My Profile

Edit My Profile Upload Resume My Career Tools

Browse Jobs

Jobs by State Jobs by Industry Jobs by Salary Jobs by Regions Jobs by Popularity

National

Median wages (2008)	$34.18 hourly, $71,100 annual
Employment (2006)	262,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016)	Much faster than average (21% or higher)
Projected need (2006-2016)	193,000 additional employees

15-1081.00 - Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts

Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers.

Sample of reported job titles: Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Systems Administrator, Systems Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Technician, System Programmer, Telecommunications Manager, Systems Specialist

Also see: Telecommunications Specialists

Tasks

Maintain needed files by adding and deleting files on the network server and backing up files to guarantee their safety in the event of problems with the network.
Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with existing system, and make purchase recommendations.
Design and implement systems, network configurations, and network architecture, including hardware and software technology, site locations, and integration of technologies.
Assist users to diagnose and solve data communication problems.
Monitor system performance and provide security measures, troubleshooting and maintenance as needed.
Work with other engineers, systems analysts, programmers, technicians, scientists and top-level managers in the design, testing and evaluation of systems.
Identify areas of operation that need upgraded equipment such as modems, fiber optic cables, and telephone wires.
Consult customers, visit workplaces or conduct surveys to determine present and future user needs.
Train users in use of equipment.
Maintain the peripherals, such as printers, that are connected to the network.

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Integrated services digital network ISDN testers — Integrated services digital network ISDN analyzers

Multimeters — Network multimeters

Network analyzers — Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers; Bit error rate BER testers; Network connectivity testers; Wide area network WAN analyzers

Power meters — Fiber optic power meters

Protocol analyzers

Technology used in this occupation:

Administration software — Cisco Systems CiscoWorks; Lucent VitalSuite; NetIQ software; SolarWinds software

Configuration management software — Application management software; Automated installation software; Patch and upgrade management software; Software distribution software

Network monitoring software — Compaq Insight Manager; Ethereal; Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold; Symantec Intruder Alert

Network security or virtual private network VPN management software — Intrusion prevention system IPS software; Network and system vulnerability assessment software; Risk assessment software; Virtual local area network management software

Transaction security and virus protection software — CA eTrust; Encryption software; McAfee VirusScan; Penetration testing software

15-1021.00	Computer Programmers
15-1041.00	Computer Support Specialists
15-1051.00	Computer Systems Analysts
27-4012.00	Broadcast Technicians
27-4013.00	Radio Operators
27-4014.00	Sound Engineering Technicians
43-5031.00	Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
49-2011.00	Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
49-2094.00	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment