Meaningful network experience requires hands on training. The problem with gaining hands-on experience is that many of us cannot afford to purchase numerous computers, cables, routers, etc., nor do we have the floorspace to set up a hardwired network in our home.
While the hardware side of networking can only be learned with real equipment, the software portion, which arguably has a longer learning curve, can be learned in the comfort of one’s own home using a single computer.
While it does not fully translate into real-world experience, virtualization allows the average person to work with an entire network of computers including application servers, database servers, front-end client machines and many others, on a single PC. Provided the computer has more than enough RAM, a fast processor and plenty of disk space, the possibilities of combinations are endless. Cheap memory and 64 bit computing have also helped in allowing virtualization to become popular.
Utilizing Virtualization to Prepare for Certification Exams
Using virtualization in self-training is a great way to pursue certifications and credentials in the IT field.
Cisco has one of, if not the most reputable certifications in the industry. Their certifications range from Entry Level Networking Technician (CCENT) to the expert level of Certified Architect. Taking a look at the exam topics for the CCENT certification, we see that virtualization can assist greatly in preparing for this test.
Exam topics include:
- Assign and verify valid IP addresses to hosts, servers, and networking devices in a LAN environment,
- Enable NAT for a small network with a single ISP and connection using SDM and verify operation using CLI and ping
- Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment.
All of the aforementioned tasks can be learned in a virtual environment with a virtual server and client PC’s. Even the more advanced certifications that Cisco offers, such as CCNA (Network Associate) can be worked on using virtual environments.
Microsoft actually provides virtual environments through their website in order to train for their certifications. These self-titled “Virtual Labs” are provided free of charge and require no software download to your computer. Although, they do require a PC with Internet Explorer, ActiveX and Silverlight plug-ins. The topics available for your perusal are substantial, from SQL Servers, IIS, and Windows Business Server to Microsoft Exchange (see Figure 1.1).
Each subject lab brings you into an environment with a sidebar that contains all the step-by-step instructions needed to complete that specific task (See Figure 1.2, 1.3).
Resources like these make network training much more accessible and much less expensive.
Key Advantages to Using Virtualization for Study
While virtualization may not replace real-world experience, there are many advantages to working with virtual PC’s and servers rather than physical ones.
For starters, in your experimentation with multiple virtual machines, if you by chance crash one, infect one with a virus or have no idea how to get it back to baseline, you can simply delete and re-create it. A physical computer may need to be brought in for repairs or could be rendered unusable by lack of knowledge.
Instead of being one computer down in your network, just create another virtual machine and you’re back up and running. You can take more risks and have more freedom knowing you’re not destroying a physical computer. Virtual machines also have snapshots so if you destroy a machine, you can simply snap it back to a usable state in seconds.
Virtualization is an invaluable tool in information technology. Many small businesses are now migrating to virtual networks to cut costs and also require their IT professionals to have in-depth knowledge of VMware and other virtualization software. Even the military is using VMware and virtualization to provide their soldiers experience with the equipment before they get into the field and to decrease the number of physical servers across the country.
Virtual machines are a cheap and effective way to gain experience and training in the IT field.
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