Introduction

Physical distance lost its value in today’s virtual world. You’re holding the vast world in your hand now; all these are possible only because of the computer networks designed by the number of network Architect. What do they do, How you can become one, and what is the career opportunities if so Ever had these questions in your mind? All these questions are discussed in today’s article.

Who is Network Architect?

Network Architect is the person who is responsible for building communication networks and other internal networks it can be Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) and intranets. He also involves in the update and maintenance of software and hardware like adapters, routers, etc…

People often confuse the network architect with the Network engineer who builds and repair the networks or with Network Administrator who manages the networks. It’s true in some Startups and Small and Midsized business network Architect involved in the above functions.

But Network architect covers more areas than that. A Network Architect is responsible to plan and design the network connections according to the company’s goals and needs.

Along with the other technical skills, he should know the recent trends and future opportunities in Networking. He often discusses with the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) to evaluate and modify the organization’s requirements and goals.

In short, a Network architect is a computer network technical expert with strategic and decision-making functions.

Roles and Responsibility

A Network Architect the roles and responsibilities of overlaps with various other personnel’s duties of the organization. Here is the rough framework of the Roles and Responsibilities of a Network Architect.

Network Design:

The main duty of the network architect is to design and plan the network structure. He should consider factors like bandwidth, infrastructure, cost, distance, and other technical factors while planning the Network layout.

In most cases he plans and network engineers will execute them. The network architect should have the profound technical knowledge to list the requirements.  And he is responsible to resolve the problems before they arise.

Network Modelling and Maintenance:

In the case already existing network he should evaluate the performance and the state of the network and make suggestions to the Network Administrator. They plan an important role in upgrading the network and optimizing the performance.

They should make minor repairs to ensure the proper working of the network. He is responsible to take care of the scheduled maintenance. He should check with the latest trends and advice the organization to adopt them.

Network Security:

If a security breach appears it will affect the whole function of the network. So it is an important responsibility of the network architect to check and ensure that network is not vulnerable to any attacks. The professional should keep aware of the factors and new threats that might affect network security.

Documentation:

The network architect has to keep records of the network he designed. This documentation will help him in the future if he plans to upgrade the network or if any problem arises with it will become handy in disaster management.  The records should be detailed and precise to help the successor to understand the existing networks.

Basic Skills a network architect should have

Leadership Skill

Anyone who has technical knowledge cannot become a network architect. Network Architect should have the leadership quality to lead a team of software and computer engineers who has equal knowledge as him.

Interpersonal Skill

They need to work with different teams and personnel’s in an organization to design the best computer network. So he should have good interpersonal skills and team spirit.

Detailed Oriented

The network architect job has more importance on the precise information so he should have a keen eye for details and specifications.

Analytical Skills

The analytical skill of the network architect should be top-notch to evaluate, identify the errors in the network. The good analytical skill helps the Network architect to make the right decision.  

Other than the above skills he or she should have the following skills –

• Recording and documentation skills
• Quick response and ability to work under high pressure.
• Fast learning and understanding of the new network trends and technologies.
• Good communication skills to advise organizational leaders to make decisions.

Qualifications and Requirements:

The Qualifications can differ based on the organization size and polices, here the commonly demanded qualifications-

• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or any other related field.
• Experienced and Master’s degree graduates have a higher chance of securing a job and a large salary package.

Other than this formal qualification, some other IT certifications can also help you secure the job; here are a few of them –

• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
• Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
• Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
• Cisco Certified Architect ( CCAr)
• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
• Zachman Certified – Enterprise Architect
• Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA)
• ITIL Master

Career Opportunities:

Are you a person who has always fantasized the computer networks and wants to pursue Network Architect as your future path? It is the best choice for you. The average annual salary of a Network Architect is $101,210 and the U.S.  Bureau of Labour expects the job opportunities of the Network Architect to increase by 6 percent in the next ten years.

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