|
|
The Working Area of this sector »
Computer network management is a purely technical function. In a world where connectivity is the
key, expertise in networking can take you places. There are several career avenues within
networking, some of which are the following:Instead of working in a bank, credit card company or
telecom company where you get to interact face-to-face with the custom.
Network Administration -
Working from the concept upwards, network administration involves configuring and managing LANs
(Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks) and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). You will
be responsible for analysing, installing and configuring the company’s network even from a
remote location. Monitoring network performance, troubleshooting problems and maintaining
network security has to be done on a daily basis. With the proliferation of B2C (business to
customer) websites, e-commerce, e-governance, VPN (Virtual Private Networks) and other Internet
and telecom-based applications like remote servicing and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) the
demand for network administrators is expected to peak in the next couple of years.
Network Technicians -
Focus more on the set up, troubleshooting and repair of specific hardware and software products.
Service Technicians -
Visit customer sites to perform “field” upgrades and support functions.
Network Programmers and Analysts -
Write software programmes or scripts that help evaluate third party products and integrate new
software technologies into an existing or new network environment.
Network Managers-
Supervise the work of administrators, engineers, technicians and programmers. They also work at
long-range planning and strategy. At the entry level you will be focussing on tasks such as
troubleshooting, monitoring, LAN performance, adding or deleting users, adding new servers, etc.
Network Security -
As more and more organisations move their offline transactions online and vast quantities of
vital and sensitive data travels through networks, the need for developing “fool proof”
e-security systems to safeguard the networks
|
|
|
and databases from rampant cracking has emerged as
the number one IT concern globally. And consequently, it is one of the hottest and most
sought-after specialities.
With over 300 new viruses released everyday and rampant hacking (82,000 recorded cases,
according to a Carnegie Mellon University study, governments and corporations have beefed-up
their IS spend and tightened access to their systems and core applications. They are looking for
people who can administer their enterprise network security safely and securely as a strategic
priority.
To excel in this field, you must be as familiar with system programming and administration as
with security configuration and firewalls. This also includes knowledge of advanced TCP/IP,
security fundamentals, security implementation, router security and attack routes.
|
