Computer network is the pulse line in any organization. Read on to know more about the various networking jobs available in an organization these days…

What is Computer Networking?

Computer networking is the science of interlinking computers in a way that data can be exchanged between the computers. In other words computer networking is the communication between computer systems or devices. It could be using LAN or Local Area Network, which is confined to a small area like interconnected computers in an office. Networking can also be of WAN type, which is a large network covering a large geographic area. And computer networking can be wireless LANs and WANs (WLAN & WWAN), which is the wireless equivalent of the LAN and WAN in which all networks are interconnected to allow communication with a varsity of different kinds of media, like Bluetooth and internet.

Types of Computer Networking Jobs

Computer networking jobs are highly specialized and competitive jobs that require adequate training. In almost all organizations these days, network connectivity is mandatory for smooth functioning of all departments. Network engineers have a very important role to play in establishing and maintaining this capability at corporations, hospitals and universities. Responsibilities in computer networking jobs include building, maintaining and administering computer networks. The role greatly varies from industry to industry, however it broadly includes troubleshooting of hardware and software, providing network support and performing system design and analysis. Obviously, network engineers often work in high-pressure environments and are required to keep their cool and must stay up-to-date on the latest technologies. Qualification requirements include a bachelor's degree, certifications and several years of experience working on a help desk or as a system administrator.

The Network administrators are the network equivalent of system administrators and they maintain both physical and logical perspective that comprises the network. This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network gear like switches, routers and firewalls. Network administration comprises of activities such as network address assignment, assignment of routing protocols and routing table configuration as well as configuration of authentication and authorization.

Computer network management and maintenance is another very important aspect, which includes maintenance of network facilities in individual machines, such as drivers and settings of personal computers. It also includes maintenance of network servers. Outsourcing provides access to highly-skilled people without the expense of maintaining a large in-house staff, offering services such as computer help, reliable network management, network maintenance help and support, data backup support and much more.

With the growth of the Internet and the expansion of the World Wide Web a variety of occupations related to the design, development, and maintenance of web sites and their servers have come up. Since networks are configured in many ways, network systems and data communications analysts are needed to design, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks, wide area networks, the Internet, Intranets and other data communications systems. Employment of network engineers and administrators is expected to increase faster than the average for all other occupations through 2014. Computer networking job growth will continue to grow and is rightly projected to remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy.

Training and Certifications

Computer networking training is available for computer networks, network security training, network certification and network administration. One can easily find e-learning resources and training in wireless LAN, data networking, LAN design, Cisco, optical networking, routers and many more on the net. These online training courses are delivered directly to your browser. An annual subscription of less than US$200 provides you with unlimited access to online training courses, which are available for immediate download to your computer. The training courses can be printed out for a hard copy that makes study easier plus the online assistance and review questions are very helpful for comprehensive learning experience. Computer networking courses include online examinations and certificates of completion. Irrespective of how respected a certification is, it is not enough to land a job as a network engineer by itself. The process involves several years as a help-desk professional, first fielding phone-support calls and then working one-on-one with customers at their workstations, which is followed by another stint as a system administrator, and then a transition to the network-administrator or network-engineer role.

There are numerous sites and job portals on the net, all you need to do is submit your resume and you will start getting calls for interviews. Harsh fact remains that the growth of the computer networking jobs is not as booming as during the previous decade. However if you have it in you, you could become next Bill Gates.