Untitled Quiz

Comparing and Contrasting OSI Model Layers and SOHO Networks

• Networks rely on common standards and models describing how devices and protocols connect.
• The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is important for implementation and support of systems.
• The OSI model breaks data communication into discrete layers.
• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed the OSI reference model to improve understanding of how components in a network system work by separating the function of hardware and software components into seven discrete layers.

OSI Model Layers and Functions

• Layer 7: Application
• Layer 6: Presentation
• Layer 5: Session
• Layer 4: Transport
• Layer 3: Network
• Layer 2: Data Link
• Layer 1: Physical

SOHO Network Configurations

• SOHO networks are a type of LAN.
• SOHO routers are the intermediate systems powering SOHO networks. One of their main functions is to forward traffic between the LAN and the WAN.
• The OSI model helps in understanding the various connections and configuration options for components within a typical SOHO router.

Ethernet Standards

• Ethernet dominates the wired LAN market.
• Its popularity stems from ease of installation and upgradability and is used in large and small networks.
• Ethernet standards ensure that network cabling meets bandwidth requirements of applications, specify bit rate, and distance limitations.
• Media Access Control (MAC) manages when nodes communicate on shared media and handles situations where multiple devices attempt simultaneous communication.

Copper and Fiber Cabling Types

• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable is widely used in telephone systems and data networks. It consists of a pair of insulated wires twisted together for a balanced signal.
• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables are less susceptible to interference and are used in high-interference environments.
• Fiber optic cabling uses pulses of light for signaling, less susceptible to interference, and suffers less from attenuation over long distances than copper cables.

Network Data Transmission

• All networks signal using some form of electromagnetic radiation (radio waves, infrared light, etc.).
• The electromagnetic radiation forms a carrier wave with a given bandwidth.
• A signal is transmitted over the wave through modulation and encoding.
• One encoding example is transitioning between high and low voltage (characteristic of the wave-amplitude).

Network Devices

• Repeaters: Boost or amplify signals over long distances. Work at Layer 1.
• Hubs: Broadcasts data to all connected devices. Work at Layer 1.
• Bridges: Connect network segments and make decisions about where to forward traffic based on MAC addresses. Work at Layer 2.
• Switches: Efficiently forward data only to the intended recipient using MAC addresses. Work at Layer 2.
• Routers: Direct data between networks using IP addresses. Work at Layer 3.
• Media Converters: Convert signals between different types of media (e.g., copper to fiber and vice versa). Work at Layer 1.
• Transceivers: Transmit and receive signals concurrently in a network cable, converting digital data for transmission over network cables, and vice versa. Work at Layer 1.

Network Evaluation

• A network is a system of interconnected devices that communicate and share resources.
• Networks can range from small home networks to large enterprise networks.
• Network evaluation assesses a network's performance, security, and capacity to meet current and future needs.
• Network evaluation is important for identifying performance bottlenecks, assessing security vulnerabilities, and planning for growth.

Network Components

• Network Interface Card (NIC): Allows a computer or server to communicate on a network. It converts data from a device into format transmittable over a network medium (e.g., Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi).
• Cables and Connectors: Physically connect devices within the network. This includes Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6) and Fiber Optic cables.
• Routers: Connect different networks, manage traffic between networks, and are essential for connecting a local network (LAN) to the internet (WAN).
• Switches: Control data traffic within a local area network (LAN), improving performance and minimizing collisions.
• Access Points (APs): Provide wireless network coverage.

Network Standards

• IEEE 802 standards (Ethernet and Wi-Fi)
• OSI model
• TCP/IP protocol suite

Network Troubleshooting

• Cable Issues: Start by verifying cables, ports, and connections at Layer 1 of the OSI model.
• Layer 2 Issues: Check MAC addresses and switch configurations.
• Layer 3 Issues: Verify IP configurations, routing tables, and gateway settings.
• Application Issues: Examine application-layer protocols from higher layers of the model.
• Network Monitoring tools, for example; Wireshark, Packet sniffers, Netstat.

Network Security

• Network security principles ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
• Security controls like Firewalls, IPS, MFA, VPNs protect networks from breaches.
• Network segmentation isolates specific parts of a network
• Best practices are vital in maintaining network security to prevent potential attacks.

Network Design

• Network design outlines physical layout, anticipates future requirements, defines traffic, and assesses security challenges.
• Essential considerations in network design include scalability, performance optimization, redundancy, and security.
• Key network design components: networking standards, appropriate topology (e.g., star, bus, ring or hybrid) and planning for network scalability, bandwidth, appropriate security configuration, and other elements.