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Understanding network basics is fundamental to grasping how computer networks operate. Here’s an overview of essential concepts:
1. Networking Fundamentals
- Network: A collection of interconnected devices that can communicate with each other and share resources.
- Node: Any device connected to a network, such as computers, printers, or routers.
- Network Interface Card (NIC): A hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network.
2. Types of Networks
- Local Area Network (LAN): A network covering a small geographic area, like a home or office. Typically uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi for connectivity.
- Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that spans a large geographic area, often connecting multiple LANs. The internet is the largest example of a WAN.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Covers a larger geographic area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city.
- Personal Area Network (PAN): A small network used for personal devices within a short range, like connecting a smartphone to a laptop via Bluetooth.
3. Network Topologies
- Star Topology: All devices are connected to a central hub or switch. Easy to manage and troubleshoot.
- Bus Topology: All devices are connected to a single central cable. Simple but can be problematic if the main cable fails.
- Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular fashion. Data travels in one direction around the ring.
- Mesh Topology: Every device is connected to every other device. Provides high redundancy and reliability.
- Hybrid Topology: A combination of two or more different topologies.
4. Networking Models
5. IP Addressing
- IP Address: A unique identifier for a device on a network. Can be IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) or IPv6 (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
- Subnet Mask: Defines the network and host portions of an IP address (e.g., 255.255.255.0).
- Default Gateway: The router or device that connects a local network to other networks (usually the internet).
6. Networking Devices
- Router: Connects multiple networks and directs data between them.
- Switch: Connects devices within the same network and manages data traffic.
- Hub: A basic device that connects multiple devices but does not manage traffic (less common today).
- Access Point (AP): Connects wireless devices to a wired network.
- Modem: Modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission over telephone lines or cable.
7. Protocols
- HTTP/HTTPS: Protocols for transferring web pages (HTTP is unsecured, HTTPS is secured).
- FTP/SFTP: Protocols for transferring files (FTP is unsecured, SFTP is secured).
- SMTP: Protocol for sending emails.
- POP3/IMAP: Protocols for receiving emails (POP3 downloads, IMAP synchronizes).
8. Network Security
- Firewall: A security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
- Antivirus: Software that protects against malicious software.
- Encryption: The process of encoding data to protect it from unauthorized access.
9. Bandwidth and Latency
- Bandwidth: The maximum rate of data transfer across a network.
- Latency: The time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination.
10. Network Services
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
- DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names (like www.thesanu.online) into IP addresses.
Understanding these basics provides a solid foundation for more advanced networking topics and helps in troubleshooting, designing, and managing network systems.
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