How to Become a Data Center Technician: Cisco Data Center Networking Basics Online Training

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UPDATED: July 27, 2022

Beginner

This How to Become a Data Center Technician: Cisco Data Center Networking Basics training covers how to perform the basic tasks of administration well enough that you can competently accomplish any task as an entry-level data center technician. For anyone who leads an IT team, this Cisco training can be used to onboard new entry-level IT professionals, curated into individual or team training plans, or as a Cisco reference resource.

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What you'll learn

All the terms and vocabulary that networking professionals use every day
The fundamental concepts that make understanding networking possible
The hardware and software that data centers operate on

FAQs

What does a data center technician actually do?

Exactly what a data center technician does varies a lot from one place to the next, but all data center technicians keep the brain of big computer networks healthy. Techs often walk around large data centers, visiting hardware and appliances to make sure they're operating correctly. But some data center technicians spend a lot of time at a computer, using command line interfaces to ensure the digital health of the network.

What does Cisco have to do with being a data center technician?

Cisco is one of the world's largest networking hardware manufacturers, Cisco devices can be found in most of the data centers all over the world. It's not quite a sure thing, but new data center technicians can be pretty confident they'll work with Cisco tech throughout their careers. There are some data center technicians who set up, configure, troubleshoot and maintain network infrastructure on nothing but Cisco equipment.

Are there good certifications for a brand-new IT data center technician?

Yes, there are some certifications aimed at brand-new, entry-level technicians with little formal training or previous IT experience. Cisco offers two CCST (Cisco Certified Support Technician) certs that are designed for brand-new data center techs that need something to prove they have a basic competency with installing and configuring cybersecurity and networking equipment. The CCNA from Cisco is another great early-career certification but will require substantially more prep than the CCSTs.

Are Cisco certifications worth it?

Yes, Cisco certifications are respected representations of the skills and knowledge relevant to networking careers. The CCSTs are broad tests of directly applicable skills related to keeping data centers running. CCNA is an industry standard for basic familiarity with protocols, configurations and security. Their more advanced certifications (like CCNPs) quickly get much more complicated and require much more time, but Cisco certifications – especially entry-level ones – are definitely worth it.

How long does it take to become a Cisco certified technician?

The time it takes to become certified as a Cisco certified technician depends on three things: how much prior experience and training you have, how easily technical subjects come to you, and how much time you can spend studying. If you're a fast study of technical details and have several hours a day, you could finish learning about how network devices, media and protocols control network communications in a couple of weeks.

Who is this for?

This How to Become a Data Center Technician: Cisco Data Center Networking Basics training is considered foundational-level Cisco training, which means it was designed for entry-level IT professionals. This data center networking skills course is valuable for new IT professionals with at least a year of experience with Cisco data center networking and experienced entry-level IT professionals looking to validate their Cisco skills.

What our learners say

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Very easy and fun way to learn. Keith Barker is my favorite, he'll throw in jokes here and there and it makes me remember certain study points. I highly recommend this app and purchasing subscriptions, it is truly worth the money.
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Study plan

Download the free How to Become a Data Center Technician: Cisco Data Center Networking Basics Online Training study plan to complete this course in about 3 hours.

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