Network design NTDS
Designing communication networks to support strategic and operational requirements and producing network strategies, architectures, policies and related documentation.
Updates for SFIA 9
- There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
- Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels), Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description).
- New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
- Readability improvements have been made to levels 3 and 6.
- You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
- Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.
Guidance notes
Network design covers all aspects of the communications infrastructure including — but not limited to — networks that are wired or wireless, digital or analogue, virtual or physical, local area, wide area, mobile/cellular and any other defined protocols and scales of operation.
Levels of responsibility for this skill
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Network design: Levels 1-2
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at these levels of responsibility and accountability.
Network design: Level 3
Specifies the technical configurations and components required for a small network or a network segment in a more complex infrastructure.
Follows organisational architectures and standards.
Network design: Level 4
Designs specific network components using agreed architectures, design standards, patterns and methodology.
Translates logical designs into physical designs that meet specified operational parameters for capacity and performance.
Reviews and verifies network designs against non-functional requirements, including validation and error correction procedures, access, security and audit controls.
Contributes to the development of recovery routines and contingency procedures. Contributes to alternative network architectures, networking topologies and design options.
Network design: Level 5
Produces, or approves network providers', network architectures, topologies and configuration databases for own area of responsibility.
Specifies design parameters for network connectivity, capacity, speed, interfacing, security and access, in line with business requirements.
Assesses network-related risks and specifies recovery routines and contingency procedures.
Creates multiple design views to address the different stakeholders' concerns and to handle both functional and non-functional requirements.
Network design: Level 6
Takes responsibility for major aspects of network specification, standards, technologies and overall network design models within the organisation.
Produces network design policies, principles and criteria covering connectivity, capacity, interfacing, security, resilience, recovery and access.
Network design: Level 7
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.