Introduction to Computer Networking

Introduction to Networking

• This module introduces the fundamentals of networking
• Highlights the importance of networks in daily life

Topic Structure

• Networks impact daily activities
• Networks rely on host and network devices
• There are network representations and topologies explained
• Different types of networks exist
• LANs and WANs interconnect to the internet
• Reliable network requires basic elements
• Trends like BYOD and cloud computing affect interactions
• Security threats and solutions exist within networks
• There are abundant employment positions available as IT Professional

Key Terms

• Host/Peer to Peer
• Client and server
• End Devices/Intermediary Devices
• Network Media
• Local Area Network/Wide Area Network
• Fault Tolerant
• Reliability
• Scalability
• Quality of Services
• BYOD
• Online Collaboration
• Cloud Computing
• Security Threats and Solutions

Networks and Connectivity

• Communication is crucial and networks connect us more than ever before
• Networks create a world without boundaries and global communities
• Networks allows for connections across a human network

Network Components and Devices

• Hosts or end devices are computers within a network
• Servers provide information to end devices
• Email servers, web servers, and file servers are some examples of servers
• Clients request information from servers, such as web pages or emails

Peer-to-Peer Networks

• Devices can function as both clients and servers in a Peer-to-Peer Network
• This network design is best for small networks
• Easy to set up
• Less complex and lower cost
• No centralized administration and is not as secure or scalable
• Performance is slower for file transfers and printer sharing

End Devices

• A message originates or is received by an end device
• Data flows through the network via these devices

Intermediary Network Devices

• Intermediary devices connect end devices
• Switches, wireless access points, routers, and firewalls are intermediary devices
• Management of data includes regenerating signals, maintaining pathway information, and notifying devices of errors

Network Media

• Communication travels through a medium
• Metal wires use electrical impulses
• Glass or plastic fibers use pulses of light
• Wireless uses modulation of electromagnetic waves

Network Representations

• Network diagrams, or topology diagrams, use symbols to represent devices
• Key terms include: Network Interface Card (NIC), Physical Port, Interface
• Port and interface are often used interchangeably

Topology Types

• Physical topology diagrams illustrates the physical location of intermediary devices and cable installation
• Logical topology diagrams illustrate devices, ports, and the addressing scheme

Common Types of Networks

• Small Home Networks connect a few computers to each other and the internet
• Small Office/Home Office enables a computer within a home or remote office to connect to a corporate network
• Medium to Large Networks connects locations with hundreds or thousands of interconnected computers
• World Wide Networks connects millions of computers globally, like the internet

LANS and WANS

• Network infrastructures are defined by size, users, services, and responsibility
• Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) are the most common
• LANs interconnect end devices in a limited area with high-speed bandwidth
• LANs are managed by a single organization or individual
• WANs interconnect LANs over wide areas
• WANs are administered by service providers with slower speed links

Internet Structure

• The internet is a global network of interconnected LANs and WANs
• Uses copper wires, fiber optic cables, and wireless transmissions
• Managed by organizations like IETF, ICANN, and IAB

Intranets and Extranets

• Intranets are private networks within an organization for members with authorization
• Extranets provide secure network access for external individuals to access internal Data

Internet Connections

• There a variety of ways to connect to the internet for both users and organizations

Home vs Business Internet

• Home users use broadband cable, DSL, wireless WANs, and mobile services
• Organizations need faster connections for IP phones and video
• Business-class connections include business DSL, leased lines, and Metro Ethernet

Home/Small Office Options

• Cable connection, high bandwidth and offered by cable television service providers
• DSL connection, Also provide high bandwidth running over a telephone line
• Cellular, uses a cell phone network
• Satellite provides connectivity in rural areas
• Dial-up telephone, inexpensive and uses a modem for lower bandwidth

Business Options

• Dedicated Leased Line are reserved circuits that networks that connect distant offices with private voice and/or data networking
• Ethernet WAN extends LAN access technology into the WAN
• Business DSL is available in various formats including Symmetric Digital Subscriber Lines (SDSL)
• Satellite provides a connection where wired solutions are impossible

Network Convergence

• Early networks used separate cabling for telephone, video, and data
• Modern converged networks carry multiple services on one link

Reliable Network Characteristics

• Network Architecture supports data access
• There are four basic characteristics that underlies a network; Fault Tolerance, reliability, Quality of Service (QoS) and security.

Fault Tolerance

• A fault tolerant network limits the impact of a failure which limit the # devices effected
• Multiple paths are required
• Packet switching splits traffic effectively
• Each packet could theoretically take a different path to the destination
• This is not possible with circuit-switched networks which establish dedicated circuits

Scalability

• A scalable network can expand easily to support new users
• New users and application can be supported without impacting existing performance or users
• Network designers follow accepted standards

Quality of Service

• Voice and live video transmissions require higher expectations for those services being delivered
• Quality of Service (QoS) is the primary mechanism used to ensure reliable content delivery
• Routers manage flows more effectively using data and voice traffic

Network Security

• Addresses infrastructure, physical security, and access
• Protects information
• Three principles exist: confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Current Network Trends

• Networks adapt to new technologies and devices
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) allowing user device freedom
• Online collaboration over Joint networks
• Video communication is a critical communication

Recent Network Trends

• Collaboration through networks across projects
• Tools such as Cisco Webex
• Cisco Webex is a multifunctional Collaboration Tool
• Allowing to send instant messages, post images, videos and links

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

• Allows to use personal device
• Giving more opportunity and flexibility by using what they are familiar with
• Users freedom to access personal tool, info and communicate
• Allowing Tablets, Laptops, smartphones etc

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing allows storing of data and personal files on servers over the internet
• Applications can be reached using the Cloud
• Allowing any device businesses anywhere
• Cloud made possible by data centers.
• Services can be leaser in larger data center, if Data centers cannot be created

Aspects of Cloud Computing

• Public Clouds are available for general public through a pay-per-use model or for free.
• Private Clouds are Intended for a specific organization or entity such as the government.
• Hybrid Clouds Made up of two or more Cloud types – for example, part custom and part public as each part remains are connected using the same architecture..
• Custom Clouds can be built to meet to needs of healthcare and media for example is private or public.

Home Technology Trends

• Technology to be in integrated in everyday applications
• Ovens might know what time to cook the meal
• Smart home to be in everyrooms

Powerline Networking.

• Allowing data, and connection on a LAN network
• Useful for all Wireless connection not capable in the home
• Allows to connect device to LAN

Wireless broadband.

• In addition to broadband the wireless can be an option
• Found mainly in environmental is a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) which can connects subscriber access points or hotspots access
• Broadband is good for small business
• Cellular device/technology used by Smartphones.
• Antenna outside home provide connectivity for device in home

Network Security & threats

• Threats comes from external and internal actors regardless if it is a small/big organization
• Implement security environment and securing data
• Securing network need technologies, protocols, tools

Threats on Networks

• Threats from the outside
• Malware
• Zero-day Attacks
• Denial of service attacks
• Data theft
• Identity theft

Threats internally

• lost or stolen devices
• misuse
• malicious

Security Network Solutions

• Must always have levels of Security

• Antivirus

• End device security

• Firewall

• Block Unauthorized access

• Security list to create additional Security

IT Job

• Certified to know foundational technology

• Stay relevant for new upcoming Technologies

• New IT to learn foundation of IP and learn security Topics

• To to validate with Associate and Professional

Networking Jobs

• netacad.com
• bridge matching, and search with Cisco.
• networking academic program