Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.
• [Core] 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] Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
• [Core] Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
• [Core] Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
• [Core] Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
• [Core] Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
• [Core] Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
• [Core] Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
• [Supplemental] Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
• [Core] Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
• Analyze website or related online data to track trends or usage.
• Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
• Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
• Communicate project information to others.
• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
• Configure computer networks.
• Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
• Coordinate software or hardware installation.
• Design integrated computer systems.
• Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
• Develop information communication procedures.
• Develop models of information or communications systems.
• Develop specifications for computer network operation.
• Develop testing routines or procedures.
• Document network-related activities or tasks.
• Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
• Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
• Install computer hardware.
• Install computer software.
• Maintain computer hardware.
• Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
• Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery.
• Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation.
• Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
• Manage financial activities of the organization.
• Modify software programs to improve performance.
• Monitor the performance of computer networks.
• Provide technical support for computer network issues.
• Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
• Resolve computer network problems.
• Supervise information technology personnel.
• Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
• Test computer hardware performance.
• Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.