Network Support Technology, Certificate

Degree: Certificate
HEGIS Code: 5104.00
Curriculum Code: 2416.NST
Campus Location: S
Engineering & Technologies Division

Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences:
Career Opportunities/Further Education:

Program Description

Connectivity between electronic devices has revolutionized the way that we interact with each other and the rest of the world. Modern communication depends on the equipment and delivery systems that create a variety of networks in every home, business, educational institution, hospital and plant throughout the country. These information delivery systems are vital to our lives and the economy, and Network Support Technicians are needed to keep these systems functioning properly.

The purpose of the Network Support Technology Certificate program is to prepare students for a career in the field of networking and PC support with a focus on upgrading and installing computer hardware and software, troubleshooting PC software issues, like viruses, spyware, and malware, configuring networking equipment, like routers and switches, designing small to medium networks and addressing schemes, and troubleshooting network connectivity problems. The program has a heavy emphasis on hands-on learning through laboratory activities using actual hardware, as well as state-of-the-art simulation software. The curriculum is also designed to prepare students for industry standard certification exams like CompTIA’s  A+ PC support certification and Cisco’s CCENT and CCNA network support certifications.

By completing the Network Support Technology Certificate Program and obtaining entry-level certifications, an individual is better positioned for employment. Opportunities exist for computer and network support technicians, equipment installers, technical support specialists, structured cable installers, network administrators, network engineers, and technical sales consultants. 

Program Competencies

• identify types and characteristics of PC components, including motherboard, CPU, memory, storage, input, and output devices;
• install and configure peripheral devices;
• install and configure Microsoft Windows operating systems;
• perform basic PC maintenance and LAN/WAN troubleshooting;
• explain the importance of data networks and the Internet in supporting business communications and everyday activities;
• identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3, and 7 using a layered model approach;
• interpret computer and network diagrams;
• explain basic switching concepts and the operation of Cisco switches;
• perform and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management;
• identify, prescribe, and resolve common switching issues, and switch hardware failures;
• manage Cisco IOS software and configuration files;
• configure and verify basic operations for a newly-installed router;
• design and implement an IP addressing scheme for a given network;
• configure and verify basic routing protocol operations in a small routed network; and
• describe the LAN/WAN components required for network and Internet communications.

Curriculum

Total Credit Hours: 24