A communications analyst, also known as a data communications analyst, is responsible for the analysis, testing, design, and evaluation of communication systems. All types of computer networks are possible systems to work with in this field. The analyst is in charge of determining the network’s future needs and communicating them through the appropriate channels.
A communications analyst can be in charge of many different types of networks. Local area networks, or LANs, are some of the simplest, while wide area networks, or WANs, are some of the larger networks. In many cases, the analyst is also in charge of data on the entire Internet as well as closed intranet systems. A person in this job is usually responsible for working with all of the aforementioned types of systems at the same time due to the wide array of systems and the multitude of ways they can be configured.
Typical responsibilities include creating network models and making plans for how they will operate. This can be difficult because networks typically rely on a variety of hardware and software components for which the analyst must provide solutions. In most cases, he or she is also in charge of researching and recommending new network hardware and software for an existing system.
A communications analyst is frequently self-employed and works for a variety of companies on a contract basis. If a company is launching a new network, for example, the analyst may be hired on a contract basis until the system is fully operational. A typical temporary job can last anywhere from a few months to several years. An analyst will almost always have a master’s degree and, in some cases, a professional certification in data communications analysis.