Networks and Wireless

Keep people, equipment, and information connected. Choose preparation for computer networks, radio systems, field communications, or satellite installations. Compare the technician tasks below to find a course that fits the systems you support.

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Find your starting point

Computer and data networks: Compare CST, NST, WNT, and ITS.
Radio and telecommunications: Compare GCT1, GCT2, WCM, and TCM.
Field systems and RF testing: Explore 5GT, DAS, LAS, MRT, MCEI, and RFIM.
Satellite receiving and distribution: Explore CSI and CSI-SMATV.

WNT or WCM? WNT focuses on wireless data networks and client connectivity. WCM focuses on radio communications electronics, transmission, reception, and antenna systems.

ETA Information Technology

Computer Service Technician (CST)

For technicians diagnosing computer hardware and operating-system problems. Isolate startup, storage, power, and peripheral faults and verify that a repair restores normal operation.

Network Systems Technician (NST)

For technicians maintaining network connectivity. Trace a connection across physical links, switches, addressing, and routing; use test results to distinguish a cable fault from a configuration or network-service problem.

Wireless Network Technician (WNT)

For technicians deploying and supporting wireless data networks. Study access-point placement, channel selection, wireless security, and client connectivity. Distinguish a coverage or interference issue from authentication or wired-network problems.

Information Technology Security (ITS)

For technicians responsible for securing information systems. Work through authentication, access control, network protection, and incident response; relate a device configuration or access decision to the exposure it creates.

ETA Communications: radio and telecom

General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1)

For technicians building radio communications fundamentals. Follow audio and RF signals through a basic station, identify common radio and antenna components, and select measurements for a first-pass fault check.

General Communications Technician - Level 2 (GCT2)

For technicians moving into deeper communications troubleshooting. Relate transmitter, receiver, feed-line, and antenna behavior to symptoms, then compare test results to isolate the faulty stage.

Wireless Communications Electronics Technician (WCM)

For technicians servicing wireless communications electronics. Trace RF transmission and reception, modulation, feed lines, and antennas; relate poor range, noise, or distortion to likely equipment or installation faults.

Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM)

For technicians supporting telecommunications equipment. Follow voice or data through transmission media, interfaces, and network equipment; use signal measurements and service symptoms to isolate a fault along the path.

ETA Communications: field systems and RF testing

5G Technician (5GT)

For technicians supporting cellular networks. Follow a 5G connection from the user device through the radio access network to the core, and distinguish coverage, interference, and backhaul problems when service degrades.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

For technicians working on distributed antenna coverage. Trace the signal through the head end, distribution medium, remote units, and antennas; use measurements to distinguish a distribution fault from weak source coverage.

Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS)

For field technicians evaluating antenna feed systems. Interpret return-loss and distance-to-fault measurements to distinguish a mismatch from a damaged connector or cable section. Ask about the hands-on sweep assessment when scheduling.

Microwave Radio Technician (MRT)

For point-to-point microwave links. Study path clearance, antenna alignment, link budgets, and fading; compare received signal levels with expected performance to investigate a weak or intermittent link.

Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer (MCEI)

For vehicle communications installations. Plan power, grounding, antenna placement, and cable routing; check for voltage drop or interference and verify radio operation after installation.

RF Interference Mitigation (RFIM)

For technicians investigating interference. Distinguish unwanted signals from receiver or antenna-system faults, compare observations by frequency, location, and time, and evaluate whether filtering, shielding, or source correction addresses the cause.

ETA Communications: satellite installation

Certified Satellite Installer (CSI)

For installers setting up a satellite receiving system. Work through site selection, line of sight, dish alignment, feed and coax connections, and signal verification; distinguish an alignment problem from a cable or connector fault.

CSI S-MATV endorsement (CSI-SMATV)

For technicians distributing satellite signals to multiple outlets in a shared building. Trace signals from the receiving equipment through the distribution network and compare measurements at different outlets to isolate loss or imbalance.

Choose the right ETA credential

GCT2 requires a current GCT1 or CETa. LAS requires hands-on training and skills verification. DAS, DASI, and DAST are different credentials; specify the intended exam when requesting a quote. CSI-SMATV is an endorsement of CSI.

For ITS, prior computer and network experience is recommended. The security scope includes cryptography, social engineering, malware mitigation, recovery planning, and risk analysis. WNT addresses wireless networking; WCM addresses radio communications electronics.

ETA Communications descriptions and competencies · ETA Information Technology descriptions and competencies

Build a training plan around your equipment

Tell us your current role, the equipment you service, your experience, and the credential you need. For a team, include the number of learners, location, and preferred dates. Confirm course availability, delivery format, materials, practical activities, and exam arrangements before enrolling. For LAS, ask specifically about the hands-on sweep assessment.

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