Networking, Hardware & Security

Have you ever tried to do experiment with different parts of computers to know about them and how they are interconnected?

The answer to above question is the basic definition of Computer Hardware & Networking. This is the technology that helps computers and other devices to communicate with one another. Networking facilitates transfer of files, sharing of file folders with one or more computers within the network. Networking also allow computers in a network to connect with a printer, scanner, copier or fax machine so that they can use these devices without having to be individually connected to them. There are two types of networking wired and wireless. With a wireless network one can eliminate cables and move freely within a designated premises with a mobile device such as a laptop or smart phone.

Computer hardware is the collection of physical parts of a computer system. This includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It also includes all the parts inside the computer case, such as the hard disk drive, motherboard, video card, and many others. Computer hardware is what you can physically touch.

Scope of Networking, Hardware & Security professionals

Hardware and networking professionals deal with various hardware components like keyboard, laptops, mouse, printer, motherboard, processors, chips, modems, etc. Computer Hardware and Networking is one of the most demanding careers among the youngsters. According to a NASSCOM report, the number of such professionals directly employed within the IT sector is around 3.5 million whereas indirect employment in this sector is around 10 million.

The last decade has witnessed a tremendous growth with the increased usage of computers, laptops, internet and smart phones. An annual report from Department of Electronics & Information Technology (Ministry of Communication and Information Technology) estimated that the future growth for electronic products by Rs. 40, 000 crore by the year 2020. The major vendors for LAN markets are Cisco with a market share of 67% followed by Juniper and Huawei. Hardware and Networking domain are one of the highest paying and fastest growing domain in IT sector.

Also Read:

• New Career Opportunities in Networking
• IT Networking- Entry To A Promising Career

Skills required by Networking, Hardware & Security professionals

The Computer hardware and networking programmes courses along with the following skills can help a candidate get a good job in a reputed organisation:

• Creative and analytical abilities
• Good programming skills
• Computer maintenance and repair
• Understanding LAN and WAN
• Computer Forensics
• Understanding of electronic circuitry
• Understanding of quality control
• Good communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Multitasking
• Interpersonal skills

Networking, Hardware & Security Courses

Networking, Hardware & Security courses range from certificate level to master’s level.  Candidates interested in the stream can pursue the following courses after passing their class 12th exam. Courses on LINUX re one of the most popular ones among the students. Other than this CISCO certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE are the most popular ones among the professionals.

Syllabus

• Introduction about computer
• Basic Networking concepts
• Introduction to various networking devices
• Components inside a computer
• Network basic and configuration
• Introduction to servers and network security

Diploma Courses:

• Diploma in Computer Hardware Maintenance
• Advanced Diploma in Computer Hardware Maintenance and Networking
• Diploma in computer Hardware and Networking
• Diploma in Computer Networking Technology (DCNT)

Bachelor’s Courses:

• BCA in Hardware & Networking
• BSc in Hardware & Networking

Master’s Courses:

• MTech in Network Engineering
• Postgraduate Diploma in Hardware & Networking
• MSc in Hardware and Networking

In India, many renowned colleges offer courses in hardware and networking field. The courses are offered at different levels. List of such colleges are at the end of the article.

Eligibility

Candidates want to enroll in any diploma or degree courses have to pass higher secondary examination or class 12^th exam with PCM as compulsory subjects. Some institutions also organise entrance test for providing admission to bachelor degree programmes.

After the completion of BTech in computer science engineering, a student can make his/her career in networking field. For advancement or to gain expertise in networking, candidates can pursue MTech.

Admission to MTech programme is done through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2020). It is the national level entrance test conducted once in a year. Candidates can also apply for IIT JAM 2020 and IIST 2020.

Networking, Hardware & Security professionals job profiles

Advancement in technologies has increased the demand of networking, hardware and security professionals. Also, the wages are likely to grow by 4.5% with an average compensation of approximately 3 lakh per annum. There are also a variety of jobs vacancies depending on the nature of designation. The demand also varies depending on the experience and qualifications.

Check out CCNA interview questions to ace the interview round

Duties of Computer Hardware Engineers

• Design computer hardware and supervise the production of computer hardware equipment
• Perform testing and verifying hardware equipments
• Update existing computer equipment to make it compatible with the latest softwares
• Provides support to technicians and other technical support personnel
• Ensure that computer works faster and efficiently
• Monitoring the network performance and security
• Perform network maintenance and ensure networks are running smoothly and efficiently
• Maintain system back up
• Support network and computing infrastructure
• Configuring and installing various network devices (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, VPN, QoS)

Top Recruiters

Below is the list of some renowned companies that recruits hardware and networking professionals:

• Cisco
• Juniper
• Huawei
• Intel Corporation
• Acer India (Pvt) Ltd
• Dell
• Casio India Company
• HCL
• TCS
• Infosys
• Wipro
• Accenture

Prepare for your upcoming interview with the top networking interview questions!