Career Track
Network Architect Roles and Responsibilities :
Although there is some cross over between the job roles of Network Engineers and Network Architects, there is a difference in actual responsibilities. A Network Architect primarily focuses on the design of the network and the implementation of that design while an actual Network Engineer is usually the one responsible for the actual implementation of the design. Similar to a Network Administrator or regular Network Engineer, Network Architects may also be responsible for some tasks relating to telecommunications as well.
In companies that combine the telecommunications responsibilities with that of the Network Architect, candidates may also be responsible for the analysis, engineering and execution of software functions for telecom voice and data. Other general responsibilities may include :
* Design Modeling
* Network Performance Planning
* Network Capacity Planning
* Establishment of Telecommunications Standards (LAN/WAN)
Some employers may also require their Network Architects to manage technology vendors. This would require candidates to stay abreast of how technology infrastructures are currently impacting and driving competitors. You may also be responsible for negotiating high level contracts and maintaining long-term relationships.
Educational Requirements :
Although a bachelor's degree or associates degree in computer science, electrical engineering, MIS or other related industries will suffice for a general network engineering position, you need at least 6-10 years of technology experience to move into the position of a Network Architect as well as several years of experience working with Windows, Unix or Novell Systems. Extensive knowledge of network management, engineering disciplines, and operating systems are a must. An excellent addition to your skill sets is a sub-specialty such as telecommunications or e-commerce.
Soft skills as well as technical skills are important in the position of a Network Architect. Understanding and knowing how an application may affect the function of a business unit is critical, as is the ability to negotiate technology issues while building solutions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required as well as the ability to create and deliver effective presentations. A Network Architect will also need to work closely with other department heads and must possess the ability to see both the large and small picture.
Salary Potential : (As reported by the U.S. Dept. of Labor)
Average salaries (nationwide):
Entry (less than 1 year of experience): Engineer $44,999 Architect $43,077
Junior (1-2 years of experience): Engineer $50,282 Architect $55,961
Emerging (3-5 years of experience): Engineer $59,803 Architect $67,187
Experienced (6-9 years of experience): Engineer $68,845 Architect $78,787
Advanced (10+ years of experience): Engineer $75,584 Architect $87,384
Industry Certifications :
There are many certifications that will look good on a resume for a Network Architect. The most recommended are Novell's CNE and Master CNE, Nortel's Network's Certified Network Architect and Cisco's CCNP and CCIE. The larger the enterprise you've worked with the better. You should however, complete the recommended certifications for a Network Engineer first, however. These include:
* A+ 2003
* CCDA
* CCIE
* CISSP
* Linux+
* LPIC2 Linux Junior Level
* LCPI2 Linux Intermediate Level
* Master CIW Administrator
* Master CIW i-Accelerate
* MCNE
* MCSA 2000
* MCSA 2003
* MCSE 2000
* MCSE 2003
* NetWare 5 CNE
* NetWare 6 CNE
* Network+
* RHCE
* RHCT
* SCE
* SCM
* SCP
* Security+
* Server+
* Solaris 8 SCNA
* Solaris 9 SCNA
* Solaris 9 Security
* TICSA
MCSE 2003 Training | MCI
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The Top Certification Now days
Cisco CCIE - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert : CCIE Certification
Cisco CCIP - Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional : CCIP Certification Exam
Cisco CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate : CCNA Certification
Cisco CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional
CompTIA A+ - CompTIA A-Plus Certification
CompTIA Network+ - CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+ - CompTIA Security+
MCDST - Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician : MCDST
MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional : MCITP
MCP - The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
MCPD - Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
MCSA 2003 - The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
MCSE 2003 - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003 : MCSE 2003
MCSE 2008 - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2008
MCTS - Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
PMI - Project Management Institute
TOP Exams
Exam Title
350-001 - Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert
350-020 - CCIE SP Optical Qualification
PMI-001 - Project Management Professional
N10-003 - Network+
70-647 - PRO: Windows Server 2008,Enterprise Administrator
70-642 - TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
70-643 - TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
70-290 - Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
70-291 - Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
70-631 - Microsoft SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring
70-549 - Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
220-601 - A+ Essentials
CT0-101 - Convergence+ Certification Exam
642-812 - Building Converged Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks
640-802 - Cisco Certified Network Associate
220-301 - A+ Hardware Technologies
220-302 - A+ OS technologies
350-023 - CCIE Written: WAN Switching
642-453 - Gateway Gatekeeper
642-901 - Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks
350-050 - CCIE Wireless Exam
SY0-201 - CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) Exam
N10-004 - Network+ (2009)
70-270 - Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
642-845 - Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks
642-522 - Securing Networks with PIX and ASA Exam
642-551 - Securing Cisco Network Devices Exam
350-018 - CCIE Pre-Qualification Test for Security
350-026 - CCIE SP Content Networking ENU
350-030 - CCIE Voice Written
350-040 - CCIE Storage Networking
70-620 - TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client
70-447 - UPGRADE: MCDBA Skills to MCITP Database Administrator by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
70-646 - Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
220-603 - Remote Support Tech designation pathway
70-536 - Microsoft .NET Framework, Application Development Foundation
220-604 - A+ Depot Technician
70-237 - Designing Messaging Solutions with MS Exchange Server 2007
70-445 - Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance
220-602 - IT Technician
70-542 - Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Application Development
70-294 - Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
70-293 - Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
640-822 - Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
640-816 - Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
70-444 - Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
70-442 - Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
70-236 - TS: Exchange Server 2007, Configuring
350-027 - CCIE SP Metro Ethernet Exam
350-029 - CCIE SP Written Exam
