Designing and Managing Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN)
There is no doubt that the computer has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Almost half of all United States households have at least one personal computer. Aside from the hardware and software of the personal computers, recent years have seen an incredible increase in networking of computers. The most widely known example of computer networking is the Internet. At its most basic, a network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together.
Local area networks (LANs) generally involve computers that are geographically close together - in the same company or building, for example. Wide area networks (WANs) are further apart geographically and connected via some sort of telecommunication technology, such as telephone lines, high speed fiber optic lines, or satellite and wireless technology. The term architecture refers to the design of the network. There are two main types of networks - peer-to-peer and client/server. A peer-to-peer network is one in which each computer, or workstation, has equal capabilities and responsibilities. An example would be a company network in which employee workstations are connected to share files, information, and most likely, internal e-mail. Client/server architecture may also exist in a given company, but with this type of architecture, each computer is either a client or a server. Servers are more powerful workstations that manage operations on the network, such as printing. Clients are workstations that run software applications and rely on servers for resources or computing power.
Network architects design and manage the complex connections of computers, including the hardware and software behind the scenes which connect the network and enable it to function. They are not only responsible for the flow of information, but are often charged with keeping the information private and secure and the workstations up to date. Since this job title is relatively new, the basic duties of a network architect may be referred to as WAN or LAN administrator, telecommunications manager, network administrator or network designer. In some cases, the network architect is an employee of a company. In other cases, the specialist is a consultant.
Systems analysts, or those who solve computer problems or help use technology to meet an organization's needs, may also work on networking issues. These positions fall under the category of information technology (IT) jobs. Information technology is the design, implementation, support and development of computer-based information systems. It is the job of IT workers to ensure that computers and related systems work well for people and keep up with changing technology.
Network architects are often charged with the growing problem of network security, or controlling access to and integrity of their files and programs. Network administrators may work with Intranets, or networks internal to a company or organization. As technology has become increasingly accessible and affordable, more and more small and large companies are networking their computers to provide better communication. Homes in the near future may be networked to provide Internet access for all members of a family, and to computerize and control common household functions. As an example of the trend toward increased use of computers and networks, and their integral role in our society, the number of Internet users increased from 3 million in 1994 to more than 150 million people worldwide today. Projections show that the number of Internet users could reach 750 million within the next five years - with no end in sight!
How You Can Get Involved Now
If you are interested in computer networking, there are many ways to break into the information technology industry and to learn more about computer networks. One of the first steps you can take is to become familiar with trends in the computer/IT industry. There are many Web sites that offer daily news on technology trends, even in specific technology areas. If possible, see if you can make contact with a local professional who works in the field of computers or telecommunications, someone at your school or a friend of your parents. From this person, you can learn more about current and future trends, and you can observe the types of skills and training required to understand and develop computer networks.
A key to understanding information technology, and computer networking in particular, is keeping pace with the changes that occur regularly in this new and rapidly developing field. Even those professionals who already work in networking must be open to continuous learning and remain flexible as the technology evolves. While still in high school, prepare for college by taking courses in areas such as mathematics, science and computers. Courses that prepare you for acceptance into computer science or electrical engineering degree programs are the most helpful. In addition, take a look at your skills and interests. The best network architects possess a unique combination of business/people skills and technical skills. Because the demand for IT professionals has remained high, there are many jobs available at attractive salaries. The key is to work toward those that are most appealing to your lifestyle and location or industry preferences.