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Computer Networking professionals, with a basic qualification of degree and diploma, are always preferred to those having no degree at all. People with a non-engineering background also venture into the networking jobs. Such candidate is preferred by companies only if they can suffice their requirement which of course require a good knowledge in computer fundamentals. Internet security is a booming technology and computer technicians, educated in this field, are equally preferred. There are several courses and degree programs available for these technicians but they need to make a right selection as far as their individual development is concerned.

Courses offered by universities

Four years degree courses on computer technician education. This degree includes the following subjects:

• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Information Systems
• Communications Science
• Telecomputing
• Telecommunications
• Telecommunications Management

The courses include:

• Computer Communication Networks
• Broadband and Optical Networks
• Internet Protocols
• Experimental Networking (Lab Class)
• Fundamentals of Wireless Broadband Networks

Certificates valued in this field

In order to attain the certifications mentioned below, the computer networking professionals are expected to clear a length paper exam which consists of multiple choice type questions and then keep on appearing for recertification at a regular interval. To qualify in these certification programs the applicant need to pursue either self study program or attend a certification program.

These are the two top certificates offered to qualified Computer Networking professional

Microsoft MCSE : Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer is suitable for:

• Technical support engineers
• Systems engineers
• Systems analysts
• Technical consultants
• Network analysts

Cisco Certification : A three level certification course is offered at Cisco. These levels include associate, professional and expert level. Network professionals are free to enhance their skills by obtaining further certifications on security, wireless and telephone.

With the advent of Internet, learning and obtaining degrees have become much easier. People now need not run for a training institute or pursue a course under a mentor. They can simply log on to a particular website and subscribe to the courses they want to pursue. Online computer network learning is also offered by a large number of universities. Course materials and practical information are available on the websites of the universities. Tutorials based on the selected networking topics are also provided with references. Computer networking degrees that these universities offer include network architecture and designing, computer networking, security management, computer network technology and more.

Universities providing online courses

The students who would access the online courses of the university would be able to access the virtual campus. They would be provided enrollment and financial aids along with job placement services. The challenges and energy of the traditional classrooms can be experienced via these websites. High quality carrier oriented computer networking training is provided through their online sessions. These programs imparted by the online wing of the organization enables the students to integrate general education with personal development as well. Some of the universities that are providing online trainings and degrees in computer networking are mentioned below:

• American Intercontinental University
• Capella University :
• Keiser College :
• South University
• Kaplan University
• Strayer University

Benefits of web based trainings (WBT)

• Companies often used WBT for training their employees.
• These training provide convince and flexibility.
• Individuals at home can access these training courses along with other businesses.
• People can also obtain degrees after completing the online courses.
• People get to learn more about their areas of interest.
• Online training is generally more relevant and specific and hence consumes less time.
• Most of these online courses are followed by assessments and hence the trainee to assess himself/herself better at the end of the course.

Schools can profit largely from computer networking as that of any corporate or information technology center. The benefits of computer in schools include faster access to ample information, improvement in communication and collaboration, and access to various types of software technologies. Computer networks in school not only help the students but the teachers are largely benefited too. Education gets a new form and height with the use of computer networking. The necessity of computer networking in school has leveraged the requirement of computer networking trainings at school levels. Demands for computer networking faculties are also growing in such schools considerably.

Training in computer hardware and networking

Most of the schools are incorporating computer education simultaneously with academic course. The computer education in schools, incorporate various types of courses including computer hardware training and networking. Desktop computers are mostly used in schools but for better mobility factors, companies can use notebook computers also. Students in the networking classes are taught the process of installing and uninstalling software, introduced with the features of the operating systems and other additional tidbits that can be beneficial for their career as well. The networking training in schools is basically designed to help develop the fundamentals of students regarding computer networking which they would be able to encash in future.

Popularity of networking in schools

In New Zealand a survey was conducted in schools that are using computer networks. It has been noticed that the secondary schools are more enthusiastic about computer networks and are also imparting training to students at a large scale. 20 percent school is fully networked while 80 percent have cable links to other rooms. The infrastructure of these schools is increasing with rapidity. With such developed systems it is very easy for schools to train their students on networking.

Advancements in digital technologies have resulted in the growth of demand for skilled professionals. Computer, network communications and software technologies are the fastest growing areas of the present day world. The networking degrees are revolutionizing the modern day life and also playing a major role in molding the world into a global village. Exceptions technical knowledge obtained from a renowned university can always increase the scope of getting jobs anywhere in the world. A professional with sound knowledge in these technologies, backed by a professional degree, can help achieve a firm position in the IT industry. Networking is of great importance and the entire IT industry is largely depended on networking.

Entering into a bachelor’s degree

The high school graduates are open to take admission in graduation program in computer networking degrees. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Science with specialization in computer networking. During this course the students learn computer networking, securing networks, analyzing, designing and constructing networks. The courses are generally upgraded according the latest technological stature. Students entering into the degree program should have a high school diploma, or equivalent along with mathematics.

Types of degrees

AS degree or Associated in Science degree, enables graduates to enter into various fields of computer networking. There are a large number of institutes that provide the students with AS degrees like Hesser College, CHI Institute, TESST College of technology and more. Other degrees in computer networking include Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, all graduate and all undergraduate. Associate of Applied science in computer networking technology is also another degree program that provides graduates with additional skills to create a firm position for themselves in the market. Graduates with this degree are also capable of handling the LAN and WAN connection along with installation and troubleshooting communication. Networking academies that are mushrooming all over the world are providing the best learning sources and degree programs that can shape the careers of the students worldwide.

With the fast pacing growth of information technology, the demands for quality networking services has also boosted up. Leaving many other professional careers in the backseat, computer networking is gaining grounds with rapidity. Different types of positions in networking are awaiting qualified people. The computer networking professionals are hired in each of those positions at a considerably high salary. The vague job titles in computer networking might confuse most of the people but are generally titled as “network Administrators”, “network programmer analyst”, “network information system manager” and so on. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer networking is one of the top 10 fastest growing jobs in the entire information technology sector.

The primary functions of a networking professional are to setup, troubleshoot and carry out any sort of repairing related to hardware and software. Networking engineers are also responsible for network analysis, diagnostics and monitoring functions. An efficient networking engineer has all these works at his/her figure tips but specification, according to designations are always there. A computer networking specialist is also responsible for assisting customers with the operating system, configuring routes, switches, firewalls and also assessing third-party tools. To conduct a networking job with excellence one need to posses a vivid knowledge on networking laws.

A networking engineer has to posses some knowledge in LAN and WAN. The other requirements of a networking engineer are depended on the domain knowledge. Most of the companies ask for people with 1 or more years of experience. But freshers also have a niche in the IT market. Such people can apply for trainee positions or can have a home networking setup with merely two computers. Certification in networking is considered to be as a step ahead in building career. Those who dream of pursuing a career in computer networking can go through the following certification courses which would be beneficial for you. Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA, Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate JNCIA, Cisco Certified Network Professional CCNP and Comptia Network+ are some of the certifications that can add value to a computer networking career.