Will AI replace Computer Network Architects?

AI can do 91% of the work Computer Network Architects do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 7 of their 33 tasks, while 23 more are ready but barely used so far. 3 still need a person.

AI is already doing this7 · 25% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Develop and implement solutions for network problems.Mostly automated6% of time
  • Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.Mostly assisted5% of time
  • Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.Mostly automated1% of time

AI could do this next23 · 67% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.7% of time
  • Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.6% of time
  • Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.5% of time
  • Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.5% of time
  • Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.4% of time
  • Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.4% of time
  • Develop network-related documentation.4% of time
  • Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.4% of time
  • Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.4% of time
  • Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.2% of time
  • Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.2% of time
  • Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.2% of time
  • Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.2% of time
  • Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.2% of time
  • Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.2% of time
  • Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.1% of time
  • Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.1% of time
  • Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.1% of time
  • Develop disaster recovery plans.1% of time
  • Develop or maintain project reporting systems.1% of time
  • Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.1% of time
  • Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.1% of time
  • Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.1% of time

Still needs a person3 · 9% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Coordinate installation of new equipment.4% of time
  • Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.4% of time
  • Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 20 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 7 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 23 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Build on the 3 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists83%Database Administrators95%Database Architects100%Data Warehousing Specialists100%Network and Computer Systems Administrators90%Health Informatics Specialists90%

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