Networking for Beginners Training Courses
When deciding to get into data networking, most people will need basic vocational training to understand the fundamentals. If this training is not part of a university course or equivalent, you will need to find the necessary resources to give you the basics. Most tech training companies that specialize in computer training will have a beginner networking course.
First, there is the question of whether to register or take an online training course or an instructor-led training course. Some people find that online training is easy to follow and that the online training method adapts to their learning style. Others like being able to listen to an instructor and be able to ask first-hand questions. Of course, if you want to acquire the necessary data network skills, theoretical courses online or in class are never enough. The course should have a practical component and, in my opinion, it is better to get a good quality course, led by an instructor and equipped with real classroom equipment. Some training companies compromise by arranging their equipment in a central location accessible via a terminal server. Students simply need to connect and are able to configure remote network equipment. It works well, especially for students who have worked with the equipment or have seen the equipment. Unfortunately, data networking is not just about configuring network equipment such as routers, switches, and servers; there is also a physical connection that typically includes copper wires or fiber optic cable. In order to become familiar with the “warts and everything” of the network, a good quality training course, facilitated by an instructor and offering practical experience of network equipment and cables, is the solution. I have always considered Cisco CCNA courses to be an excellent base, but some people may not want a vendor-specific course with the option of certification at the end of the course, subject to passing the appropriate exams. sure. .
What about content? Any introduction to networking for beginners should provide students with a good knowledge of the main TCP / IP protocols, with theoretical explanations supported by practical demonstrations, which should include the use of some form of network analyzer. . TCP / IP and OSI network models need to be explained to understand the layered network concept. Typical local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) protocols, connections, and media should be processed and used in classroom practice exercises.
Beginner’s introduction to the Networking course should allow students to slowly build a network of classrooms, adding physical devices and connections as the course progresses, to allow students to understand the basic elements of the networks. Routers, Ethernet switches, hubs and servers should be used in the classroom so that students have a real sense of networking.
All modern networks always have routers, Layer 2 switches, and Layer 3 switches as basic building blocks of the network with a variety of devices such as workstations, servers, and firewalls. Additional network devices such as VoIP phones, IP PBXs, and wireless access points would be further trained.
About 50% of any basic data networking course should be dedicated to hands-on exercises designed to consolidate the knowledge gained from the theoretical lectures. The duration of the course depends on the level of knowledge and skills you want to acquire during this first exposure to the data network. Most of the courses offered in the UK by popular training providers usually range from 2 to 5 days, and I would probably recommend 4 to 5 days, as a shorter course probably could not offer enough practical time to make it profitable. . Personally, I would also look for a training course for which the provider offers sufficient support after the course, by e-mail or telephone, email being often the preferred method.