Hardware and networking courses include the study of external devices, which make up a network that helps in the data processing and transfer. These courses impart knowledge about how data can be linked, supplied, and transferred with the help of hardware such as network interface cards, cables, switches, hubs, etc. Those who study hardware, learn about the maintenance of devices such as computers, modems, and CPUs. On the other hand, networking students study the process required to connect more than two computers.
Hardware and networking courses in India focus on the practical knowledge required in the industry so that professionals are well-equipped to deal with real-life challenges. Since computers and laptops are widely used in offices, colleges and at homes nowadays, the demand for hardware and networking professionals in this sector is increasing with each passing day.
As the IT industry is set to create as many as 10 million jobs in the coming years, there is a great demand for professionals who have pursued hardware and networking courses and also possess Cisco, Red Hat, and Microsoft certifications.
After completing hardware and networking courses, one can easily perform in the following job roles:
· System Engineer
· Network Engineer
· Technical Support
· System Administrator
· Network Administrator
· Network Support Technician
· Security Database Development
· IT Technician
· IT Administrator
· Network Programmer and Analyst
· IT Manager
· Chief Information Officer
· Project Leader
· Network Application Programmer
· Web/Multimedia Manager
You need to either have the following attributes before enrolling into or be ready to acquire the same while pursuing hardware and networking courses:
· Knowledge of computer hardware parts
· Knowledge of assembly and maintenance of computer parts
· Installing drivers and peripherals
· Maintaining servers and networks
· Installing and configuring LAN networks
· Installing and configuring DHCP client
· Data management, backup, and recovery
· Verbal and personal communication skills
· On the spot problem analysis
· Customer service skills
· Ability to organize workload and prioritize tasks
· Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills
· Critical thinking skills
· Creative problem-solving abilities
· Hardware trouble shooting
Moreover, candidates who wish to pursue a career in hardware and networking should have knowledge of the basic mathematics, which is very important. In addition, they should have the working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.
In India, hardware and networking courses are offered at the certificate and diploma levels. For basic or beginner-level certificate courses, candidates who have passed grade 10 can apply for admission. Also, many diploma courses consider grade 10 or 12 passed students eligible for admission.
Below mentioned are some of the popular Indian colleges and independent institutes offering hardware and networking courses:
Jetking: It is one the leading institutes that offers hardware and networking courses, including:
· Jetking Certified Hardware and Networking Engineer (12 months): Graduates from both technical and non-technical fields can apply for this course.
· Jetking Certified Hardware and Networking Professional (15 months): Students applying for this course only need to have passed grade 12.
· Master in Networking Administrator (5 months): Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a technical field can apply for this course.
The college teaches students with real-life cases and uses cloud-based teaching methods.
Institute of Advance Network Technology: Also known as IANT, the institute has collaborated with Cisco, Microsoft and other big industry giants to create top-notch hardware and networking courses. It offers diploma/certificate course in Hardware and Networking Technology.
Indian Institute of Hardware Technology: Also known as IIHT, its courses cover Network Security, Microsoft, Linux, and CCNA certification.
Following are the courses offered by the institute:
· IIHT Certified Hardware and Networking Professional (6 months)
· IIHT Advance Certified Hardware and Networking Professional (1 year): Grade 10 passed students can apply for admission to this course.
Jasoda Devi College for Computer Hardware and Networking: The diploma course offered by the college is structured in a way that that those taking hardware and networking courses are well prepared for jobs in the IT field.
· Diploma Course in Computer Hardware and Networking (14 months): The course is offered at two levels. The CHM O Level course is for beginners and enrols grade 12 passed students. Entry to the course is based on their performance in the 10+2 exams. The CHM A Level course is more specialised and enrols graduates.
AIMS Academy: This institute is well known for their hardware and networking courses that help students gain in-depth knowledge about hardware components. Their courses are slightly longer but prepare students thoroughly for challenges faced after placement.
· Diploma in Hardware and Network Engineering
Rooman Technologies: It offers hardware and networking courses, which are short-term and prepare students adequately for the job market, including:
· Diploma in Hardware (Part-time - 4 months, Full-time - 2 months)
· Certificate in Networking (Part-time - 2 months, Full-time- 1 month): This course imparts the technical skills necessary for network administrators. It involves the study of basics of different types of operating systems as well as how to troubleshoot problems within these systems.
IACM: This institute is committed to creating skilled professionals attuned to work in the IT industry. IACM is known for their vocational courses, including Masterconnect Program in Computer Hardware and Network Management course, which enrols grade 12 passed students. The course includes six months of in-class training along with six months of on-site training.
Most of the colleges and independent institutes offering hardware and networking courses in India enrol students through direct admission. The process of admission gives maximum weightage to a student’s performance in high school.
While no common entrance exam is conducted for hardware and networking courses, some colleges or institutes might conduct practical examinations for higher level diploma and certificate courses to check an applicant’s knowledge.
|
Duration |
Delivery Type |
Fee Structure |
|
1-4 months |
In-class |
INR 7,000-20,000 |
|
6-12 months |
In-class |
INR 50,000-80,000 |
|
1 year or above |
In-class |
> INR 2,40,000 |
Below mentioned are some of the popular areas of specialisation offered under hardware and networking courses:
Linux: This area of specialisation is extremely popular of all under hardware and networking for LAN administration. It includes various levels of modules, including Certification Level 1 (Junior Level LPIC-1), CompTIA Linux+, Certification Level 2 (Advance Level - LPIC-2), and Certification Level 3 (Senior Level LPIC-3).
Cisco Certifications: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) CCIE are amongst the most popular CISCO certificate courses. For IT professionals aspiring to make a career in the networking industry, Cisco certifications are considered essential. There are five levels of certification in Cisco - Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect.
Further, Cisco offers courses that include Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP), Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP), Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE), Cisco Certified Architect Certification Process (CCAP) and Cisco Certified Architect Responsibilities (CCAR).
PC Assembly and Maintenance: This area of specialisation under hardware and networking courses enables students to understand the fundamentals of PC assembly.
Network Administration: It teaches about describing and executing network administrative duties and utilities to students. In addition, it teaches them how to implement server organisation, user rights, user addition, maintenance of security and user accounting.
PC Hardware and Networking: The area of specialisation under hardware and networking courses involves the study of basic knowledge in computer hardware and peripherals for installation, PC assembly, troubleshooting and maintenance including system management and its backup and to undertake disaster prevention, a basic knowledge of TCP/IP networks work group, Internet and intranet. Moreover, it provides basic knowledge of computer networking and troubleshooting.