By
eHow Careers & Work Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate's degree (recommended)
- Courses in mathematics, physics and electronics
Step1
Make yourself more marketable by studying basic electronics. Learn about the nature of electrons and how they flow through cable lines. You also need to be able to use the basic units of electrical measurement in order to become a network cable technician.
Step2
Take basic and intermediate mathematics. In order to install, monitor and repair cable networks, you will need to understand concepts such as positive and negative numbers, decimals and fractions, and basic equations.
Step3
Enroll in a physics class to learn about magnetism and electromagnetism. Knowing both the history and the applications of electromagnetism will help you understand why the tasks you perform as a cable technician work.
Step4
Stay in shape. Network technicians are often required to carry heavy loads of electronic components into the field. Some employers require that you be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
Step5
Apply to a 2-year technical school to get advanced training in electronics. Classes in DC (direct current) circuitry and in basic networking will teach you how cable networks are constructed by engineers. You will need to be familiar with the main components of a network, such as the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and operating systems.
Step6
Gain hands-on experience. Use your knowledge of Ethernet network systems (which are the most frequently used methods for creating a cabled network) to set up a simple LAN in your home. You can then list this work as experience on your resume.
Step7
Start out as a cable installer. You can get direct experience with network systems, which can serve as the experience many employers seek when hiring network technicians.