Network Types and Concepts

Network Types and Concepts

• Networks are systems formed by links that connect devices and users.
• Host devices (end devices) are at the edge of a network, e.g., desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, printers, cameras, and IP phones.
• Intermediary devices facilitate data flow between host devices, e.g., switches, routers, wireless routers, and modems.
• Switches connect multiple devices within a network.
• Routers forward traffic between networks.
• Wireless routers enable connection for multiple wireless devices and may include switches for wired hosts.
• Access points extend the reach of a wireless network by connecting to a wireless router.
• Modems connect homes or small offices to the internet.
• Network media carries communication across a network. Examples include LAN media, WAN media, wireless media, network cloud, and internet.
• A personal area network (PAN) connects devices within the range of an individual.
• A local area network (LAN) extends within a small geographical area.
• A virtual LAN (VLAN) segments ports on a single switch.
• A wireless LAN (WLAN) connects devices wirelessly in a small area.
• A wireless mesh network (WMN) extends the reach of a WLAN. WMNs use multiple access points.
• A metropolitan area Network (MAN) spans a large campus or a city.
• A wide area network (WAN) connects networks in geographically distinct locations.
• Virtual private networks (VPNs) securely connect to another network.

Network Topologies

• PAN—Connects devices within the range of an individual
• LAN—Connects devices within a small area
• VLAN—Segment ports on a single switch.
• WLAN—Wireless network of devices in a small geographic area
• WMN—Wireless network for extending a WLAN by using multiple access points
• MAN—Network that spans across a large area, such as a city
• WAN—Network that encompasses multiple networks in large geographic regions and is often used by corporations

Internet Connection Types

• Analog Telephone: Uses analog modems on standard voice telephone lines for internet access.

• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN): Uses multiple channels for different services and is a type of broadband.

• Broadband: Uses multiple frequencies to send multiple signals simultaneously, allowing for multiple services. Examples include cable, DSL, ISDN, satellite, and cellular.

• Cable: uses coaxial cable lines to carry cable television.

• DSL: Uses existing telephone lines to provide internet access.

• Fiber: Uses light to transmit data over fiber optic cables. Offers high bandwidth for faster speeds.

Network Protocols and Standards

• TCP/IP Model layers prepare data for network transmission.
• TCP and UDP are important protocols, with TCP ensuring data arrival and UDP being faster but less reliable.
• Application layer protocols use TCP or UDP port numbers to manage application conversations.
• Well-known port numbers assigned to specific applications, such as 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS).
• Wireless protocols, like 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth, NFC, and RFID, support short-range communication and connectivity.
• Zigbee and Z-Wave are smart home standards for creating wireless mesh networks.
• Cellular generations (1G-6G) have evolved to improve data speeds.

Network Devices

• Network Interface Card (NIC): Provides the physical connection to the network for the PC.

• Repeaters: Regenerate weak signals, extending the distance a signal travels.

• Bridges: Divide LANs into segments, filtering network traffic.

• Hubs: Send data to all connected ports.

• Switches: Microsegment a LAN, only sending data to the intended device.

• Wireless Access Points (AP): Provide network access to wireless devices.

• Routers: Connect different networks, managing traffic between segments, and functioning as gateways to outside networks.

• Firewalls: Protect data and equipment from unauthorized access.

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitor Network traffic; passively detect possible attacks

• Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Actively monitor Network traffic, blocking malicious traffic as it is detected.

• Unified Threat Management Systems (UTMs): Provides several security services in one appliance.

• Endpoint Management Server: Monitors end devices, restricting access if needed.

• DNS (Domain Name System): translates domain names to IP addresses.

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

• Print Servers: Allow users to print to a single printer.

• File Servers: Used by servers for users to access files on the network.

• Web Servers: Provide access to web pages.

• Mail Servers: Handle email messages.

• Proxy Servers: Act as intermediaries between client computers and servers.

• Syslog Servers: Manage logging messages from networking devices.

• Load Balancers: Distributes network traffic across multiple servers to prevent overload.

• Cloud-based Network Controllers: Centralize management of network devices.

• Patch Panel: Collects incoming cable runs.

Test your knowledge of various network types and their components. This quiz covers host devices, intermediary devices, and network media essential for connecting devices. Gain a deeper understanding of how networks function and the roles different devices play.