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Computer Network Architect

Technology

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Computer Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Develop disaster recovery plans.
  2. 2Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  3. 3Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
  4. 4Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
  5. 5Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  6. 6Coordinate installation of new equipment.
  7. 7Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
  8. 8Develop network-related documentation.
  9. 9Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
  10. 10Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
  11. 11Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
  12. 12Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
  13. 13Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
  14. 14Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
  15. 15Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
  16. 16Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
  17. 17Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
  18. 18Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
  19. 19Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
  20. 20Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
  21. 21Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
  22. 22Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
  23. 23Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
  24. 24Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
  25. 25Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
  26. 26Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
  27. 27Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
  28. 28Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
  29. 29Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
  30. 30Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
  31. 31Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
  32. 32Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
  33. 33Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • IT Analyst
  • NOC Engineer
  • WAN Engineer
  • Cloud Architect
  • Network Analyst
  • Server Engineer
  • Telecom Analyst
  • Network Designer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Network Architect

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. Typical entry

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationBachelor's degree

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Design & Technology (RBT)Draws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Computers and Electronics94%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Engineering and Technology85%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Telecommunications85%

    Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesComputer Science / ICT

  • English Language76%

    English

  • Education and Training66%
  • Design64%

    Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherRarely
  • Noisy environmentRarely

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

20%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

On Malaysia's official shortage list

TalentCorp and ILMIA's Critical Occupations List — evidence of a real hiring shortage in Malaysia right now.

Computer Network Professionals · Shortage indicators met: INSUFFICIENT DATA

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
See pay for a related career: Cybersecurity Analyst

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Computer Network Architects

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org