All Your FAQs About Networking Courses Answered
We are now living in a world strengthened by the power of the Internet. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and 5G technology networking systems act as an invisible force that helps widespread communication across the world promoting enormous data exchange.
For a rewarding career in the IT sector, the networking courses serve as a stepping stone to success. If you have a liking for a career in networking systems, you must have a good knowledge of cybersecurity, cloud computing, and troubleshooting. Networking courses help you to gain those essential skills.
What is a networking course?
A networking course provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to implement, design, manage and secure computer network systems. The networking courses cover different aspects of networking such as network configuration, cloud computing, troubleshooting and network security.
We are now living in a digital world that has made our life easy with devices that connect businesses, systems and individuals across the world. So, our dependency on the Internet has been growing day by day. Networking has been the foundation of the Internet, Cybersecurity, and Cloud computing. It not only helps to send or receive data, it also helps to share resources.
How many types of networking courses are there?
Networking courses are categorized into foundational courses, specialized courses, and vendor-specific certification courses. The basic networking courses are suitable for beginners to learn networking fundamentals.
The specialized or advanced networking courses cover in-depth concepts such as cloud networking, virtualization and network security.
Next, industry-standard or vendor-specific certifications like CCNA, CCNP by Cisco, PCNSE by Palo Alto, CCSA, CCSE by Check Point, CompTIA Security+, JNCIS-SEC, JNCIP-SEC by Juniper Networks, NSE 7, NSE 8 by Fortinet Network etc., offer skills needed to maintain, troubleshoot, configure and manage networks.
Which is the best course for networking?
The top network certification courses are Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos), AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, an VMWare Certified Technical Associate – Network Virtualisation (VCTA-NV). Choosing the best networking course depends on your specific career option and the present industry demand.
For those who are beginners, it is better to start with Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. It has a good reputation in the IT sector. Because it builds your skills and improves your job prospects. CCNA certification builds skills related to network operation, network setup, and network troubleshooting. Gaining such skills not only makes you ready for the job but also meet modern industry needs.
Those who are looking for specialized roles can choose Certified Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Network Defender (CND). If you have a postgraduate degree, you can choose specialized career options such as cloud networking (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity (Certified Ethical Hacker) or advanced routing and switching (CCNP).
What is the minimum duration of a networking course?
The minimum duration depends upon the course you choose. Short term certification courses may take three to six months. If you choose a diploma course it may take one year. Degree programs take three to four years.
With consistent effort, you can achieve proficiency in a basic networking course between one to three months. Intermediate and advanced certification may need six months of preparation to get certified.
How to start a networking course?
If you want your choice of networking course to be efficient and effective, start exploring various options by understanding the basic networking principles. Then enroll in a course that suits your goals and be studious in your preparation.
- Identifying Your Area of Interest: Choose if you want to pursue hardware networking, security, or cloud networking.
- Selecting Your Course: If you are a beginner, it is better to start with CCNA, CompTIA Network+ or Juniper Networks Certification.
- Gaining Practical Experience: Utilize labs provided by the institution where you enrolled for your networking course or learn to use simulation like Cisco Packet Tracer. Look for opportunities to apply your networking knowledge in real life situations, such as configuring routers or establishing a basic network for a small business.
- Getting Certified: Once you are satisfied with your preparation, you can sign up for the certification exam. Earn your industry-recognized certification after clearing your certification exams.
- Applying for Internships or Entry-Level Jobs: Work as an intern or a trainee and gain practical experience in network administration. Engage with fellow networking professionals on forums or social media platforms and initiate knowledge sharing to address troubleshooting challenges in networking.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Career
Can a diploma holder do a networking course?
Even if you hold a diploma in electronics or IT, you can enroll in a suitable networking course to gain expertise in technical skills and valid practical experience.
Is a BSc in Computer Science good for networking?
A degree in Computer Science must have given you the basic knowledge and exposure in networking concepts, cybersecurity, and programming. So, choosing a networking career will help you to become an excellent networking professional.
What courses do I need to take to become a network engineer?
If you want to become a network engineer, you can choose CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), or Comp TIA Network+ or Juniper Networks Certification courses.
What course should I study to become a network administrator?
If you want to be a Network Administrator, you have to choose Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Cisco CCNA or Linux Networking Certification or Comp TIA Security+ certification courses.
Certifications & Specializations
What are the top network certification courses?
The top network certification courses of the day are Cisco Certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE), CompTIA Network+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and AWS Certified Advanced Networking.
What are the best networking courses after PG?
A postgraduate degree from diverse subjects when combined with a computer networking course, significantly increases your earning potential and getting better job opportunities. Your postgraduate degree helps you gain problem-solving and analytical skills that are important for leadership roles.
When those skills combine with your networking knowledge and expertise, it can open doors to higher-level job profiles such as network engineer, cybersecurity analyst, systems architect etc. In addition you can earn the best remuneration.
What course is better in networking?
Job aspirants from different educational backgrounds can also choose a networking career. The best course depends on the area of specialization you choose. If you want to choose a career in Network security, you can choose CISSP, CEH. To choose a career in Cloud Networking, you can choose AWS Networking or Google Cloud Certification. If you are interested in Infrastructure management, you can choose CCNP, MCSE.
Career & Salary Insights
What are the jobs after a hardware and networking course?
If you have a hardware and networking course certification, you have a good choice to choose your career from entry-level support roles to senior roles in network architecture. When you begin your career as an IT Support or Help Desk, it will give you much-needed experience in system maintenance and troubleshooting.
As a Network Technician, you will focus on installing and maintaining network equipment. System and Network Administrators will focus on network operations and managing the overall network system. Hardware Technicians concentrate on repairing network components.
Network career progress happens in a structured path. The entry-level positions that build basic essential skills pave the way for middle-level roles such as System Administrators or Network Administrators with relevant certifications and expertise in their area of work. Next comes senior-level positions such as IT Manager or Network Engineer who have advanced certifications with extensive experience along with the ability to lead a team.
What courses should I take to get a networking job?
When you opt for a networking job, you need to get enrolled in any one of the following courses. They are CCNA certification for beginners, CCNP certification for network professionals with experience in the intermediate level and Cloud Certifications for advanced roles with additional expertise and solid experience in challenging roles.
What is the salary of a networking professional in India?
In India, the salary of a networking professional varies based on industry, location, skills and experience. Entry level jobs may secure from ₹2 to 5 Lakh per annum. Middle level positions may secure ₹6 – 12 Lakh per annum. Experienced networking professionals are expected to earn from ₹15+ Lakh per annum.
With rising cyber threats, reputed corporates offer competitive salaries to protect their data and systems from unexpected security threats. Cybersecurity is a promising career for freshers with a starting salary ranging from ₹3 to 8 Lakh per annum. With experience, you can work as Security Architect or Cybersecurity Manager with a higher salary.
Does a computer networking course involve coding?
If you have chosen a basic networking course, there is no need to have coding knowledge. If you have chosen advanced networking job roles, such as cybersecurity or network automation, you may require knowledge of Python, PowerShell or Bash.
Cisco DevNet, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud (cloud networking), and CEH, PenTest+ (cybersecurity) heavily involve coding. Growing network complexity, cloud computing, and cybersecurity threats has significantly increased the need for network automation.
Traditional networking focuses mainly on handling hardware and network protocols. Coding in networking has become crucial due to Network automation that supports coding to handle repetitive tasks.
Network programmability supports coding for it controls network behavior. Network security supports coding as it helps in analyzing threats and creating security tools for network protection. In Network Application development coding helps to create network related applications.
Conclusion
Networking certification courses offer you a structured career path in IT administration, security and infrastructure. With your CCNA or CCNP certification, you can increase your chances to move up in your networking profession. As salaries offered in networking systems are quite competitive, you can look forward to ample growth opportunities also.
Networking offers you numerous career openings as it is dynamic and keeps growing. Even if you are a B.Sc. graduate or a diploma holder or a Postgraduate, there is an opportunity for you. Choosing the right networking course that suits your knowledge and experience is important for your success.
If you are a beginner, it is better to focus on entry-level certifications and foundational courses. If you have some years of experience and want to specialise in your area of interest, it is better to choose advanced certifications and training specific to vendors.
If you want to have rapid growth in your networking career, choose specialized certifications in the areas that are in high demand. It is better to think about your career goals, your technical interests, and the present industry demands before choosing a certification.