A computer network, also known as a data network, is a series of interconnected nodes that can send, receive and exchange data, voice, and video traffic. The devices use a variety of protocols and algorithms to determine precisely how endpoints should send and receive data. For example, the Ethernet standard sets a common language for wired network communications and the 802.11 standard does the same for wireless local area networks (WLAN).
To establish a standard means of communication, all packet-switched networks use TCP / IP. Each endpoint on a network has a unique identifier that indicates the origin or destination of the transmission. The identifiers include the IP address of the node or the MAC (Media Access Control) address. Endpoint nodes include switches and routers, servers, PCs, phones, network printers and other peripherals, as well as sensors and actuators.
The capacity of a network indicates how much traffic the network can support at a given time if service level agreements (SLAs) are met. Network capacity is measured by bandwidth. The bandwidth is quantified by the theoretical maximum number of bits per second that can pass through a network device. Throughput is a measure of the actual performance of a successful transmission after considering factors such as latency, processing power and protocol overhead.
Definition of Network Types: A computer network can be classified according to its size. A computer network is mainly composed of four types:
· Types of computer network
· LAN (local area network)
· PAN (Personal Area Network)
· MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
· WAN (Wide Computer Network)
Job titles in the computer network
In the computer network, there are different types of professional positions with different salaries and long-term career potential. Unfortunately, job titles in the network and in Information Technology (IT) are confusing to both beginners and experienced staff. Boring, vague or too stormy headlines often do not describe the actual work tasks of a person in this field.
The basic job titles displayed for computer networks and network-related items include:
Network Administrator: Configures and manages local area networks (LANs) and sometimes even geographic networks (WANs).
Network technicians (systems):The focus is on system updates, evaluation of supplier products, safety tests, etc.
Network Technician (Assistance):The focus is more on installing, troubleshooting, and repairing specific hardware and software products. Service technicians often travel to remote customers for on-site updates and assistance.
Network Programmer / Analyst:Creates software programs or scripts that are useful for network analysis, such as: Diagnostic programs or monitoring utilities.
Network / Information Systems Manager: oversees the work of administrators, engineers, technicians, and programmers with a focus on long-term planning and strategic thinking.
Experience with computer networks
Jobseekers' widespread complaint that "employers hire only experienced people, but the only way to gain experience is recruitment," also applies to computer networks. Despite the optimistic claims that we often talk about the number of jobs available in IT, it can be difficult to fill an entry-level position.
One way to gain online experience is a full-time program or help desk internship during the summer months or part-time study at a school. An internship may not be well paid initially; the work may prove to be relatively uninteresting and, likely, you will not be able to complete a large project within the limited time frame. However, the essential elements that these professions offer are education and practical experience. Checking these temporary jobs and being successful shows the commitment and interest that employers like to see.
Online self-learning is another way to gain experience. Practical work can be a useful demonstration for potential employers. For example, a person may start with a recently completed class project and expand it in some way. Or they can create personal projects and experiment with tools and scripts for network administration, for example.
Business computer networks are much more complex than some home network technologies and other technologies, but the time it takes to set up and manage different types of home networks for friends and family is a start.
The number of different technologies in computer networks is high and can seem overwhelming. Instead of trying to study and master the new trend in fashion or a list of tools and languages, you must first focus on the core technologies. Technology trends in IT come and go quickly. By providing a solid foundation for basic network technologies like TCP / IP, it will make it easier for you to learn new specialized technologies.
Representation of your skills and abilities
One of the most overlooked skills in the computer network is the ability to explain and share technical information. Verbal, by e-mail or in writing, communication network professionals enjoy a decisive advantage in the development of their career.
Job interviews are an obvious place where good communication skills are needed. A relaxed conversation with people on technical matters can be difficult, but with a little practice, a person can cope well with spontaneous problems. Train your communication skills by participating in local job fairs and discussing career problems with friends.