Bret Allen Engineering and Technology Division Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo Phone: 546-3917 email Bret Allen@Cuesta College

Computer Networking Terms and Definitions

A+ Certification:
A + Certification is a testing program sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) that certifies the competency of entry-level (6 months experience) service technicians in the computer industry. A+ is an internationally recognized credential.
Prerequisites:None

CATIA - Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application
CATIA (Computer-Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application) is a specialized computer program widely used in many major industries, including electronics, aerospace, scientific/pharmaceutical and other high growth and emerging industries. CATIA is a high-powered design and manufacturing software program that integrates computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). It is state-of-the-art computer software capable of product design as well as operating the equipment used to manufacture products. Training is offered through three consecutive courses.

CNA - Certified Novell Administrators
(see also Novell NetWare Network) CNAs handle the day-to-day administration of an installed Novell networking product: intraNetWare, NetWare 3, GroupWise 5 or GroupWise 4.

CNE - Certified Novell Engineer
(see also Novell NetWare Network) Prerequisite: CNA Certified Novell Engineers (CNE): solve advanced company-wide support problems and high-level network problems. A CNE performs planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting and upgrade services for Novell networks.

CCNA- Cisco Certified Network Associate
The CCNA certification indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking for the small office/home office (SOHO) market. CCNA certified professionals can design, install, and administer small local area networks (LANs) with 100 nodes or fewer. The Cisco program focuses on computer hardware. Exams are given by Cisco and certification is recognized internationally.

CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional
Prerequisite: CCNA The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional) indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks. With a CCNP, a network professional can configure and operate local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and dial access services for organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes. The Cisco program focuses on computer hardware. Exams are given by Cisco and certification is recognized internationally.

Electronics Technologist
Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, missile control instrumentation, electron tubes, test equipment, and machine tool numerical controls, applying principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.

Engineer (see also Engineering Tech)
Engineering involves a wide spectrum of activities extending from the conception, design, development and formulation of new systems and products through the implementation, production, and operation of engineering systems. A minimum of four years of study is required. Mathematics and science are emphasized.

Engineering Technician/Technologist (see also Engineer)
Engineering technology education emphasizes problem solving, laboratories, and technical skills; it prepares individuals for application-oriented careers in industry, typically in manufacturing, field-service, marketing, technical sales, or as technical members of the engineering team.

According to a national accrediting agency (TAC/ABET), graduates of baccalaureate-level engineering technology programs are called "engineering technologists," and graduates of associate degree programs in engineering technology are called "engineering technicians."

LAN - Local Area Network
LANs connect workstations, servers, printers, and other peripherals over a small geographical area (such as a school campus size area).

MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional
The Microsoft Certified Professional credential is for individuals who have the skills to successfully implement a Microsoft product or technology as part of a business solution in an organization. Hands-on experience with the product is necessary to successfully achieve certification. MCP candidates are required to pass one current Microsoft certification exam that provides a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. The Microsoft programs focus on computer software. The exams are administered by Prometric and Virtual University Enterprises, independent testing organizations with locations worldwide.

MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer credential is the premier certification for professionals who analyze the business requirements and design and implement the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Windows* 2000 platform and Microsoft server software. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems. The Windows 2000 track of the MCSE credential is designed for IT professionals working in the typically complex computing environment of medium to large organizations. An MCSE candidate should have at least one year of experience implementing and administering a network operating system. The Microsoft programs focus on computer software. The exams are administered by Prometric and Virtual University Enterprises, independent testing organizations with locations worldwide.

Network+ Certification:
Network+ is a testing program sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) that certifies the knowledge of networking technicians with 18 - 24 months experience in the IT industry. This test is administered by Sylvan Prometric. Earning the Network+ certification means that the candidate possesses the knowledge needed to configure and install the TCP/IP client. This exam covers a wide range of vendor and product neutral networking technologies.

Novell NetWare Network
Novell is a leading network vendor (e.g. Microsoft). Novell markets several network products such as NetWare 3, NetWare 5, intraNetWare, GroupWise 5, GroupWise 4 to business. Novell network administrators provide on-site administration for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices and small businesses, workgroups or departments, and corporate information services. Novell provides several network certifications.

Certified Novell Administrators (CNA)
In short, CNAs handle the day-to-day administration of an installed Novell networking product: intraNetWare, NetWare 3, GroupWise 5 or GroupWise 4. CNA is a pre-requisite for the next certification -

Certified Novell Engineers (CNE)
CNE's solve advanced company-wide support problems and high-level network problems. A CNE performs planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting and upgrade services for Novell networks.

Programmable Logic Controllers
A Programmable Logic Controller is a microprocessor that is programmable, can be monitored on-line (even over the Internet), and is capable of finding faults within itself and the devices connected to it. Before the development of the PLC, "hard-wired" switches and relays controlled the manufacturing process. This often required months for a manufacturer to "rewire" for new models. Unlike traditional hard- wired systems, PLCs can be reprogrammed. A manufacturing process using PLCs can switch over to a . new model in days instead of months. Most manufacturing companies need workers that are trained to program and repair PLCs.

Routers
Devices that enable computer networks to communicate with each other and to access the Internet. Term associated with Cisco Networking.

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
TCP/IP is a language that computers use to communicate with each other over the Internet.

WAN - Wide Area Network
A wide-area network interconnects devices located at different geographical locations (such as different cities, states, or countries). A WAN usually belongs to a service-provider.