IT networking with Cisco Learning Network :)

20 years ago, the technology boom was imminent. 10 years ago, i foresaw the huge potential in the IT field and few minutes ago, i regret not fighting for the opportunities that was presented to me for a career in IT related field. Yeah, you heard me right...got few offers to pursue my studies in the IT field, but my dad didn't see what i saw and he talked me out of it..

I've always known i had a knack for anything related to computers. this is just one of those stuff which i don't have to push my brain in figuring out how things works, all i need is someone to show me at least once or twice and i can do things on my own :).

Okay, i dare say that i don't have any experience when it comes to IT, but i do know a little bit about HTML and even had my shares of multimedia, these are the closest things i ever got to in the IT field hahaha.

Cisco certification? Well...as i was doing my usual net surfing, i stumbled upon this site, Cisco - The Learning Network. I realized that there are a lot of stuff to be learned when it comes to this field :). Okay, this is one place which offers certificates from entry to specialist programmes. the entry programme paves your way for a career in networking and the specialist makes you a specialist in several fields such as the sales specialist, solutions specialist, field specialist among others.

In my case i might have to start with the entry level program, which is the CCENT (Certified Entry Networking Technician). What is CCENT? hmm, CCENT is:

"The CCENT certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking. CCENT certified professionals have the knowledge and skill to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections."

At the end of this program, you would need to sit for ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices 1) exam. Hey, it shouldn't be tough, would it? For this program, the duration is only:

5 days,Virtual Classroom hours, Web Based Training or
5 days,Classroom or
5 days,Remote Labs & Simulations

By the time you're done with the entry level program, you should be able to:

• Describe how networks function, identifying major components, function of network components and the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model.
• Using the host-to-host packet delivery process, describe issues related to increasing traffic on an Ethernet LAN and identify switched LAN technology solutions to Ethernet networking issues.
• Describe the reasons for extending the reach of a LAN and the methods that can be used with a focus on RF wireless access.
• Describe the reasons for connecting networks with routers and how routed networks transmit data through networks using TCP / IP.
• Describe the function of Wide Area Networks (WANs), the major devices of WANs, and configure PPP encapsulation, static and dynamic routing, PAT and RIP routing.
• Use the command-line interface to discover neighbors on the network and managing the routers startup and configuration .

Hey, i can tell you loads more on the programs on offer, but you know what.. it would be better if you could log into their website and check it out yourself. who knows, there might be a course there which suits you best :). Just in case some of you are just to slow to catch up and find the link somewhere in the paragraphs, here's another one for you to click on. CLICK HERE for website hahaha :).

morning peeps :)...

ps: somewhat interested :P..