As a computer technician networking specialist, you’ll perform tests for workstations and maintenance tasks and manage and troubleshoot your organization’s network, internet connections, and infrastructure. However, before you start this rewarding career, you need fundamental skills in networking.
What is Networking?
Networking is the creation of a network in which devices and storage centers connect to share information and access business services such as the internet and business-specific developments like software. In your role as a computer technician networking specialist, you create networks according to the organizational needs. You’ll also ensure the network remains secure, and workers can access the network from all approved devices.
What are the Different Types of Networks?
You’ll use many network types in the field. If you learn more about each type and how they work, you cultivate vast skills that make you an invaluable asset to your employer.
The following are the different network types:
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A personal area network or PAN connects electronic devices within an immediate area. The range on the network is more limited than any other network type. An example of a PAN connection is using a Bluetooth headset with your gaming console. There is an immediate connection between the devices, but the connection is short-range.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Local area networks or LANs are small networks that connect a limited number of devices in a smaller area. An example of a LAN is a wired home internet network or a business network that connects two to three computers to the internet in a smaller space.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Wide area networks are large networks that connect extensive devices within a single organization, however, aren’t limited to one location. An example of a WAN is a business infrastructure that provides services for multiple offices in different geographical areas, such as two or more buildings.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A wireless local area network or WLAN is a network that connects multiple devices within one property via a Wi-Fi connection. An example of a WLAN is a wireless home internet network or a business network that connects multiple computers in the same space or building floor.
Campus Area Network (CAN)
A campus area network or CAN comprises multiple LANs connecting services throughout a specific area. For example, imagine a manufacturing plant where workers in a space measuring over 2,000 square feet connect to the internet and business services. The business would need a CAN to accommodate all workers and spaces.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A metropolitan area network or MAN connects devices to a network within one metro area. For example, a company only has locations or offices within one state and needs to connect their offices. A LAN network cannot provide adequate connections because it is too small and limited. A WAN is unnecessary since the company network spans a complete metro area. A MAN that’s size falls between these two network types would be “just right” for the company’s needs.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
Storage area networks or SANs are network designs explicitly created to connect to storage devices such as servers or a large-scale data center. It establishes multiple connections throughout an organization for workers to access data systems and allow workers to save data regularly. As a computer technician networking specialist, you create links to SANs to speed up access for workers to multiple storage devices and maintain adequate space for new data.
System-Area Network (SAN)
A system-area network offers incredible speed and connects computer clusters to the internet and business services. An example of a SAN is a fiber channel that allows connections between devices through a switched environment. When creating a system-area network, you’ll use hubs and switches to establish connections to a large-scale collection of devices.
Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
As technology evolves, you have creations such as passive optical local area networks. The network type eliminates the need for cabling over long distances with extra routers and switches to establish connections. Instead, the design uses single-mode fiber installed nearby the device. These networks are best suited for telecommunications designs. For example, a POLAN is often used to connect devices throughout a hotel or hospital.
Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
An enterprise private network is a network that connects an enterprise-level organization’s devices, data centers, and technology-based equipment. For example, imagine a company with its own stores, warehouses, and manufacturing plants that must create a network that expands to each location to share services and data. An EPN works like a WAN but is exclusive to one owner, such as a business or enterprise. Its services aren’t shared by other clients or supplied by a service provider that connects other organizations to these private network services.
Home Area Network (HAN)
A home area network or HAN is a home network like a WLAN, but it can expand bandwidth more effectively. For instance, your family has multiple TVs, smartphones, or computers connected to your Wi-Fi. Still, you bought smart appliances such as a refrigerator that needs a connection, too. Establishing a home area network lets you connect everything you need in the home without creating slow connection speeds, buffering issues, or delays.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network or VPN is a protected network design that encrypts internet traffic and hides the user’s identity. It’s a safer way to transmit sensitive data over the internet without unauthorized users intercepting information from traffic to track your activities and see or capture your data.
What is a VPN Used for?
A VPN creates a secured tunnel in which data is encrypted at all points where traffic and internet services connect and pass. Within the tunnel, cybercriminals cannot capture and collect data from any point within the transmission because of high-grade encryption throughout the VPN.
A VPN’s encryption practices also prevent criminals from collecting the IP address for any point, device, or peripheral connected to the company’s network. It also hides browsing activity data and personal information specific to workers, clients, or the business. A VPN is also helpful for home networks for the same reasons.
Organizations use VPNs because of the robust practices in user authentication (i.e., multi-factor authentication) and to assess device posture for remote connections to the company’s network. Evaluating the posture of any devices identifies any vulnerabilities that could lead to security risks when a worker connects remotely to the company network.
Organizations use VPNs for remote access and enable workers to connect from any location worldwide. The network design assesses endpoints for remote access to prevent data loss or theft. These networks are also used for site-to-site connections within a corporation or enterprise in which workers in different offices or states connect to the same network securely without complex security risks.
VPN for Personal Use
Connecting to public Wi-Fi puts your device and data at risk. A VPN protects your data when connecting to these networks. A VPN prevents internet service providers from collecting your user data and selling it for profit or using it to exploit your devices. In addition, the network design protects the data from your favorite apps like social media platforms. VPNs also protect you from these same entities selling your information to government agencies and stops these agencies from spying on you illegally.
You can use a VPN to maintain your privacy, as it prevents outsiders from tracking your location. A bonus is that you can access TV shows on streaming services that aren’t available in your geographical area with a hidden location and spoof connection without breaking the law.
How Do You Learn About VPN and Networking?
The best way to learn about VPN and networking is by completing a computer technician networking specialist program. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience creating, managing, and maintaining network accessibility and security.
What Do You Learn During a Computer Technician Networking Program?
In a computer technician networking program, you learn the basics of electronic devices in Intro to Electronics. Then, you’ll learn how these devices work, how to repair them, and how to upgrade when necessary.
Digital Technology and Network Cabling
Digital technology and network cabling presents you with information about how digital technology works and how to use network cabling to connect a network and its many devices. You’ll learn and perform steps for using digital technology in networking and how each cable connects network sections according to the many different network types.
Fundamentals of Computer Technology
Fundamentals of computer technology breaks down how the processes inside a computer work and how to arrive them into the desired outcome. As a computer technician networking specialist, you’ll work with employees in an organization and help them maintain their workstations. You’ll ensure they connect to the network and can use all business services to perform their duties. Computer tech skills help you troubleshoot computer issues and correct them fast.
Windows Installation and Support Services
Windows installation and support services sound simple, but is it? If you’ve ever installed Windows OS on your computer, you are ahead of the curve, but you must also know how to correct Windows issues in real time. These skills help you do that.
Maintain OS and Virtualization
Next, you’ll learn to maintain the OS and virtualization, which also falls into installation and support tasks. Virtualization helps you use hardware to operate virtual versions of the same OS on multiple devices.
Introduction to Networking
Intro to networking begins with the complex world of creating, maintaining, and managing a network. While it gives you the building blocks, your knowledge expands with network infrastructures, communications, security, and performance skills. By completing the program, you’ll have mastered each of these skills.
Final Thoughts
As a computer technician networking specialist, you have more than a job but a career. You have the skills, knowledge, and hands-on training to enter the IT field in multiple sectors and for top employers. You’ll become the embodiment of the hub for all communications and network services in your organization.
With this career, you achieve a position where you can gain high praise and help organizations secure critical data and maintain connections with the outside world.
Learn more about Hunter Business School today to start working in the IT field of tomorrow.
Want to Learn More?
Ready to become a computer technician networking specialist? The Computer Technician Networking Specialist program at Hunter Business School is designed to prepare computer networking students for entry-level positions in the fields of electronics, computer technology, and networking. Students build their own computers and use them in the learning process.
Contact us today to find out more on how to become a computer technician networking specialist on Long Island.