Career In Computer Hardware & Networking

[NiveRoshni]

Have you ever done experiment with your computers?..Want to know about how different parts of computer are interconnected?

How two or more computers are interlinked for the purpose of sharing data?

Answer of these questions are hidden behind the concept of Computer Hardware & Networking.

Computer Hardware & Networking is the demanding career field among the young ones. Hardware and Networking domain is the highest paying and fastest growing domain in IT sector.

Internet is the largest example of computer networking.

The network devices are Router, Switch, Modem, Hub and Data card (Dongle). Network Interface Cards (NICs) are the most common type of hardware network on a network.

Hardware professionals deal with various hardware components such as chips, computer systems, motherboard, processor, RAM, circuit boards, modems, external hard disks, printers and keyboards. So, in order to be successful in this field, they must have knowledge of all these components of hardware.

Courses & Programmes
Looking for the courses in this field?

Courses ranging from certificate level to master's level are available in computer hardware and networking. Interested students can pursue the following courses after their 12th in the field of computer hardware and networking.

Certificate courses in networking includes LINUX that is one of the popular course in networking for LAN administration. CISCO certifications are CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE.

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
B.Sc in Hardware & Networking

Master's Courses:

M.Tech in Network Engineering
Postgraduate Diploma in Hardware & Networking
M.Sc in Hardware and Networking
One can easily make their career in hardware and networking field after completing B.E./B.Tech or MCA courses in computer science engineering.

In India, there are many renowned colleges that offers courses in hardware and networking field. The courses are offered at different levels.

Admission Process
Candidates want to enroll in several diploma or degree courses are required to pass higher secondary examination with PCM group. Some institutions organized their own entrance test for providing admission to bachelor degree programmes.

After the completion of B.Tech in computer science engineering, you can make your career in networking field. For advancement or to gain expertise in networking, you can pursue M.tech.

Jobs & Career Scope

What is the career scope in computer hardware and networking field?

Large use of computers, laptops, mobiles, desktops and internet in private and government organizations increases the requirement of hardware and networking professionals.

Huge career opportunities and jobs are there in the field of computer hardware and networking. There are extensive use of computers in colleges, schools, organizations, hospitals, banks, etc. Companies in hardware manufacturing, system design, software development requires professionals who are well-versed in this field.

After earning master's degree in hardware and networking, individuals can find employment in colleges for the post of lecturer.

Where hardware professionals are required?

Hardware professionals and network administrators are required in IT and web hosting companies.

Today, Information Technology (IT) sector gaining popularity and due to this advancement in IT sector, lucrative job opportunities are available in public and private organizations.

Software companies, hardware manufacturing companies, call centers, system design companies, telecom companies, hardware repair shops requires networking and hardware professionals.

One can also opens his/her own hardware repair shops after gaining knowledge and experience.

Job Titles of computer hardware engineers:

Based on the qualification and technical experience, one can be appointed at different positions. Job profiles for the hardware and networking professionals is given below:

Systems Engineer
Design Engineer
Systems Integration Engineer
Project Engineer
Field Service Engineer

Job Titles in Networking is as follows:

System administrator
Network Engineer
Technical Support
IT administrator
Network administrator
Security Database development and administration
For a good position in large firms, master's degree in computer science engineering is needed. It broadens career opportunities for computer hardware engineers.

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.
Duties of Network Engineer

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).

Books & Study Materials

Some of the best books to study computer hardware and networking is mentioned below:

Computer Hardware & Networking – Vishnu P. Singh
Hardware & Networking – Vikas Gupta
Eureka Advanced: Hardware and Networking – B.S. Yadav
Fifth Edition Computer Networks – Larry L. Peterson, Bruce S. Davie
Fundamentals of Computer Hardware – Mandeep S. Bhatia
Computer Hardware and Networking – Pankaj Kumar
Computer Hardware – Ashish Choudhary
The principles of computer hardware – Alan Clement's
The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software & Networking: An Information Technology Approach – IRV Englander