Network Designer

CIS 1020 – 50Martin AustinMike Beddoes3/3/2010

Table of ContentsGrowthCompensationDefinitionCareer PathSkillsPersonal Metrics for SuccessSummaryReferences

WHAT IS NETWORK DESIGN?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:15-1099.03 – Network Designer

Network Designer is a specialized career within the Computer Science field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer scientist and database administrator occupations is expected to grow 37 percent from 2006 to 2016 which is much faster than average.

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COMPENSATION PART 1

Median annual wages of network and computer systems administrators were $66,310 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,690 and $84,110.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,070.

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of network and computer systems administrators in May 2008 were as follows:

Network Enterprise Management $70,680 Computer Systems Design $70,490 Wired Telecommunications $66,950 Colleges & University Professionals $57,380 Elementary and secondary schools $56,320

COMPENSATION PART 2

Median annual wages of network systems and data communication analysts were $71,100 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $54,330 and $90,740.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,920. These wages encompass network architects, telecommunications specialists, Webmasters, and Web developers.

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of network systems and data communications analysts in May 2008 were as follows:

Wired Telecommunications $75,930Insurance Carriers $74,910Enterprise Management $73,720Computer Systems Design $72,410Local Government $64,230

COMMUNICATE WITH CUSTOMERS, SALES STAFF, OR MARKETING STAFF TO DETERMINE CUSTOMER NEEDS.

DEVELOP OR RECOMMEND NETWORK SECURITY MEASURES, SUCH AS FIREWALLS, NETWORK SECURITY AUDITS, OR AUTOMATED SECURITY PROBES.

PREPARE DETAILED NETWORK SPECIFICATIONS, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, CHARTS, EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATIONS, AND RECOMMENDED TECHNOLOGIES.

DEVELOP NETWORK-RELATED DOCUMENTATION.

SUPERVISE ENGINEERS AND OTHER STAFF IN THE DESIGN OR IMPLEMENTATION OF NETWORK SOLUTIONS.

DEVELOP CONCEPTUAL, LOGICAL, OR PHYSICAL NETWORK DESIGNS.EVALUATE NETWORK DESIGNS TO DETERMINE WHETHER CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS ARE MET EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.

DEVELOP DISASTER RECOVERY PLANS.

DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR NETWORK PROBLEMS.

DETERMINE SPECIFIC NETWORK HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS, SUCH AS PLATFORMS, INTERFACES, BANDWIDTHS, OR ROUTINE SCHEMAS.

Network Designer by Definition:

Education & Training: Career Path A Network Designer identifies, analyzes and documents requirements for network transport

technologies and services. They research, create, deploy and document network designs. The work also involves performing network maintenance and restoration as well as providing cost estimates for both labor and non-labor budget planning. They will also be involved with the implementation planning for strategic multi-technology insertion projects.

This includes local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), the Internet, intranets and other data communication systems. Network systems can range from connecting two offices within a single building to world wide networks for global companies and involve working with both hardware and software. A work week is typically 40 hours however, evening and weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or to solve specific problems. Virtual office or telecommuting is common as remote access and an electronic office become common.

There is no universal way to prepare for a job as a Network Designer, however most employers place a premium on some formal college education. You will find that a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for many jobs but some jobs may require a 2-year degree and relevant work experience.

In most companies, the way they use technology is closely related to their business and its given processes, therefore it is common to find people in this career that have come from within the company or the given industry. Because many businesses today rely on their network system in order for their business to run, more and more employers prefer a degree in business. Despite employers’ preference, individuals with any post-secondary education may find employment; this may be due to the rapid expansion of technology. In these cases, a degree demonstrates an ability to learn rather than a set of skills. So, generally speaking, coursework in computer science and an undergraduate degree are sufficient qualifications, if the applicant has experience.

The education and training needed to start a career as a Network Designer can begin and end at SLCC. Any of the Bachelor's Degrees offered through the University Center would demonstrate my commitment to learning and the new Network System Engineer degree has the potential to develop the skill set needed to get the job done. To this end, I am currently taking the required classes for the Network System Engineer degree and then I'll look into an advanced degree.

Skills to Learn along my Network Designer Career Path Tools & Technology

Network switches — Local area network LAN switches; Wide area network WAN switches WLAN equipment— Wireless access points WAP; WLAN controllers Administration software — Aruba Networks Air Wave; Cisco Wireless Control System WCS Operating system software — Linux; Microsoft OS; UNIX

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems. Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Work Activities

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Personal Metrics…

I am currently employed as a Network Designer for Boeing Aircraft.

I have been with Boeing since 1990 and have worked in the IT

department as a help-desk systems administrator, server

administrator, software developer and systems analyst.

Over the years I have been innately involved with the ever-changing

Information Technology Field.

I hold various certifications and have attended numerous seminars

and classes to support the different functions I have fulfilled.

For the last three years I have been an integral part of the

Southwest Region Wide Area Network & Metropolitan Area Network

that supports California, Utah, Arizona and Colorado.

I am going back to school to finish the education I started over

twenty years ago, before computer science degrees were

commonplace.

SUMMARY

The ability to install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet system or a segment of a network system is a unique and demanding skillset. The maintenance of network hardware and software as well continuous network monitoring to ensure network availability to all system users and perform necessary maintenance to support network availability requires patience and exactness.

Planning and supervising data cabling and client server specialists, coordinating, and implementation of network security measures requires accurate recordkeeping and an eye for detail.

It is challenging and rewarding work!

REFERENCES

Bureau of Labor Statisticshttp://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos305.htm

Occupational Network Online O-NEThttp://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/15-1099.03

Indiana Workforce Developmenthttp://dwdonenet.in.gov/occupation.htm?onetCode=15-1099.03&familyId=