Networking

Learn the Components of a Network

The first step toward becoming a networking professional is learning the components of a network and how they work together.

There are several essential components in a network:

  • Switches
  • Access Points
  • Servers
  • Clients
  • IP Addresses
  • Routers and Firewalls

How Network Components Work Together

Switches and access points connect the devices or “clients” in a network so they can talk to each other.

TEach client has a numerical label known as an IP address. This address indicates the location of the client device and identifies it as belonging to the network.

Servers host and send information in the form of web content, applications and files to client devices. They use IP addresses for direction.

Routers control the flow of information from servers to clients and outside networks. Firewalls protect a network from unwanted users and messages.

Choose a Networking Job Roles

The second step to launching your networking career is to choose a job role. There are many jobs in the networking field to choose from, including:

  • Network specialist
  • Network technician
  • Network administrator
  • Network analyst
  • Network manager
  • Network engineer
  • Network solutions architect