Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Networking Basics: Three Steps To Improving Your Networking Skills And Enhancing Your Career

Computer networks are the foundation of all business. This connects the devices and enables the organization to communicate with the inside and outside world. If you are looking to start your career in this popular field, you should first learn the basics of networking.

In this blog post, I'll show you how to get into your network engineer in three easy steps.

Step 1: Get to know the components of the network

The first step in becoming a network expert is to learn about the components of the network and how they work together.

There are several important components in the network.

  • counter
  • Access point
  • server
  • client
  • IP address
  • Router and firewall

How network components work together

Switches and access points connect devices or "clients" in the network so that they can communicate with each other.

Each client has a numeric name called an IP address. This address indicates the location of the client device and indicates that it is part of the network.

The server hosts information in the form of web content, applications, and files and sends it to client devices. Use the IP address for orientation.

The router controls the flow of information from the server to the client and to the external network. The firewall protects your network from unwanted users and messages.

The mechanism of each network component is as follows.

counter

The switch is part of the hardware that connects the devices in your network. These allow you to send information quickly and efficiently between PCs, printers, mobile devices, servers and other devices. Connect the device to the switch with a cable.

There are two types of switches: managed and unmanaged.

Unmanaged switches are typically used for home networks. To create a network with an unmanaged switch, simply connect the device.

Managed switches are used for large networks. You can improve network security and configure it to prioritize local area network (LAN) traffic.

Regardless of whether you use a managed switch or an unmanaged switch, the purpose is the same. It is intended to enable communication between devices by creating a common resource pool.

Access point

An access point is a hardware device that allows a Wi-Fi-enabled device to connect to the network without a cable. It can be built into a router or connected with an Ethernet cable. Access points are typically used for networks with many devices such as offices, schools, and cafes.

With access points, also known as "hotspots", users can connect any device to the network within a defined geographical radius.

server

A server is a powerful computer that sends data to devices on your network. There are several types of servers including web, email, FTP, and ID.

The web server sends data to client devices through browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Make web pages and files stored in the cloud available to phones, PCs and other devices.

You can use a mail server to send and receive messages with mail programs such as Gmail and Outlook.

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server allows you to remotely copy and move files from one device on your network to another.

The identity server is a database that stores user credentials for your network. IT departments can use identity servers to authenticate user access.

client

Clients include computer hardware or applications on the network that request data from the server. This client-server relationship makes the network work.

The most common types of network clients used in organizations are desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, lights, and AI devices.

IP address

The IP address is a unique identification code for the network device that tells the server where to send the data. The device requires an IP address so that other devices can connect to the device.

The IP address can be public or private.

The public IP address identifies the network for external devices and networks.

Private IP addresses also identify network devices, but are only displayed on the network.

Most Internet service providers assign public IP addresses to network routers and private IP addresses to user devices. When a computer outside of the network forwards data to a user device inside the network, it uses the router's public IP address to transmit the information. From there, the router uses the private IP address to send data to the user device.

Router and firewall

The router acts as a gateway to the network. In addition, all computers connected to the network can use an Internet connection.

The router analyzes the data coming into the network and tells you where to go.

You can customize your router with additional security features to protect your network from cyber attacks. One type of protection is a firewall.

Firewalls are the most basic level of network security. Checks incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block it. You can configure the firewall to allow or deny different types of traffic.

Step 2: Select a network job

The second step in starting your networking career is choosing a job. There are many jobs in the networking space including:

  • Network specialist
  • Network technician
  • Network administrator
  • Network analyst
  • Network administrator
  • Network technician
  • Network Solution Architect
  • Network specialist

Network specialists install and configure network components. They set up, support and maintain local networks (LANs), WANs (Wide Area Networks) and other network systems.

Being a network specialist is a great way to get into IT. Most employers typically need a few years of IT experience or an entry level network certification like Cisco Certified Entry Networking (CCENT). Network specialists are hands-on positions with room for growth.

Network technician

Network engineers have different responsibilities.

Troubleshoot, repair, perform scheduled updates and provide technical support to clients in the event of software and hardware problems on your network. Network engineers usually check the cable connections to make sure they are working. We also work with the IT team to equip devices with security software.

IT teams typically rely on network engineers to manage hardware and software installations and upgrades.

Typically, to become a network technician, you will need:

  • 5 years of experience in the role of IT support
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or related fields
  • Extensive background on server administration, software installation and upgrades
  • Basic understanding of computer network cables
  • Customer service experience

Network administrator

The network administrator monitors your company's IT infrastructure to ensure that it is up to date. The network administrator's primary responsibility is to connect and communicate with all of the software and hardware platforms in the organization to move the business forward.

Network administrators should be familiar with a wide variety of network skills, including design, configuration, troubleshooting, upgrades, software deployment, server management, storage, and security.

To become a network administrator, you need to understand common network products and systems such as Cisco, Citrix, and Microsoft Active Directory. With the right amount of training and experience, network management can be an entry-level role. You can earn a degree in network management online or complement your degree in computer science or software engineering with hands-on experience.

Network analyst

Network analysts are responsible for identifying business problems within the company and solving them with information technology. They provide client network planning, design, analysis, and technical support. This is an advanced networking role and usually requires a bachelor's degree and 1-5 years of experience serving clients and working in teams.

Network analysts must use their business and technology insights on a daily basis to present IT solutions that improve the efficiency and profitability of their organizations.

Network administrator

The network administrator has two main roles.

Install, configure, and troubleshoot client computer network problems

Training IT staff for excellent technical support and customer service

When a client encounters a technology problem, the network manager is responsible for resolving it. So deploy a team of engineers, connect customers with technicians, or escalate problems to analysts.

Best of all, network administrators monitor problems as they arise and properly deploy systems and technology to prevent problems from occurring again.

To become a network administrator, you will need:

Bachelor of Computer Systems or equivalent experience

Related certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and CompTIA Network +

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