Computer Networking

Computer Networking Career Overview

Computer Networking careers are among the fastest growing careers today. Computer Networking deals with the communication between computers and other computers and/or devices. For example, the communication between a wireless router and a computer is part of computer networking.

Computer networking is sometimes considered a sub-discipline of telecommunications, computer science, information technology and/or computer engineering. Computer Networking professionals are skilled at connecting computers and other devices to each other so that they may communicate with each other and transmit information.

Several different types of positions exist within the field of Computer Networking, and each has a different salary potential. The most basic and common titles in this field are: Network Administrator, Network (Systems) Engineer, Network (Service) Technician, Network Programmer/Analyst and finally, Network/Information Systems Manager. Some computer Networking professionals focus on troubleshooting problems, others focus on software issues, and others, mainly managers, supervise others’ work.

Computer Networking Education & Training

Computer Networking technicians need to be comfortable at multi-tasking and they must have a lot of self-discipline. Oftentimes, long hours must be spent at a keyboard in order to debug a program, and complicated series of wires must be sorted out and correctly connected.

With respect to hiring, most employers look for prospective candidates who have formal training in computer science, and educational requirements for most Computer Networking jobs include at least a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, telecommunications, or a related field of study. Students and professionals can also get certified in a wide variety of computer networking specialties, which are offered online, through community colleges and through technical schools.

A number of technology companies also offer certification programs – for example, Hewlett–Packard and Cisco Systems offers an examination and certification program, awarding successful candidates the title Certified Network Expert (CNX). In addition to technical expertise, employers often require network technicians to excel in verbal and written communication and to have good interpersonal skills.

Computer Networking Career & Salary

Computer Networking is one of the fastest growing fields today, and job prospects are excellent through 2014. Computer Networking deals with the communication between computers and other computers and/or devices. For example, the communication between a wireless router and a computer is part of computer networking.

Several different types of positions exist within the field of Computer Networking, and each has a different salary potential. The most basic and common titles in this field are: Network Administrator, Network (Systems) Engineer, Network (Service) Technician, Network Programmer/Analyst and finally, Network/Information Systems Manager.

Some professionals focus on troubleshooting problems, others focus on software issues, and others, mainly managers, supervise others’ work. Average salaries for Computer Networking professionals vary considerably based on job title, location and experience. Generally, salaries fall in the range of $60,000 to $85,000 or more.

Network Security Administrator Career

Network security administrators are typically in-house employees, responsible for:

• Designing
• Developing
• Implementing security policies

Once a system is in place, the network security administrator is responsible for enforcing compliance with the security policies and managing the hardware that enables the network to operate, such as switches and routers. This position requires expert knowledge of:

• LAN
• WAN
• TCP/IP
• the internet
• load balancing
• TCP/IP

An important part of this job is to prevent hackers from entering the system by maintaining security devices such as firewall, IDS, and VPN. A certificate in network security administration (CNSA) is often a prerequisite for this type of work.

Network Systems Analyst Career

Network systems analysts design, build and maintain various types of networks. LANs, WANs, intranets, and the Internet are all constructed in different ways, so the Network systems analyst will perform different tasks depending on the type of system they’re dealing with. General responsibilities include:

• Hardware and software research
• Data modeling
• Performing cost-benefit analyses

Most network systems analysts specialize in specific types of systems, including telecommunications, business, or financial systems. Telecommunications in particular represents a field of significant growth and opportunity. Network systems analysts in this industry design, install and maintain voice and data communications systems between central servers and individual consumer devices.

Network Administrator Career

Network administrators provide day-to-day support for network users in a variety of settings, from small offices and government agencies to the largest of corporate headquarters. While network systems analysts design how a network functions, the network administrator installs and maintains network hardware and software, and ensures that the network runs smoothly at all times. This means network administrators must have experience with the hardware and software used in the network, including:

• types of servers
• firewalls
• routers
• security software

Because of their close interaction with the network’s users, network administrators are often responsible for gauging how well the computer system addresses user needs and make suggestions for future improvements.

Career Fields/Specializations

Network Security Consultant Career

When a company thinks they might need security for their network or computer systems, it can hire a network security consultants to help determine what sort of security system is the right fit. Network security consultants help companies strike the right balance between, security, ease of use, price based on business goals as well as potential risks.

They should have experience using a wide variety of computer networks and security systems so they know what type of system will fit a customer’s needs. Because they often find themselves directing others, network security consultants often find experience in management helpful.