Computer Networking Basics

Study Notes

Host Roles

Every computer on a network is identified as a host or end device.
Servers provide data to clients, which include email servers, web servers, and file servers.
Clients request data from servers, such as web pages from web servers and emails from email servers.

Peer-to-Peer Networks

Devices can function as both clients and servers in Peer-to-Peer Networks.
Recommended only for very small networks due to efficiency challenges.

End Devices

End devices are the sources or destinations of messages in a network.
Data flows from one end device, through the network, to another end device.

Intermediary Network Devices

Intermediary devices connect end devices and include switches, routers, wireless access points, and firewalls.
Functions include regenerating and retransmitting data signals, maintaining network pathways, and notifying devices of errors.

Network Media

Communication across networks occurs through various media, facilitating message transfer between sources and destinations.
Key components: Network Interface Card (NIC), Physical Ports, and Interfaces.

Topology Diagrams

Physical topology diagrams show the arrangement of intermediary devices and cabling in a network.

Networks of Various Sizes

Small Home Networks connect a few computers and the Internet.
Small Office/Home Office networks link computers to a corporate network.
Medium to large networks support hundreds or thousands of interconnected devices.
World Wide Networks, like the Internet, connect millions of computers globally.

The Internet

The Internet is a vast collection of interconnected Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
LANs connect through WANs, which may use copper wires, fiber optic cables, or wireless technology.
The Internet is not privately owned; structured maintenance is managed by various groups.

Intranets and Extranets

An intranet is a private network of LANs/WANs within an organization, accessible only to authorized users.

Packet Tracer - Network Representation

The activity focuses on numerous technologies applicable in CCNA studies.

Network Architecture

Refers to technologies enabling data movement across networks.
Must address four characteristics: Fault Tolerance, Scalability, Quality of Service (QoS), and Security.

Fault Tolerance

Limits failure impact by restricting the number of devices affected.
Requires multiple pathways to ensure continuity.

Scalability

Allows rapid expansion to accommodate new users and applications without degrading service performance.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Essential for ensuring reliable voice and live video services.
Inadequate QoS can lead to performance issues like interruptions in live video due to bandwidth shortages.

Recent Trends

Networks are evolving to meet the demands of new technologies and user devices.
The landscape of wireless broadband continues to expand beyond DSL and cable options.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental roles in computer networking, including host devices, servers, and clients. It also explores the concept of Peer-to-Peer networks and the interaction between devices in a network. Test your understanding of these essential networking concepts!