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

Other names for Network Designers: Network Analyst, Network Architect, Network Engineer, Network Operations Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Technician,

• 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.