Difference Between Network Engineer And Network Architect

However, the major point of difference is that System Engineers chiefly focus on
software and systems, while Network Architects can have a slightly more niche
focus, working mainly with a company's local area networks (LANs), wide area
networks (WANs) and intranets.

Who is Network Architect?

Network Architect is a computer network expert with a deep understanding of
the organizational needs who design; model the communication and other
networking operations of the organizations.

People often mistake Network Administrator for Network Architect. Though

Network Administrator is not Network Engineer, he is also not a Network
Architect. The network Administrator manages and oversees the Network
Operations whereas the Network Architect design and remodels them.

Networking can cover both the internal and external environment. It can be
Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and cloud networks.
Irrespective of the type and size of the network his sole aim is to design and
safe secure Network Infrastructure that meets the organization’s final goal.
Other than that he often communicates with higher authorities like Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and helps them to make
decisions based on the new trends and technologies in the market.

Roles and Responsibilities of Network

Architect
 Planning, designing, installing, and upgrading network projects.
 Troubleshooting the issues and enhancing network performance.
 Making recommendations to move the network to the advanced level and
reducing operating costs.
 Documenting the network process for future uses.
 Preparing the workflow, roadmap, requirements for a network infrastructure.
 He should estimate the cost and time of the project and allot the work to the
respected persons.
Who is Network Engineer?
Network Engineer is the tech expert who is responsible to build the
infrastructure of the network as per the design presented by the organizations.
He should be specialized in data, voice calls, and other network services
technology. Network Engineer is Accountable for formulating, implementing, and
maintaining the internal and external network of the organizations.
He is often confused with the Network or Tech consultant. A Tech consultant is
the person who repairs or involves in the replacement of gadgets or software in
the Network. But network engineer builds the whole network channel with the
design demanded by the network architect.

In short, a network engineer is a person who works on-site and responsible for
building, formatting the Network infrastructure of the organization.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Network

Engineer:
As a low and active level worker Network Engineer has various duties. Here are
the key responsibilities of the Network engineer in the organization.

 Installing any software or hardware in the network.

 Preparing regular back-up of data and continuous monitoring of system
performance.
 He should continuous solutions based on the issues and their nature. Some
of the well-known issues are traffic configuration, infrastructure response,
and troubleshooting, etc…
 Preparation performance report and other reports about the estimated life,
risks, and defects in the Network.
The Comparison : Network Architect vs
Network Engineer
From the above discussion, you can see, that both the positions overlap each
other area. And in many Startups and Small and midsized businesses there will
be only Network Architect or Network Engineer. And this takes the confusion to
the next level. Here is a table differentiation that will help you to understand it.
In short, a Network Architect is like a Building or house architect, he plans and
designs, whereas a Network Engineer is like Civil Engineer who works on the site
and implements the plan.

Difference Between network Engineer and Network

Administrator
In general, the network engineer is responsible for the design and development of a
computer network whereas a network administrator is responsible for ensuring and
maintaining the network once it's been developed

Network engineers and network administrators are common

positions in the IT field, and both can hold a lot of clout. While it’s
possible for the jobs to sound similar in descriptions and functions,
and have some real overlap in responsibilities, there are distinct
differences. In general, the network engineer is responsible for
the design and development of a computer network whereas a network
administrator is responsible for ensuring and maintaining the
network once it’s been developed.
In this article, we are exploring the roles, responsibilities, and
prospects for both network engineers and network administrators.
Terminology
The terms “network engineer” and “network architecture” may be
used interchangeably. A network administrator, on the other hand,
is typically differentiated from engineers and architecture.

As in any field, a title is less important that the specifics of the job
description. The larger the company, the more specific a job may
be. The smaller a company, the more duties one single job may
have.

Network Engineer
Roles and Responsibilities

The first part of a network engineer role must do is understand, at a

macro level, the structure and network necessities of the entire
organization. Armed with this knowledge, the network engineer
must then design and maintain any network that supports the
company lifecycle and growth opportunities. A network engineer
may need to analyze what’s working and what isn’t to find room for
improvement – all while working within a preset budget.

Common roles and responsibilities of a network engineer include:

 Designing and implementing both the physical and wireless

networks, including those for computer communications and
telecommunications
 Maintaining network performance
 Managing the electronic equipment that activates any network
pieces
 Troubleshooting network problems
 Researching and integrating new technologies into the network
lifecycle
 Interfacing with network administrators to manage or assist
problems
Peers and Reporting

A network engineer frequently reports directly to a CTO or CIO.

Depending on company hierarchy, a network engineer may oversee
network administrators. Alternatively, a network engineer may not
oversee any employees, but instead partner with certain roles as
projects require it.

Job Requirements

An ideal network engineer will often need, at minimum, a BS or MS

in a computer-related field such as computer science, computer
engineer, or programming. Some employees prefer an MBA in
information systems. Hands-on experience, particularly in IT
systems or network administration is always helpful for a candidate.

Candidates applying for a network engineer position should

underscore not only their knowledge, but their skills. Analytical skills
and attention to detail are both vital skills, as network engineers
must review complicated network systems and analyze what’s
working and what isn’t – and then suggests and implements
solutions.

Leadership and organization skills are also helpful, as network

engineers are often responsible for collaborating with a range of
employees.

Outlook

For network engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

projects an above-average growth of nine percent nationally through
2024. Still, the department cautions that as more businesses adopt
cloud computing more wholly, the overall need for network
engineering and architecture could decrease in the longer-term.

Network Administrator
Roles and Responsibilities

The role of a network administrator is often described as picking up

where the network engineer’s responsibilities end. Whereas the
engineer focuses on lifecycle network implementation, the daily
operations and maintenance (O&M) of the network often falls to the
network admin. Still, the administrator’s role is often a proactive
one, helping prevent security comprises before they happen, instead
of reacting afterwards.
The breadth and depth of a network administrator’s responsibilities
can depend on the size of the organization. In larger organizations,
one or several network administrators could share the following
roles and responsibilities:

 Monitoring and maintaining computer infrastructure, particularly

emphasizing:
 On-site servers
 Interactions between the software and the network
 Network integrity and resilience
 Testing networks for weaknesses or potential sites of
compromise
 Staying abreast of necessary updates
 Implementing security programs with hardware and software

In smaller organizations, a network admin may also be responsible

for:

 Procuring new hardware

 Rolling out new software
 Managing email and internet filters
 Maintaining disk images for new installs
 Ensuring licenses are current
 Addressing poor data management practices

Peers and Reporting

Network administrators frequently report to network engineers, as

their roles are closely related. In time, a network admin could be
groomed to move into a network engineer role.
Network administrators also interface with many members of IT and
the company at large, as problems warrant.
Job Requirements

While a BS in a computer-related field is helpful, it may not be

necessary for a network admin role. Many organizations prefer
specific training and certifications alongside relevant hands-on
experience. Common training and certifications for network
administrators can include Juniper, Cisco, Brocade Certified Network
Engineer, Microsoft, and Red Hat.

Importantly, the network admin must generally understand the

network that the engineer is designing. As the network engineer and
network administrator must work in tandem, clear understanding
and communication between the positions is essential.

Outlook

The BLS projects an eight percent growth in this field through 2024.
This growth is on par with the average growth across all
occupations. The BLS bases this increased demand for network
administrators on the increased need companies will need for
newer, faster technologies and, of course, their mobile networks.
Healthcare industries are particularly likely to need more network
administrators, as national legislation mandates that healthcare
continue to implement technology in the industry.