Networking Hardware Education and Training

Save money by training your employees in computer network hardware

Small businesses can often be hampered by the lack of a dedicated IT department familiar with network hardware and accessories. You can save money on outsourced IT support by making sure one or more of your employees is educated in the installation and support of computer networking hardware.

The following networking hardware education and training resources will help you get started:

1. Get your employees in-depth training from a network hardware vendor or third-party education facility.
2. For a minimal investment, enroll your employees in online courses covering networking accessories, setup and troubleshooting.
3. Make your employees aware of the free resources available online that can further their knowledge of network hardware for computers.
   

 

Enroll your employees in specialized courses from networking hardware manufacturers

Some network hardware vendors, like Cisco, offer courses specific to their networking equipment. This type of training isn't meant for beginners to the field. However, if you have an employee with technical aptitude that is planning on taking over all IT and network administration for your company, this type of in-depth training is perfect.
Try: Visit the Cisco Systems Networking Academy to get an idea of the types of courses they offer. Cisco offers the gold standard in networking training. For education that isn't tied to an equipment manufacturer, take the A+ Networking course at SK Max. This course covers networking hardware, basic networking tasks, basically everything needed to become knowledgeable in running a small office network.

Get more bang for your buck by signing your employees up for online networking hardware courses

Distance learning courses are one of the more affordable ways to get your employees training in network hardware, setup and administration. One of the benefits is that they can be used by more than one employee, unlike traditional brick and mortar classes.
Try: For under $50 you can enroll an employee in the Serebra Learning course on Designing a Small Network. This is one of many networking courses available on their site. LearningSteps.com hosts a distance learning networking training course. You can get full lifetime access to their site for under $30.

Gain easy access to basic networking hardware knowledge with free online tutorials

Although it can be difficult to find exactly what you're looking for, there is a wealth of network hardware resources available on the Internet. Nothing can replace face-to-face instructor time, but if you're just looking to arm your employees with basic networking knowledge, free tutorials will do just fine.
Try: Read the free tutorial on networking hardware at the Florida Center for Instructional Technology College of Education. Train Signal offers free video training in the different networking components.

 

• A single service call from a tech support service can cost over $200. This adds up in the long run. A minimal amount of employee training in network hardware and accessories, troubleshooting and setup, will soon pay for itself.

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