Why teach networks?

Question

Computer networks

A friend wants to explore networks together. And I'm even for it, but we have no goal other than joint study) Please help me decide on the motivation. So far I see that we can go to different conferences together. It inspires us, but we want something more valuable. Does anyone engage in networks as a hobby, having an additional income from this? What are the benefits of learning computer networks?
Thank you all in advance

Ps: a question about telecommunications, protocols, and so on. All this knowledge has only applied value and are just some basics? Are they not monetized by themselves?

Answer 1

Does anyone engage in networks as a hobby, having an additional income from this?

If this is a variant of the question "How can I quickly and make a lot of money in IT, because they say there are trillions of dollars in income, right?" - then no.
Hobby usually does not bring income, but on the contrary eats them up :) Here is my hobby - computer games. But I do not earn money on them, but only spend (time, money ...)
What are the advantages? Well... you'll know how it works :) Why do you need a router, why VPN is not scary, and why provider blocking of sites is designed for suckers and lazy people...

Answer 2

What are the benefits of learning computer networks?

IMHO, I do not see any advantages in learning something without understanding why it is needed.

Answer 3

In your case, you don't need to study. You need to study what is required in work / life / study or what will most likely be needed in the near future. If there is no need now, and there are no plans to go to work in this area - at least study it thoroughly, there will be no sense, because. everything will be forgotten without practice and without the need to apply knowledge.
Before, at the institute and after it, I did not like networks at all. But as soon as I had to face them at work, I had to delve into, study, and apply my knowledge. Then the opportunity turned up to take cisco courses, but it was still not clear to me where to apply - but it turned out that you can request access from higher network administrators to the equipment - and the knowledge turned out to be very useful, although access was limited.
PS Knowing the basics of networks is undoubtedly necessary, even for home use, networks are everywhere. But to go deep unnecessarily - so-so idea. This is how to use the monitor, and begin to study in depth its device, service menus, malfunctions and how to fix them. This is not necessary at the user level. But if you have to service the equipment of other people / organizations, it will not be worse if there is knowledge of what backlight is and how to conduct primary diagnostics; and if you are engaged in the repair of electronics - here it is already NECESSARY to study and apply.

Answer 4

There is a good rule, the violation of which is fraught with trouble for business:
"Any employee must fully know the area of ​​\u200b\u200bhis activity within the framework of his job duties; and must have a good understanding of the work of subcontractors."
Network engineers/technicians deal directly with networks. In a small organization, such a specialist must fully know the entire operation of the network, "the entire protocol stack." In large organizations, a specialist must fully know his level of the protocol stack and have a good idea of ​​​​the work of neighboring layers.
So, you need to know networks in order to work as a network engineer / technician.
Allies of network specialists are people working with servers and workstations: system administrators / enikeys. They need to know networks to the extent that they can:

• correctly understand the instructions of experts on the topic "what computer settings must be configured for proper network operation";
  
• in case of problems - be able to diagnose the network in order to find out whether the source of problems is in the computer or in the network;
  
• Be able to explain your needs to network specialists.
  

In addition, specialists in telephony and video surveillance are now becoming subcontractors of network specialists; as well as people building "smart home" or "smart car" controlled by computers.
You should also interact with network specialists:

• bosses who have network specialists and their subcontractors in their subordination;
  
• customers ordering some services from network specialists, incl. providers' clients (individuals);
  
• programmers who write programs for networking.
  

Even if you work in a specialty that is not related to networks, the ability to quickly diagnose a malfunction, and so on. eliminate it - significantly increases the value of the employee in the eyes of management. This is unlikely to affect the salary; but with downsizing at the time of the crisis, it can significantly affect the decision on who to keep and who to fire.
There is another factor that is usually not mentioned explicitly, and often not even comprehended:
The interaction of components in a computer is very similar to the network. The physical layer (tracks and cables connecting computer components; signal encoding methods) were originally the same as in networks. And now the batch method of data transfer is actively used; and attempts are being made to introduce encryption even into the interaction of computer components (mainly for DRM purposes, to hell with all copyists).
Therefore, knowledge of network technologies helps to understand the architecture of a computer - the interaction of the processor with memory, HDC with HDD, USB host with USB devices.
Summary:
It makes sense to study networks in order to:

• work as a network specialist or in a related specialty;
  
• interact with network specialists in the role of boss or client;
  
• increase your value as an employee;
  
• just for the development of brains - at least, learning networks is more useful than playing games.
  

Answer 5

A very strange question, like "tell me, does it make sense to learn French?". Well, probably there is, you can read Dumas in the original.
It is the same with networks - if this is not your main profession, if you choose a hobby, choose at least programming.
Networks - to study in courses, and even more so to start with "going to conferences", this is some kind of garbage. And just to administer some kind of piece of iron - for this you don’t need to study the network, well, or study the base during the training of the piece of iron. I speak as a person with specialized fundamental education.

Answer 6

Networks - cyber security

Answer 7

It will help a lot in setting up all sorts of vpn, terminal servers, clouds and containerization. You need to know the base, you never know what you have to administer

Answer 8

Strange answers above.
I believe that if it helps with a girlfriend, then why not. And your friend will be happy, and you will learn something. It's not bad. And if you work\plan to work in IT or related fields, then the knowledge will remain and everything will not be in vain. Well, if you do not work, then help with a friend. Some pluses in general. But the question of whether it is worth meeting with her remains behind the scenes.