Computer Networking and the CCNA

Computer networking is a very wholesome endeavor as almost every organization, including homes, have some sort of computer networking in use. Computer networking allows for collaboration by sharing documents, pictures, videos, and other media that can be for profit, education, entertainment, fun, and anything in-between.

Computer networking involves many intricate pieces and needs personnel knowledgeable to maneuver and manipulate these pieces to fruition. Some might argue that you need to be certified or you simply need to learn the ins and outs of networking with demonstrate-able knowledge to really be taken serious about it.

You may ask, how does someone learn how to do computer networking and what are the best ways to go about getting the required skills? Well, there are tons of ways to go about this. Much like learning any new skill, first you must have a desire and some dedication for the hours of reading, apprenticeship, or video lessons that may be required.

To demonstrate your knowledge and skills in networking you may want to attain some sort of qualification or accreditation. Personal experience has shown me that certifications are big PLUS signs for both your knowledge, confidence, and marketability. And as culture and market-share currently dictates, Microsoft and Cisco offer the certifications that most employees and clients are looking for. On a personal note, throughout many of my consultation experiences, I have found that clients prefer and appreciate that I have the certifications relevant to their desired project, and are more inclined to recommend my work to potential clients because of my qualifications. The personable traits, though not measurable, are equally important. 

In the networking world, Cisco dominates routing and switching technology and so has one of the most sought after suite of certifications. There is an aura surrounding Cisco qualifications due to its difficulty and real world focus. Cisco offers the CCENT for entry level needs, and the CCNA for associate needs that focus on more small office LAN and WAN needs. There are many different CCNA certifications but this is not a discussion of any specific one. Cisco.com is an excellent resource to review the many certifications that Cisco offers.

In Jamaica, there are many self help individuals, students, and working professionals that are pursuing certifications like the CCNA to enhance and validate their skills in networking. After all, if you take a look at the IT job ads you'll think anything less than a PhD and a hundred years of progressive experience will have your application in file thirteen... the wonderful world we live in. Yet the CCNA is an entry level qualification that is highly pursued and regarded as a networking standard for most IT jobs advertised around the world. Why, you may ask, is the CCNA held in such high regard? I could answer by saying that it shows a few things:

1. That you have the initiative and drive to pursue something other than a standard IT degree and that you have some commitment to the IT field.

2. That you have at least some basic knowledge of computer networking. (most important aspect)

3. That you have some cisco IOS (software programming) knowledge. (you may need this for the job)

 

At the end of the day a CCNA certification, in my opinion, is an important Segway into the world of computer networking. It not only validates the base knowledge needed to configure and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches, but it importantly gives the student a grand view of the veins, arteries, and inner organs of computer networking, which is broad and expands much further than routers and switches. Students learn the difference between a Switch and a Hub, a Packet and a Frame, Layer 1 and Layer 7, Ethernet and Frame-Relay, etc. The knowledge gained will enhance the confidence needed to tackle many challenges that networking throws out daily, and can be used as a stepping stone to further your knowledge or education in the computer networking world.

 

One Love....