Learn how you can quickly become skilled at using switch and router software through the proper training. Don’t let network administrators or engineers intimidate you with computer networking terminology.

You may be in a situation where you’ve just started working for a computer networking firm. You have a good understanding of PC hardware and know a little bit about computer networking. For switch and router software education and training, do the following:

1. Become knowledgeable about network router software through courses.

2. Watch videos or online tutorials to understand switch and router management software.

3. Attend seminars to become skilled on switch and router software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand how network router software works by taking courses

Taking courses is the best way to get switch and router software education and training. Instructors can show you how to install router and switches. You will also learn how to use router software in order to configure routers. The great thing about taking courses is that you'll get hands-on experience. For example, you will learn how to create and configure VLANs (virtual local area networks).

I recommend: Techonline provides courses so that you can learn about routers and switches. The course, which lasts approximately 40 minutes, focuses not only on the fundamentals of these devices, but on how they work together. Cisco provides courses on how to connect routers and switches. You will use switch and router management software to configure these network devices.

Learn about switch and router management software through videos or online tutorials

Online videos or tutorials are great ways of getting switch and router software education and training. For example, instructors will show you step-by-step how to use the network switch software to configure network switches. One of the tools instructors can use in online videos or tutorials is actual screen shots. That way, you can see the commands from the computer switch software. Online videos and tutorials allow you to work at your own pace. As long as you have Internet access, you can work anywhere.

I recommend: Blindhog's online video tutorials consist of IOS (Internetworking Operating System) images. That way, you won’t miss any commands of the router switch software. RouterSim also provides online videos of software for network switch. The instructors use the following tools in their videos: screen shots, PowerPoint presentations, live video instructions, lab simulations and white board.

Attend seminars to get more switch and router software education and training

Seminars can be effective ways to learn how to use remote console switch software. For example, keynote speakers can show you how to use IP switch software to set up static and dynamic routes. Learn how to set up routing protocols as well as host tables. Seminars can be intensive in that many topics are covered in one day. However, expect to take home materials on switch and router software, which will help you to remember topics covered in the seminar.

I recommend: FindASeminar provides one-day seminars that cover setting up and managing static routes and host tables. Here, the seminar focuses on how to connect to routers using Telnet, which is a software for router tool. TrainUp is another website that offers seminars. This seminar is intensive in that it's designed for you to quickly get your CCNA certification.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep all of your screen shots, images and PowerPoint presentations on switch and router management software. Sometimes, you may get stuck on a particular step. Referring to a screen shot or image from your training can help you overcome this stumbling block.

Next to your network hardware, your network router software and network switch software are the most important components of your company's network. Making sure that your software is current helps keep your network safe from hacker attacks and gives your network personnel the tools they need to maximize performance and reliability.

There are three essential types of switch and router software you need to consider in order to get the best performance from your network:

1. Firmware resides on your router, switch or other network devices, providing increased efficiency and bug fixes for the device.

2. Network monitoring software gives your IT staff a means to know how the network performs at any given moment.

3. Wireless router software manages your wireless network infrastructure and secures your wireless network.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Acquire and effectively use manufacturer firmware to keep network equipment running smoothly

More and more it's becoming important that the programs running on network equipment be updated as frequently as programs running on PCs. Firmware updates provide fixes to known problems and help protect against various threats, from viruses to Denial of Service Attacks.

I recommend: Get the Cisco IOS Feature Pack to keep your Cisco network equipment firmware current. Consider the Cisco IOS Advanced IP Services with SSH package from CDW if your network utilizes SSH technology in its computer switch software.

Manage network infrastructure with remote console switch software

In addition to having the correct software on each individual piece of network equipment, you need PC router software that can give you the big picture of your network, identify performance issues and monitor for network equipment alarms.

I recommend: SolarWinds gives you the big network picture. It provides configuration management, bandwidth and network performance monitoring, discovery and fault management tools. OpManager from AdventNet is another type of switch and router management software with comprehensive fault and performance management across WAN, servers, applications and all other IT infrastructure.

Trust wireless switch and router management tools for your wireless network

While traditional switch and router software is great for hard-wired switches, wireless switches and routers require management software with extra features. Software for network switch and routers in wireless environments should be able to manage access point bandwidth, for example. Make sure you're getting the most from your wireless network by using wireless router software.

I recommend: Use the D-Link DS-510S SNMP Network Management system to manage a mixed wireless and wired network. Consider AirWave to manage a solely-wireless network of any size, from just a few wireless switches to tens of thousands of wireless network devices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that the switch and router software you purchase is compatible with your particular brand and model of network equipment for maximum efficiency.

Switch and router software applications are a vital piece of any company's networking arsenal. Network switch and router software keeps your company's network safe and running smoothly. This software can protect against threats such as hackers or phishers. There are many terms and phases used by switch and router software companies that may confuse the average user. Learning these key terms allows you to review potential software programs and systems with confidence.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Firmware

Firmware includes drivers and programs that are embedded into hardware so that computers are able to communicate with the hardware. Firmware is often contained on the ROM, or read-only memory, for use as needed.

I recommend: Dictionary.com and the Sharpened Computer Glossary provide more information about firmware.

Scalability

Scalability is the ability to add software or hardware to a system without affecting the system's overall performance. This allows companies to use the same products as their company grows and requires more space or other hardware.

I recommend: Find information about scalability at TechTarget. The Linux Information Project also has detailed information about what it means for a computer or system to be scalable.

Transparent bridge

A transparent bridge is a bridge used in networking that is invisible to the host stations. These bridges examine the network's nodes and ports to find out what is connected where. A transparent bridge allows you to analyze your network without interrupting the networking system.

I recommend: Visit Tech Web for more information about a transparent bridge. Discover more about transparent bridges at Web Media Brands.

Filter tables

Filter tables are used to search and filter network packets and data in order to narrow down the information you need. This allows you to review packets and transfer in only the information needed and discard the useless data.

I recommend: Visit FAQs for more information about filter tables.

TFTP

TFTP, or trivial file transfer protocol, is computer protocol that is known for its ability to run with very little memory usage. It is commonly used on servers to remotely boot up routers.

I recommend: Discover more about trivial file transfer protocol at Javvin Technologies. Read the detailed paper The TFTP Protocol to better understand TFTPs.

DIAP

DIAP, or distributed Internet archiving protocol, is a completely self-maintained archiving system. A DIAP allows you to store your archives on a server with fewer required backups.

I recommend: The Free Software Foundation provides more information about DIAP. Discover more details about distributed Internet archiving protocols at DIAP.

Switch and router software advice and ratings assists IT departments in choosing software to keep the company's routers and switches running. Third party router software can add features to a router or provide network management capabilities. Since routing software can now be run on a server, advice about using this method can help you determine whether to replace router hardware.

Network routers and switches connect computers and other components to a network. Routers and some switches direct network traffic and route connections across connected networks. These devices have moved beyond hardware devices with simple firmware upgrades. Advancements in switch and router software may make it necessary for IT departments and individuals to:

1. Get assistance with performing network router software firmware updates and upgrades;

2. Seek advice about replacing hardware routers with server based router switch software;

3. Review ratings to help choose network monitoring software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get advice about software for network router firmware updates

Routers and switches are traditionally hardware devices that require software -- called firmware -- to keep them updated and functional. Firmware is updated through a process called flashing. While this is usually a simple process, disaster can occur if done improperly, since it can render the router inoperable. Luckily, it's easy to find instructions and advice about updating router firmware.

I recommend: Cisco Systems provides instructions for upgrading the firmware on Linksys routers. PCTechBytes has published an overview of firmware upgrades for a variety of routers.

Find out about advanced wireless router software

Several providers offer open source software that can be installed on compatible wireless routers, replacing the original firmware. These firmware solutions offer advanced management, security and connection capabilities. Since replacing the firmware will void the manufacturer's warranty on routers, carefully check reviews and get advice from other users before updating the router.

I recommend: Linux Planet from Jupitermedia provides a review of Tomato firmware, which can be installed on a compatible wireless router to give it advanced features and capabilities. The Meandering Passage blog offers a review and information about DD-WRT, another free firmware version that provides advanced capabilities to wireless routers. PRONetworks from Tradewind Creations offers instructions for using DD-WRT.

Look into computer switch software that runs on a server

A server can replace traditional routers and switches due to advancements in server computing power and the development of software applications. Open source PC router software packages can run on UNIX and even Windows servers.

I recommend: See Tech-FAQ for reviews and information on open source routing software for Linux. Insights provides more information about this software. Network World reviews the open-source eXtensible Open Router Platform (XORP) that can run on a Windows server.

Investigate switch and router management software

Advanced network management software is a valuable tool for IT technicians. It can be installed on a network to monitor traffic and allows configuration and troubleshooting of routers and switches from a single location.

I recommend: See reviews of open source and commercial network management software at the GEOTEK IT Consulting website. CNET from CBS Interactive provides reviews of popular network management software.