Summary
An associate network architect works with network architects on designs and specifications, with guidance.
At this role level, you will:
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be aware and knowledgeable of new technology solutions and produce network design policy
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draft recommendations for network support, creating and maintaining network plans and planning infrastructure runs
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ensure designs meet SLAs (service level agreements) and develop an understanding of common tools
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have an understanding of one or two of the following network technologies: LAN (local area network), WAN (wide area network), wifi, data centre LAN, SD (software-defined) networks, telephony, mobile solutions infrastructure, unified comms, network management solutions, network specific security and remote access technologies and approaches
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collaborate with engineers to ensure systems are practically designed
Background
Background Components
| Description | Background |
|---|---|
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Has a good knowledge, both theoretical and practical of a wide range of communications systems, networks. Is aware of the technical and economic needs of the business and possesses strong interpersonal skills. |
Prior Knowledge and Skills |
Work Activity Components
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
|
Documentation |
Documents all work using required standards, methods and tools, including prototyping tools where appropriate. |
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Architecture and policies |
Assists in producing simple architectures, topologies, configuration databases and design documentation of networks and networking technology. |
Knowledge/Skills
Knowledge/Skills Components
| Title | Depth | Details | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Analytical Thinking |
Acquiring a proper understanding of a problem or situation by breaking it down systematically into its component parts and identifying the relationships between these parts. Selecting the appropriate method/tool to resolve the problem and reflecting critically on the result, so that what is learnt is identified and assimilated. |
Behavioural Skills |
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Attention to Detail |
Applying specific quality standards to all tasks undertaken to ensure that deliverables are accurate and complete. |
Behavioural Skills |
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Verbal Expression |
Communicating effectively using the spoken word. |
Behavioural |
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Written Expression |
Communicating effectively in writing, such as reports and via emails. |
Behavioural |
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Teamwork |
Working collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal. |
Behavioural |
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Infrastructure Architecture |
Familiar with |
The frameworks and principles on which networks, systems, equipment and resources are based both on premises and cloud based. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Networking and Communications |
Aware of |
The planning and management of the interaction between two or more networking systems, computers or other intelligent devices. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Corporate, Industry and Professional Standards |
Aware of |
Applying standards, practices, codes, and assessment and certification programmes relevant to the IT industry, and the specific organisation or business domain. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Operational/Service Architecture |
Aware of |
Knowledge of the IT/IS infrastructure and the IT applications and service processes used within own organisation, including those associated with sustainability and efficiency. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Business Continuity Planning |
Aware of |
Methods and techniques for risk assessment, business impact analysis, establishment of countermeasures and contingency arrangements relating to the serious disruption of IT services. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Third Party IT Products and Services |
Aware of |
The IT products and/or services supplied to own organisation by external suppliers. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Network Traffic Analysis |
Aware of |
Methods and techniques for the capture of traffic information (packet level) and the forensic analysis of this information into its constituent elements. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Cloud/Virtualisation |
Aware of |
The principles and application of cloud/ virtualisation (including ownership, responsibilities and security implications). Use of tools and systems to manage virtualised environments. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Wi-Fi |
Aware of |
The principles, functions and operation of WiFi components, routers, hubs and repeaters and the installation of Wi-Fi hot spots with appropriate use of security and encryption techniques. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Communications Modelling Tools |
Aware of |
Tools and techniques (manual or automated) that can be used to plan or document an understanding of the design, structure, relationships and usage of networks. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Network Data Security |
Aware of |
Network security and threat mitigation, including physical, electronic, firewalling, encryption, access, and authorisation; protecting data at rest and in transit; defending against viruses and malware; the impact of Big Data; and the integration of robust security controls into enterprise services and policies. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
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Infrastructure/System Security |
Aware of |
The security threats and vulnerabilities that impact and/or emanate from system hardware, software and other infrastructure components, and relevant strategies, controls and activities to prevent, mitigate, detect and resolve security incidents affecting system hardware, software and other infrastructure components. |
Technical Knowledge and Skills |
Training Activities
Training Components
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
|
Program Design Methods and |
Programming or system development methods (e.g. structured program design). |
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Software Configuration |
Installation, configuration and tuning of applications or systems software. |
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Wide Area Networks |
Features and characteristics of networks configured over a wide area i.e. beyond the geographical boundaries of a single site. |
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Local Area Networks |
Features and characteristics of local area networks relevant to installation and support of hardware and software components. |
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Telecommunications/Network Industry Standards |
National and international telecommunication/network standards, legislative instruments, codes of practice etc. |
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Supplier/Service Provider Training |
The installation, testing and commissioning of supplier specific-products and services in a variety of situations and locations. |
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Security Awareness |
Tools and techniques to help users and employees understand the role they play in helping to combat information security breaches and for IT and security professionals to prevent and mitigate risk. |
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Solution Architecture |
Methods, tools and techniques for architecture design and development to provide an understanding of the critical architecture terms and concepts and how to apply them across typical architecture domains — business, applications, data and infrastructure. |
PDAs
PDA Components
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
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Participation in Group Activities |
Participating in group activities inside or outside of the working environment that can assist with the development of interpersonal skills. |
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Deputising |
Standing in for supervisor or manager on a temporary basis during periods of absence. |
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Job Shadowing and Special Assignments |
Undertaking temporary periods or secondments in other roles, inside or outside IT, particularly those that offer a new perspective on own function or exposure to other environments and cultures. |
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Gaining Knowledge of Employing Organisation |
Gaining basic knowledge of the employing organisation, its business, structure, culture, policies, products/services, operations and terminology. |
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Gaining Knowledge of Surrounding Technical Areas |
Gaining knowledge of IT activities in employing organisation external to own function. |
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Research Assignments |
Exploring a topic which is not part of own normal responsibilities and presenting findings to colleagues and/or management |
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Involvement in Professional Body Activities |
Attending meetings, seminars and workshops organised by professional body and reading published material, such as journals and web content. |
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Team Working |
Undertaking learning and practice in the techniques of team and collaborative working. Gaining an understanding of the underlying concepts. |
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Communications |
Undertaking learning and practice in oral and written communications, including report writing and presentation. |
Qualifications
Qualification Components
| Title | Awarding Body |
|---|---|
|
Registered IT Technician (RITTech) |
BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT |
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FEDIP Associate Practitioner |
FEDIP |
Organisation Skills
| Framework » Organisation Category » Subcategory |
Skill Name and Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
|
DDaT » Network Architect |
Network Architect – Governance and assurance You can understand technical governance. You can participate in or deliver the assurance of a service |
1 – Awareness You can understand technical governance. You can participate in the assurance of a service. |
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DDaT » Network Architect |
Network Architect – IT infrastructure (network architect) You can support, design and implement infrastructure technologies and solutions. These can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open-source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). |
2 – Working You can build, configure, administer and support infrastructure technologies and solutions. These technologies and solutions can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). |
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DDaT » Network Architect |
Network Architect – Systems design You can create the specification and design of systems to meet defined business needs. You can work with business and technology stakeholders to translate business problems into technical designs. You can visualise the ideal user service and come up with design ideas and possible design approaches. You can effectively explore different approaches to solving problems. |
2 – Working You can translate logical designs into physical designs. You can produce detailed designs. You can effectively document all work using required standards, methods and tools, including prototyping tools where appropriate. You can design systems characterised by managed levels of risk, manageable business and technical complexity, and meaningful impact. You can work with well-understood technology and identify appropriate patterns. |
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DDaT » Network Architect |
Network Architect – Systems integration (network architect) You can understand and design network services that integrate with existing or new services, including cloud services and infrastructure. |
1 – Awareness You can show familiarity with the principles of integration and how they should be incorporated within the design of solutions. |
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DDaT » Network Architect |
Network Architect – Technical understanding You can demonstrate knowledge of the specific technologies necessary to fulfil the responsibilities and tasks of the role. You can apply the required breadth and depth of technical knowledge. You can actively keep informed of industry developments to make cost-effective use of new and emerging tools and technologies. |
1 – Awareness You can show an awareness of the relevant subject matter and a high-level understanding of what it involves. |
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DDaT » Network Architect |
Network Architect – Troubleshooting and problem resolution You can think laterally to break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes, allowing problem resolution. You can troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities that can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open-source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). |
2 – Working You can troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities. |
This job role profile was created in collaboration with BCS, using Role Model Plus. BCS is the professional body that has the responsibility of updating this job family.