Computer Networks Fundamentals

Computer Networks

Network Topologies

• Physical Topology: The physical layout of devices and connections in a network.
  • Examples: bus, star, ring, mesh, tree
• Logical Topology: The way data is transmitted through the network.
  • Examples: broadcast, unicast, multicast

Network Types

• LAN (Local Area Network): A network that spans a small geographic area (e.g., home, office building).
• WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that spans a large geographic area (e.g., city, country).
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A LAN that uses wireless communication.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network that spans a metropolitan area.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that spans a large geographic area.

Network Protocols

• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The most widely used protocol suite.
  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): A transport-layer protocol that ensures reliable data transfer.
  • IP (Internet Protocol): A network-layer protocol that routes data packets.
• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): An application-layer protocol for transferring data over the web.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): An application-layer protocol for transferring files.

Network Devices

• Hub: A simple network device that broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices.
• Switch: A network device that forwards incoming data to specific devices based on MAC addresses.
• Router: A network device that connects multiple networks and routes data between them.
• Gateway: A network device that connects multiple networks and routes data between them.

Network Architectures

• Client-Server Architecture: A network architecture where clients request resources from a central server.
• Peer-to-Peer Architecture: A network architecture where devices act as both clients and servers.

Network Security

• Firewall: A network device that filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules.
• Encryption: The process of converting plaintext data into unreadable ciphertext.
• Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of devices or users on a network.
• Authorization: The process of controlling access to network resources based on user identity.

Test your knowledge of computer networks, including network topologies, types, protocols, devices, architectures, and security measures.