A communications analyst, also referred to as a data communications analyst, is in charge of analyzing, testing, designing and evaluating communications systems. The types of systems involved with this career can include all types of computer networks. The analyst is responsible for determining future needs of the network and communicating these needs through the proper channels. This can be done through plans, communication materials, presentations, electronic communications and more.

There are many varieties of networks that a communications analyst can be responsible for. Some of the simpler ones are local area networks, also known as LANs, and some of the larger networks are known as wide area networks, or WANs. The data communications analyst is also often responsible for information on the entire Internet as well as closed intranet systems. Because of the wide arrays of systems and the multitude of ways that they can be configured, the typical communications analyst is usually responsible for working with all of the aforementioned types of systems simultaneously.

Tasks typical of the communications analyst include creating models of networks and making plans for how they will work. This can be quite complicated because of a network’s reliance upon many different elements of hardware and software, which the analyst must provide solutions for. Not only all this, but often the communications analyst is also the person who is responsible for researching and recommending new network hardware and software for an existing system.

A communications analyst is often self-employed and used by companies on the basis of a short-term contract. If a company is starting a new network, for example, they may hire the analyst only as a contractor until the system is up and running. A typical temporary job might last as little as a couple of months or as long as several years. A communications analyst will usually hold an MBA and will sometimes receive a professional certification in data communications analysis.