3 network administration courses you can take for free

Network administration is a branch of computer science that covers the design, management, and maintenance of technological networks. A network administrator is responsible for ensuring computer software and operating systems work properly and stay updated. They also implement techniques to optimise network performance, provide access to new users, and monitor the security and safety of a network.

The US Bureau of Statistics revealed that network administration professionals earn a median annual salary of $82,050 and postulate that professionals in this field will experience a steady 5% job growth rate in the coming years.

In the United States, network administrators are highly sought after in the computer system design industry.

California hires the largest number of network administrators because the region is known for its strong technological sectors. Network administrators also find high levels of employment in business, telecommunications, academic, and government sectors.

At present, a large majority of network administers in the United States hold bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Professionals in the field spend many years acquiring hard skills through practical experience, on top of the formal qualifications.

Network administrators require strong skills in several areas surrounding networks. This includes skills and experience in Local area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN).

Network administrators understand and implement LAN software and hardware requirements while maintaining and updating their functions. They also supervise the installation and maintenance of WANs from a designated central location or by visiting remote locations.

Additionally, network administrators also manage and oversee virtual private networks (VPN). Many network administrators also work with Microsoft and Cisco products and systems daily.

Network administrators should understand these systems, their functions, and how to maintain and troubleshoot them.

Additionally, network administration professionals also frequently rely on Active Directory, which allows them to authenticate users and allow employees different levels of system access.

Continued education and industry credentials further enhance earning potential and help network administrators advance in their careers.

The Charles Sturt University offers a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Short Course at no charge.

The short, five-week course covers each specific area of the official Cisco CCNA blueprint. In this course, students will learn the basic technologies and theories needed to understand to successfully complete the CCNA exam.

The short course also serves as a teaser, which will give learners a taste of postgraduate study via Online Learning with Charles Sturt University.

The course is presented via a series of webinars and is developed and presented by the university’s senior industry-based Cisco Lecturer.

The Open University is also offering a free course on Network Security. The course will enable learners to identify some of the factors driving the need for network security.

Learners will know how to identify and classify examples of attacks and compare symmetric and asymmetric encryption systems and their vulnerability to attack and explain the characteristics of hybrid systems at the end of the course.

Cisco Networking Academy also offers a free course on Networking Essentials. The course will teach learners basic networking concepts and skills even for those with no prior networking knowledge.

Learners will learn how to plan and install a home or small business network using wireless technology, then connect it to the Internet, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using Cisco Packet Tracer and, recognise and mitigate security threats to a home network.