CAREER IN NETWORKING
Networking is the
practice of linking a group of two or more computer systems for the purpose of
sharing information and data. The professionals associated with the discipline
of research of computer hardware and developments of computer network are known
as hardware and networking engineers. They also design and supervise the
process of manufacturing and installation of hardware.
Eligibility A science background in the plus-two level is preferred for students willing to enroll in different degree and diploma courses. Reputed training institutes, colleges and universities offer programs on hardware. For networking, a degree or diploma in computer science, electronics, electrical and telecommunication is required.
Future prospects-Recent surveys have revealed that the electronics and hardware sector in India is expected to grow above the $60 billion landmark. The popularity of software industry had overshadowed the hardware sector. But the scenario is likely to experience a change in the coming years. Hardware and networking jobs in India are growing in potential.
There are several career avenues within networking, some of which are the following:
Network Administration Working from the concept upwards, network administration involves configuring and managing LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks) and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). You will be responsible for analysing, installing and configuring the company’s network even from a remote location. Monitoring network performance, troubleshooting problems and maintaining network security has to be done on a daily basis.
Network Technicians Focus more on the set up, troubleshooting and repair of specific hardware and software products.
Service Technicians Visit customer sites to perform “field” upgrades and support functions.
Network Programmers and Analysts Write software programmes or scripts that help evaluate third party products and integrate new software technologies into an existing or new network environment.
Network ManagersSupervise the work of administrators, engineers, technicians and programmers. They also work at long-range planning and strategy. At the entry level you will be focussing on tasks such as troubleshooting, monitoring, LAN performance, adding or deleting users, adding new servers, etc .
Network SecurityAs more and more organisations move their offline transactions online and vast quantities of vital and sensitive data travels through networks, the need for developing “fool proof” e-security systems to safeguard the networks and databases from rampant cracking has emerged as the number one IT concern globally. And consequently, it is one of the hottest and most sought-after specialities.
With over 300 new viruses released everyday and rampant hacking (82,000 recorded cases, according to a Carnegie Mellon University study, governments and corporations have beefed-up their IS spend and tightened access to their systems and core applications. They are looking for people who can administer their enterprise network security safely and securely as a strategic priority.
Necessary Knowledge
To excel in this field, you must be as familiar with system programming and administration as with security configuration and firewalls. This also includes knowledge of advanced TCP/IP, security fundamentals, security implementation, router security and attack routes. Knowledge of computer hardware is the foundation for a career in computer networking. A good course will familiarise you with the basics of operating systems, microprocessors, peripheral devices, computer architecture, assembly and disassembly, installing various software, configuring PCs, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
This can be followed by a relevant course/s or certification in networking to gain expertise in LAN and WAN, which is in high demand. LAN shares the information and resources within the premises through the intranet with the help of products like Windows NT or Windows 2003 from Microsoft, Unix from SCO, Solaris from Sun Microsystems, Netware from Novell, etc. It can be further connected to the Internet through internetworking devices such as Routers and Switches. WAN is a combination of Internet and Intranet — a network of networks, as it were.
Vendor certifications like Microsoft’s MCSE or Cisco’s CCNA or CCNP or CCIE, or Novel’s CNE or Sun Microsystems’ Sun Solaris The basic qualification for getting into networking is preferably a Degree / Diploma in Computer Sc / Electrical / Electronics / Telecommunication followed by a course in computer hardware. People with non-engineering background who possess good knowledge of computer fundamentals can also enter this field.
In addition, recruiters prefer certain global certifications. Some of the popular International Certifications available for LAN/WAN Administration are MCSE, UNIX Admin, LINUX Admin, CNE, etc., whereas for WAN Administration you need CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCDP, CCIE.
Internet Security is an emerging technology in networking, which can be implemented by using Firewalls. A large part of the firewall implementation worldwide is done by Checkpoint/Computer Associates. However, the most preferred certification is VUE Prometric as it covers most certifications — irrespective of the vendor platform.
Coaching facilities for clearing the various online tests for certification are offered at a number of Authorised Training Centres (ATCs) of the company. You can clear the (somewhat tough) test within 6 months of gaining some practical hands-on experience at any hardware establishment specialising in system integration. For list of ATCs log onto www.prometric.com Administrator at the higher end, are increasingly sought by recruiters.
Eligibility A science background in the plus-two level is preferred for students willing to enroll in different degree and diploma courses. Reputed training institutes, colleges and universities offer programs on hardware. For networking, a degree or diploma in computer science, electronics, electrical and telecommunication is required.
Future prospects-Recent surveys have revealed that the electronics and hardware sector in India is expected to grow above the $60 billion landmark. The popularity of software industry had overshadowed the hardware sector. But the scenario is likely to experience a change in the coming years. Hardware and networking jobs in India are growing in potential.
There are several career avenues within networking, some of which are the following:
Network Administration Working from the concept upwards, network administration involves configuring and managing LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks) and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). You will be responsible for analysing, installing and configuring the company’s network even from a remote location. Monitoring network performance, troubleshooting problems and maintaining network security has to be done on a daily basis.
Network Technicians Focus more on the set up, troubleshooting and repair of specific hardware and software products.
Service Technicians Visit customer sites to perform “field” upgrades and support functions.
Network Programmers and Analysts Write software programmes or scripts that help evaluate third party products and integrate new software technologies into an existing or new network environment.
Network ManagersSupervise the work of administrators, engineers, technicians and programmers. They also work at long-range planning and strategy. At the entry level you will be focussing on tasks such as troubleshooting, monitoring, LAN performance, adding or deleting users, adding new servers, etc .
Network SecurityAs more and more organisations move their offline transactions online and vast quantities of vital and sensitive data travels through networks, the need for developing “fool proof” e-security systems to safeguard the networks and databases from rampant cracking has emerged as the number one IT concern globally. And consequently, it is one of the hottest and most sought-after specialities.
With over 300 new viruses released everyday and rampant hacking (82,000 recorded cases, according to a Carnegie Mellon University study, governments and corporations have beefed-up their IS spend and tightened access to their systems and core applications. They are looking for people who can administer their enterprise network security safely and securely as a strategic priority.
Necessary Knowledge
To excel in this field, you must be as familiar with system programming and administration as with security configuration and firewalls. This also includes knowledge of advanced TCP/IP, security fundamentals, security implementation, router security and attack routes. Knowledge of computer hardware is the foundation for a career in computer networking. A good course will familiarise you with the basics of operating systems, microprocessors, peripheral devices, computer architecture, assembly and disassembly, installing various software, configuring PCs, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
This can be followed by a relevant course/s or certification in networking to gain expertise in LAN and WAN, which is in high demand. LAN shares the information and resources within the premises through the intranet with the help of products like Windows NT or Windows 2003 from Microsoft, Unix from SCO, Solaris from Sun Microsystems, Netware from Novell, etc. It can be further connected to the Internet through internetworking devices such as Routers and Switches. WAN is a combination of Internet and Intranet — a network of networks, as it were.
Vendor certifications like Microsoft’s MCSE or Cisco’s CCNA or CCNP or CCIE, or Novel’s CNE or Sun Microsystems’ Sun Solaris The basic qualification for getting into networking is preferably a Degree / Diploma in Computer Sc / Electrical / Electronics / Telecommunication followed by a course in computer hardware. People with non-engineering background who possess good knowledge of computer fundamentals can also enter this field.
In addition, recruiters prefer certain global certifications. Some of the popular International Certifications available for LAN/WAN Administration are MCSE, UNIX Admin, LINUX Admin, CNE, etc., whereas for WAN Administration you need CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCDP, CCIE.
Internet Security is an emerging technology in networking, which can be implemented by using Firewalls. A large part of the firewall implementation worldwide is done by Checkpoint/Computer Associates. However, the most preferred certification is VUE Prometric as it covers most certifications — irrespective of the vendor platform.
Coaching facilities for clearing the various online tests for certification are offered at a number of Authorised Training Centres (ATCs) of the company. You can clear the (somewhat tough) test within 6 months of gaining some practical hands-on experience at any hardware establishment specialising in system integration. For list of ATCs log onto www.prometric.com Administrator at the higher end, are increasingly sought by recruiters.
