Network Designers

Description

Determine user requirements and design specifications for computer networks. Plan and implement network upgrades.

Tasks

  • Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
  • Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
  • Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  • Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
  • Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
  • Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
  • Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
  • Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
  • Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  • Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
  • Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
  • Monitor and analyze network performance and data input/output reports to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
  • Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
  • Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
  • Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, and recommended technologies.
  • Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
  • Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, to alert them to future needs, to resolve problems, or to address system maintenance issues.
  • Coordinate installation of new equipment.
  • Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
  • Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, and product education sessions for staff and suppliers.
  • Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
  • Develop disaster recovery plans.
  • Develop network-related documentation.
  • Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
  • Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
  • Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
  • Supervise engineers and other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
  • Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.

Interests

Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Values

Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Lay Titles

National Wages and Employment Info


Median Wages (2008): $36.13 hourly, $75,150 annual.
Employment (2008): 191,780 employees