Network Basics: What You Need to Know Before You Start Studying
We have been talking about IT careers, in the past few weeks the focus has been on getting in an IT career. Let’s start focusing on where to go once you are on your way. If you are on a help desk, supporting desktops, or the unofficial “fix‑everything” person on your team, you know networking shows up in almost every ticket, project, and conversation about “how things work.”
Networking is a great area to build expertise. In today’s world networking is the backbone of everything. Even if you don’t plan to become a full‑time network engineer, understanding how devices communicate, how traffic flows, and how networks are secured makes you better at almost any technical role.
So what are your next steps, CompTIA Network+?, Cisco’s CCNA?, Cisco? Let’s break down how these certifications differ, how the industry views them, and how to evaluate your next step. If you’re looking to grow, specialize, or simply become the person on your team who can solve the “weird issues,” networking certifications are a smart next move.
Why Networking Skills?
CloudRuns on networks.
Security? Depends on networks.
Virtualization? Built on networks.
Troubleshooting? Almost always touches the network.
For most IT professionals, Network+ bridges the gap between foundational knowledge and real networking competency. CompTIA is vendor neutral, they don’t focus on a specific type of networking. These concepts apply across all environments, Cisco, Juniper, cloud platforms, and hybrid networks. It hits routing, switching, wireless, network security basics, and troubleshooting frameworks.
Employers know CompTIA and trust it as a sign of solid foundational networking knowledge. The knowledge you study for this exam can help you grow in a technician position or be the foundation to specialize with advanced certifications like CCNA, Cisco, or cloud networking paths.
If you are ready to specialize right away, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an industry known certification. CCNA expects you to configure routers and switches, not just understand the concepts behind them. It goes further into routing protocols, switching operations, IP services, and network automation. CCNA is often viewed as the certification that separates “general IT techs” from “networking professionals”.
If you’re aiming for roles like network technician, junior network engineer, or infrastructure specialist, CCNA is the certification that shows you’re ready for more advanced responsibilities. It’s more challenging than Network+, but also more specialized, and that’s why it’s so respected.
For techs that are in the networking industry already, Cisco offers a full suite of advanced certifications, CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, CCNP Data Center, Cisco Specialist certifications in wireless, automation, and more. These are typically pursued once you have real‑world experience and a clear direction. Think of them as the certifications that shape your long‑term career identity.
Most managers see Network+ as the baseline, CCNA as the “serious networking” certification, and Cisco’s advanced tracks as the long term specialization path. Here’s a straightforward look at how to interpret each certification
Certification Industry Perception Best For
CompTIA Network+ Strong foundational networking knowledge; great early career credential Help desk, junior techs, general IT roles
CCNA Highly respected; shows hands on networking ability and deeper technical understanding Network technician, junior network engineer
Cisco Specialist / CCNP Advanced, role specific expertise; signals specialization Network engineer, security engineer, infrastructure roles
You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out right now. What matters is that you’re building skills that will serve you no matter where you end up. Networking knowledge is one of the most portable, valuable, and future‑proof skill sets in IT.
Whether you are in an entry‑level role or ready to grow, Network+ and CCNA are two of the smartest steps you can take to move forward in your career.
Talk to you next week!
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