What is Networking: A Beginner’s Guide

If you are aspiring to have a career in the Computer Networking field, you are going to be a part of one of the most in-demand domains of the IT industry. As per the reports, the employment rate in the Computer Networking field is likely to enhance around 5-6% from 2018 to 2028. Moreover, industry analysts estimated that the Networking market will be growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 3.5% during the period 2019-2023.

Being one of the fastest-growing fields, Networking companies always have a demand for skillful employees. Also, factors like job security, universal certification, etc. in this field have an upper hand in comparison to other domains. In this article, we will guide you about all the aspects to make a good career in the Networking field.

What is Networking?

Networking can be defined as the process of formation, development, and maintenance of computer networks. As far as Computer networks are concerned, we can refer it as connected computing devices (such as laptops, desktops, servers, smartphones, and tablets) and an array of IoT devices (such as printers, scanners, cameras, door locks, doorbells, refrigerators, audio/visual systems, thermostats, and various sensors) that communicate with one another. It can work on any geographical distance involved between computers.

Candidates can refer to a different type of Computer Networks below:

• PAN: Personal Area Network (PAN) is a set of interconnected computers/devices where the interconnection is established with an aim of communication between the computers/devices to share resources, data, and applications.
• LAN: A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus, or office building.
• MAN: A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a class of network that serves a large geographical area between 5 to 50 kilometers in range. This geographical area can include several buildings.
• WAN: A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a collection of local-area networks (LANs) or other networks that communicate with one another.

Must Explore: Types of Computer Networks

What Networking Professionals Do?

Computer Network professionals provide user support, troubleshoot, and diagnose issues within the network. They work with software as well as hardware professionals to provide optimum business performance. Computer network professionals work in Information Technology (IT) specific industries. The job role of a computer network professional includes a wide range of responsibilities such as:

• Analyze, develop and evaluate Computer Networks
• Evaluate network operations, software, hardware, and systems and provide suggestions for improvements
• Create procedures for network inventory
• Diagnose and find resolutions for network faults
• Monitor traffic and activity for integrity and optimum performance
• Provide maintenance for networks
• Research, monitor, and recommend improvements in network infrastructure for optimal performance
• Troubleshoot network issues and provide support and solutions

What is a Day in the Life of a Networking Professionals?

All Networking professionals design, develop, and maintain internal and/or external networks. Along with it, they also diagnose and find resolutions for network faults. These professionals need to have knowledge of both hardware and software for network maintenance. Here is a list of tasks that Computer Network Support Specialists do every day:

• Back up network data
• Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals
• Document network support activities
• Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues
• Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data 
• Ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes

Which Industries Hire Networking Professionals?

Nowadays almost every industry, from Finance to Education, requires networking professionals. There is a great demand for these professionals as industries are using hardware and computer networks for improving processes, better outcomes, and effective utilization of resources. The demand for such professionals is higher in the following industries:

• Arts, Entertainment, and Media
• Educational Services
• Finance and Insurance
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Information
• Management of Companies and Enterprises
• Manufacturing
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Public Administration
• Real Estate and Rental & Leasing
• Retail Trade
• Wholesale Trade

Why Should You Become a Networking Professional?

A network engineer is an important asset of any organization. These professionals have a wide range of duties that include designing, building, and maintaining computer networks for the organization or company.  There are a variety of fantastic reasons to become a network engineer including great pay, reputable companies to work for, and working with some of the most advanced technology available. A few of them are as below: 

• Skills and knowledge gained during a networking course enable a professional to work in physical and virtual networks
• Networking professionals acquire good jobs in IT or any other industry
• Technology is constantly evolving, so, Networking professionals continuously learn new things as the years go on
• Most businesses rely on their network engineers to support their smooth operation so a networking professional is a key asset to any organization
• An interesting work profile
• Good growth opportunities

Who Should Take up Networking Courses?

Anyone IT/software professional can pursue a Networking course. The minimum degree requirement to pursue any such course is a Bachelor’s degree in Computer or IT. Postgraduate students from relevant streams can join the institutes offering the basic level course. Students can join advanced level programming courses only after the completion of the basic certification.

What Course Should One Take to Become a Networking Professional?

Networking certifications or courses validate a professional’s ability to use best-in-class networking equipment and services. Networking courses develop a complete understanding of IT networking and how different network topologies interact to form a secure and efficient network. 

The latest generation of Networking courses is designed to be more compatible with the day-to-day activities of Computer Networking. The certifications are offered in the following domains:

• Routing and Switching
• Network Security
• Telecommunication
• Service Provider Operations
• Storage Networking 
• Voice over IP (VoIP) Networks
• Wireless Networks

Which Skills Should a Networking Professional Possess?

Soft Skills

• Logical thinking
• Creative problem-solving
• A strong interest in computers and technology
• The ability to work independently
• Clear communication skills
• Quality customer service