A Guide to Networking Skills: Key Traits for Effective Communication

What is networking?

We have basic networking knowledge but need to know how they pay for alucrative career or how that works. A network connects two or more services tofacilitate effective communication and exchange of information or data viavarious forms. In the previous blog, we discussed it comprehensively. Itinvolves using multiple technologies, such as routers and switches, to linkdevices within local or wide-area networks. The emerging networking enablesindividuals or organizations to communicate efficiently from anywhere, shareresources from different systems and locations, and collaborate with fellows.

Why is networking important?

IT companies of its access primarily utilize networking to communicatewidely or globally from anywhere between computers and devices.

What are the benefits of Networking?

Simplify onboarding and provisioning

Control access with ease

Maintain network health

Scale your Network to match the demand

Mobility and collaboration

Access networking

Expandability

Guest access

Industrial IoT networking

Data center and cloud networking

Network security

Visibility

What are the top networking skills inIT?

The top networking skills in IT are as follows-

• TCP/IP

Those who want to kickstart their networking career should know thetransmission control protocol/Internet protocol and modern networking.

• Routing and Switching

Having this skill will help in configuring and maintaining networkswitches and routers

• Network Security

Must have Network security knowledge, including Firewalls, Workloadsecurity, Network segmentation, NetWORK security, VPN, Access control,Anti-virus and anti-malware software, Application security, Behavioralanalytics, Cloud security, Email security, Industrial network security, Mobiledevice security, Security information and event management, Web security,Wireless security and more.

• Wireless Networking

You should know about Centralized Deployment, Converged Deployment, andCloud-Based Deployment. Moreover, access points and controllers are alsocrucial

• Network Management

Process administering, troubleshooting issues, managing and operating adata network, and monitoring performance using a network management system.

• Virtualization

Knowledge of Virtualization components like Virtualization software,Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), Virtualization hardware options, andManagement options and should deploy services called Virtual Network Functions(VNFs), etc.

• Cloud Computing

Understanding cloud infrastructure, services, and platforms andintegrating on-premises systems with cloud environments for scalability andflexibility.

• Network Architecture

Designing, configuring, and managing robust network infrastructuresfocusing on security, scalability, and efficiency to meet business needs.

• Network Monitoring

Using tools to continuously track the health, performance, and securityof network devices and systems to identify issues proactively.

• Network Administration

Managing day-to-day network operations, including configuring andmaintaining routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking devices.

• Network Troubleshooting

Diagnosing and resolving network issues, including connectivityproblems, performance bottlenecks, and hardware failures, using diagnostic toolsand techniques.

• Network Design

Creating effective network structures by planning device placement,routing protocols, and security measures to meet specific business or technicalrequirements.

• Network Protocols

Understanding and applying networking protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP,and others to ensure proper communication and data exchange within networks.

• Network Performance Optimization

Implementing strategies to enhance network performance, includingbandwidth management, latency reduction, and minimizing downtime.

• Network Capacity Planning

Forecasting future network demand and scaling infrastructure accordinglyto ensure smooth operation and accommodate growth.

• Disaster Recovery

Planning and implementing strategies to restore network functions after failuresor catastrophic events, ensuring business continuity.

• Network Load Balancing

Distributing network traffic efficiently across multiple servers orresources prevents overloads and improves performance.

• Network Automation

Leveraging automation tools and scripts to streamline networkconfiguration, management, and troubleshooting tasks efficiently.

• Network Documentation

Creating detailed records of network topologies, configurations, andprocesses for clarity, compliance, and future troubleshooting.

• Network Collaboration

Facilitating secure and seamless collaboration across distributed teamsand systems, often through integrating communication tools like VoIP and videoconferencing systems.

What are the available networkingcourses in IT?

Cisco CCIE Security

Cisco DevNet Associate

CCDA Training

CCENT Training

CCNA Training

CCNA Security Training

CCNP Training

CCNP Security Training

Cisco ASA Training

Cisco UCS Training

Cisco CCIE Enterprise

Cisco SD-WAN

Where should I enroll?

Looking to master networking skills? Sulekha offers a range ofCisco-related courses, each with a unique syllabus tailored to impart skillsfrom basic to advanced levels. These courses are designed to provide learnerswith the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in networking, covering a widearray of topics to ensure comprehensive learning and skill development.

What we really cover

• Help you Learn the skills and land your dream job
• You can explore a wide range of Subject Areas
• You will have skills that deliver results with Cisco Training Courses.
• Get screened based on your current knowledge and experience.
• Our course on engaging everyone in class with an interesting case study
• Course instructors are professionals and experts in the field of CISCO networking.
• You will access online mentors, discussion forums, and course instructors for questions or guidance during your learning journey.
• We offer online and offline classes for flexible learning.

What are the available job roles innetworking?

• Network administrator
• Network Engineer
• Network Technician
• Computer Network Architects
• Network Analyst
• Network Security Engineer
• Network Operations Engineer
• System Administrator
• Computer Systems Analyst and more

What are the salary packages fornetworking professionals?

Networking professionals in Cisco networking roles earn competitivesalaries, which vary by location, experience, and expertise. The followingaverage salaries for specific roles in Cisco networking are sourced fromindustry data on Glassdoor, PayScale, and Indeed.

1. Network Engineer

• Average Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
• Top Locations:

• San Francisco, CA: $95,000 - $120,000 per year
• New York, NY: $85,000 - $110,000 per year
• Dallas, TX: $75,000 - $95,000 per year

1. Network Administrator

• Average Salary: $65,000 - $90,000 per year
• Top Locations:

• Chicago, IL: $75,000 - $95,000 per year
• Los Angeles, CA: $70,000 - $90,000 per year
• Boston, MA: $72,000 - $92,000 per year

1. Network Architect

• Average Salary: $100,000 - $140,000 per year
• Top Locations:

• San Francisco, CA: $120,000 - $160,000 per year
• Washington, D.C.: $105,000 - $135,000 per year
• Seattle, WA: $110,000 - $140,000 per year

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Average Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
• Top Locations:

• Atlanta, GA: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
• Phoenix, AZ: $60,000 - $78,000 per year
• Denver, CO: $63,000 - $80,000 per year

1. Network Security Engineer

• Average Salary: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
• Top Locations:

• New York, NY: $100,000 - $130,000 per year
• Austin, TX: $95,000 - $120,000 per year
• Washington, D.C.: $105,000 - $130,000 per year

These figures are approximate averages based on the latest Glassdoor,PayScale, and Indeed data as of 2024. Salaries can vary dependingon the level of certification, years of experience, and the specific demands ofthe local job market.

Conclusion

Networking is the backbone of modern communication, allowing devices andservices to connect and share information seamlessly. Understanding thefundamentals of networking and mastering key technologies like routers andswitches can open the door to lucrative career opportunities. As the fieldevolves, acquiring advanced networking skills becomes essential to stayingcompetitive. Whether starting with basic knowledge or advancing to more complexconcepts, mastering networking skills can significantly boost your careergrowth and earning potential.