Gibson tackles the security angle, as well, highlighting the escalating threats of hackers.
“With wireless becoming very popular, it’s important to set up the network so it has the right encryption settings, and to know which devices take what encryption,” he says. “We educate the customer that we can provide better solutions than what they think they can find on Google.”
URC’s Mitchell Klein, a former CEDIA president, encourages attendance to the networking courses, adding that manufacturers have noted the rise of networking when it comes to the area of trouble-shooting and tech support.
“Take everything you can and become an expert,” he says. “All the manufacturers I speak with insist the No. 1 technical support call is network-related. Imagine how much this lack of knowledge is costing you in labor and business opportunities missed.”
Klein continues, “I guarantee there is at least one course that will benefit even the most knowledgeable. These courses are not just for the installers. Business owners need to become experts, too.”
Networking Courses at CEDIA 2014:
- Advanced Wireless Networking
- Commercial Connection: Understanding Telepresence (InfoComm)
- Cybersecurity Trends: The Impact & Opportunity (CompTIA)
- Delivering Premium Content Throughout the Connected Home
- Designing Ethernet Networks
- Intermediate Networking
- IP for Technicians
- Network Security Essentials (CompTIA)
- Networking & IP Workshop for Integrators
- Networking Foundations (CompTIA)
- Tailoring Network Performance with VLANs & QoS
- The Wireless Controller: Paving the Path for Predictable & Serviceable Wi-Fi Systems
- Using Apple Technologies to Meet Network Challenges
- Wireless Network Technologies
CEDIA Residential Networking Specialist certification exams can be taken at numerous testing sites throughout the country, but if you want to take the three-hour test during CEDIA Expo, you can do so at these times:
- Friday, Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
