comptia netowork + Mike Myers chapter 1

Workstation vs. Server

• Workstations are computers designed for individual use, typically with higher processing power and graphics capabilities than servers.
• Servers are dedicated to providing resources and services to other computers on a network.

Client Machines

• Client machines are devices that request services from servers.

Servers

• Servers are designed primarily for sharing resources and services with other devices on a network.

Host

• Host refers to a device that provides services or resources to other devices on a network.

Dedicating a Server to a Single Task

• Dedicating a server to a single task enhances performance and resource utilization by eliminating potential contention for resources between multiple applications.

Network Topologies

• Mesh is a network topology where each device is directly connected to every other device, allowing for high redundancy and decentralized management.

Three-Tier Hierarchical Model

• In a three-tier hierarchical model, the distribution layer acts as a bridge between access layer devices and the core layer.

Traffic Flow Types

• East-west traffic describes data flow between servers and clients located within the same data center.

Network Topology Characteristics

• Star topology is commonly used when centralized management is required, with all devices connected to a central hub or switch.
• Bus topology enables devices to directly communicate with each other without a centralized device, using a shared communication channel.
• Hybrid network combines elements of different topologies to leverage their strengths and address specific needs.

LANs

• Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects devices within a limited geographical area, like a building or office.
• LANs are typically found in smaller areas like homes, offices, and schools, and provide a shared resource for connected devices.
• Hubs and switches are connectivity devices that facilitate communication within a LAN, allowing devices to share data.
• Workgroups are collections of devices on a LAN that share resources and can be managed independently.

Routers

• Routers connect different networks and manage traffic between them, ensuring data is routed efficiently and securely.

Network Security

• Workgroups on a LAN without a security association may be vulnerable to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Workgroup Resources

• Resources connected to a specific workgroup on a LAN are typically accessible only to devices within that workgroup.

Networking Advantages and Disadvantages

• Collapsed core refers to a simplified network design where the distribution and core layers are combined into a single layer.
• Larger workgroups can experience increased contention for shared resources.
• North-south traffic refers to communication between devices located on different networks.
• Routers improve network efficiency between two LANs by directing traffic based on destination network, preventing congestion and improving overall performance.

Three-Tier Model and Traffic Flow

• The distribution layer in a three-tier model handles the main data distribution functionality.
• East-west traffic primarily involves communication within the same data center between servers and clients.
• Merging two workgroups into one without a router can lead to security vulnerabilities and limited control over traffic between the workgroups.

Network Devices and Topologies

• Full mesh topology features a dedicated connection between every device in the network, offering high resilience but requiring significant infrastructure and complexity.
• WAN networks connect multiple LANs across large geographical distances.
• Ring topology has devices interconnected in a closed loop, with data flowing in one direction.
• Mesh topology, where each device has multiple connections to other devices, is commonly used in scenarios requiring high fault tolerance and redundancy.

Ring Topology Limitations and Applications

• Ring topology is not fault-tolerant because a failure in one node can interrupt the entire network.
• Ring topology is still used in niche applications like fiber channel networks for storage area networks (SANs).

Hybrid Mesh Topology Advantages

• Hybrid mesh topology provides the redundancy and decentralized management of a full mesh topology with reduced infrastructure costs and complexity.

Mesh Topology Considerations

• Mesh topology can be complex to configure and manage due to the numerous connections between devices.
• Hybrid mesh topology differs from a full mesh topology by connecting devices partially through a central point, offering a balance between redundancy and infrastructure.