Scope of Networking in India – 2019

If you are an Information Technology Enthusiast, then you would know that the Scope of Networking in India or how the Job of a Network Engineer is trending in the networking sector. The duties of a Network Engineer can vary from domain to domain. It can either be handling the Basics of Networking (Routing and Switching) or could be a job role related to managing the Cloud Network of the company.

Since India is the IT Hub of Asia, Networking is an In-demand job out here. The Scope of Networking in India is immense. Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Tech Mahindra, etc. are always looking for skilled candidates to join them.

So, let us have a look at what exactly networking is and how can you build your career in Networking.

What is Networking?

Networking refers to the process of connecting computers, cell phones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The connection also works concerning the hardware and software including wired and wireless technology. These devices can even connect to networks like the Internet. It includes applications from fields like Computer Engineering, Computer Application, Computer Science, IT Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc. Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN) are the two types of networks connections.
Networking comprises of the below stages.

• Designing the Network Infrastructure
• Construction and Use of the Network
• Maintenance of the Networks
• Diagnosing and Trouble Shooting Networks

Basic Components of Networking:

• Switches act as a controller which connect computers and servers to a network. Switches allow the devices to communicate with each other
• Routers connect various networks together
• Access Points allows devices to connect to wireless networks without cables
• Firm wares operate such types of equipment
• Software monitor, manage and troubleshoot the network.

Domains in Networking:

• Routing and Switching
• Collaboration
• Data Center
• Security
• Service Provider
• Wireless
• Cloud
• Industrial

Who should opt for Networking?

• Networking is for candidates who want to work across industries like Education Services, Information Technology, Medical Services, Computer System Designing, Entertainment and related areas.
• Candidates who have had the edge over technicalities in technology, networking is for them.
• Candidates who prefer studying coding languages can give networking a hands up. Studying computer networking can help you boost problem-solving and research skills.
• If you are a visual learner, networking could be the right choice for you, as you can see everything that you are learning.
• People who are curious about upcoming technologies can do well in this industry

What is the scope of networking in India?

• Growing Opportunities – Every sector requires networking in some or the other way. In the business sector, networking is applicable from manufacturing to business processing. As organizations and institutions invest in domains like technology, cloud computing, big data, etc they all depend on a workforce with networking skills to make the most of this technology. Today the supply of networking workforce does not match with the demand, due to which in the future these professionals will discover opportunities for the growing economy.
• Automation – Technology is undergoing continuous automation. Automation plays an important role during cost reduction, productivity, performance. Automation is becoming the base of networking. Automating the configuration, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting has now become a part of automation. Everyday network tasks like these grow the scope of networking. There is a myth that automation might take away jobs in the near future which is not true. It will simply add skill sets to the work profile of a network engineer.
• Innovation – Companies expand with the help of innovation. Due to this Innovation is no more an option for companies but an opportunity to grow. The change could be external for a better provision of products and services to the clients or internal for the better performance of the internal networks. If you are an innovator, you have a huge opportunity to take up your career to another level.
• Job Opportunities – The networking domain is huge with sub-domains like routing and switching, security, service provider, collaboration, etc. Let’s consider some examples. Routing and Switching is the pillar of networking. The professionals working in this domain handle the basics of networking. Every company will require routing and switching professionals to handle their networks. Same is applicable in the security domain. Every network set up in companies will need security to protect their sensitive data. Hence the job opportunities in this domain multiply day by day.
• You will go places all over the world – Networking carries an international standard. It means that the world recognizes your knowledge and skills in networking. Especially, a Cisco certified professional may travel to global corporations around the globe. Networking professionals work in a lot of domains. They support small businesses, schools, industries and every place where networking is applicable.

How to start with a career in networking?

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

You have two options for attaining a Bachelor’s Degree.

• Either do a General Computer Science Degree which usually takes 3 years OR
• Opt for a 4 years Engineering Degree Program in Computer or Network Engineering

Step 2: Apply for an Internship (Optional)

Post completion of the Bachelor’s degree, you can opt for applying to an internship. This internship will help you gain practical knowledge before entering the network industry.

Step 3: Network Administrator to Network Engineer

A Network Administrator focuses on Installing, Maintaining and Troubleshooting the Network Systems. This job profile helps you understand and work with the basics of networking. Similarly, you can also apply as a Network Technician who has a similar job role. After gaining five years of experience, you will be eligible for the post of a Network Engineer.

Step 4: Obtain Certifications

Candidates can apply for the industry standard certifications from vendors like Cisco, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, etc. These Certifications are globally recognized and help you keep updated about the technological advancements happening in due course of time.

If you are a beginner in networking then it is recommended to start from Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching Certification Training.

Job Roles:

Job roles in the networking domain vary from one sub-domain to another. Let’s have a look at some of them

• Network Administrator/Network Specialist: Configure, Install, Maintain and Troubleshoot the Network Infrastructure.
• Network Security Administrator/ Specialist: Analyzing, investigating and troubleshooting the security-related issues. These professionals help in preventing threats from viruses, malware, etc.
• Data Center Architect and Data Center Engineer/Administrator: A Data Center Architect constructs the Data Structure Infrastructure whereas the Data Center Engineer/Administrator manages, maintains and troubleshoots this Infrastructure.
• VoIP/Collaboration Engineers and Administrators: These professionals work with everything related to video and voice networking.
• Service Provider Specialist/ Engineer: Providing Installation and Operational support in the Basic Engineering Infrastructure.
• Wireless Network Engineer: Designing and Implementing Wireless Infrastructure along with maintaining and troubleshooting it.
• SOC Analyst/Engineer: A Security Operations Center(SOC) Analyst protects the system information by monitoring, analyzing and responding to the threat.
• Cloud Administrator/Engineer: These professionals work on cloud-related infrastructure (products and services).
• Industrial Network Administrator: Provide help regarding the support and maintenance of Industry related network infrastructure.

Pay Scale Table:

Below are some of the Pay Scales for The Job Roles in the Networking Domain:

**Source: PayScale

There is a misconception that automation will take over networking jobs in the coming years. It is true that automation could prevail, but network engineers will only have to shift their approach of work and update their skills. The Scope of Networking in India is vast, while on the other hand, the number of network engineers does not meet the required demand.

Networking experts say that the scope of networking in India and throughout the world has always been on constant change. But despite the change, network engineers have adapted themselves pretty well.

If you took a look at the network engineer job roles in 2009 versus 2019 a lot has changed, but we can assure you that the Scope of Networking in India is bright.