Network Types Overview

Network Types

• Personal Area Network (PAN): Connects personal devices like phones, tablets, and laptops over short distances using Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication). Good for transferring small files like photos, music, and videos. Example: Pairing devices via USB cable
• Local Area Network (LAN): Connects devices within a small physical location like a home, school, or office. Common types include Ethernet LANs (wired) and Wi-Fi LANs (wireless). Example: Connecting computers, servers, printers, and switches in a school or a home.
• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): Connects devices to a network and the internet wirelessly using Wi-Fi. Enables connections within limited areas like homes, offices, and schools.
• Campus Area Network (CAN): Interconnects multiple LANs within a campus, corporate park, or military base. Acts as a bridge for various departments, buildings, and facilities to communicate and share resources.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects multiple LANs within a metropolitan area (like a city or large campus). Used for communication between banks, colleges, government agencies, and military bases.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): Extends over large geographical areas (like states or countries) connecting businesses, governments, and educational institutions. The internet is a giant WAN.

Network Links

• Communication Channel: Connects two or more devices for transferring data.
• Types of Links:
  • Point-to-Point: Dedicated link between two devices for secure file sharing, data backup, CCTV, and credit card processing.
  • Point-to-Multipoint: Shared channel between one transmitter and multiple receivers, allowing communication between multiple devices.
  • Private and Public: Can be private for exclusive use or public for shared access.

Network Node

• Active Device: Connected to a network that can send and receive data.
• Examples:
  • Computers (desktops, laptops, servers)
  • Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets)
  • Network devices (routers, switches, hubs)
  • Printers
  • IoT devices (smart TVs, security cameras)

Domain Name System (DNS)

• Domain Name to IP Address Converter: Translates human-readable domain names like "google.com" into numerical IP addresses used by browsers to access internet pages.
• Every Device has a Unique IP Address: Used for identification and location on the internet.
• DNS Servers facilitate Lookup: Allow users to access websites by entering domain names instead of complicated IP addresses.

DNS Query Types

• Recursive Query: The querying server does the entire search until it finds the answer or fails.
• Iterative Query: The querying server starts the lookup and then delegates it to other servers progressively.
• Non-Recursive Query: The querying server requests an answer from one specific server only.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

• Secure Access: Provides a secure way to access office data even when working remotely.
• Privacy and Anonymity: Encrypts communications to protect privacy and hide online activities from trackers.
• Protection on Unsecured Networks: Protects sensitive information when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Active Directory Domain

• Directory Service (Database): Stores user accounts, computer information, and other network resources.
• Domain Controller: Manages and controls the Active Directory.
• Organizational Units: Organize network resources like users, groups, and computers.
• Centralized Security: Provides central control for user accounts, passwords, and security policies.

Router

• Networking Device: Connects different network segments and forwards data packets between them.
• Determines Best Path: Analyzes routing tables to find the optimal route for data transmission.
• Stores Data in Routing Tables: Contains information about connected networks and paths to reach them.
• Operates at Network Layer (OSI Model): Responsible for routing data packets across networks.

Basic Networking Concepts

• Nodes: Devices (computers, servers, routers) connected to a network.
• Links: Physical or wireless connections between nodes that transmit data.
• Protocols: Rules that govern communication between devices, ensuring data transfer is done correctly.
• Topologies: Physical arrangements of devices in a network (like bus, star, or ring) that impact data flow.

Network Security Principles

• Firewalls: Control network traffic and block unwanted connections.
• Encryption: Transforms data into unreadable code to protect it during transmission.
• Anti-Malware: Detects and removes malicious software from networks.
• Access Control: Restricts access to network resources based on user permissions.

Internet Applications and Services

• The internet provides a vast range of applications and services for communication, information access, entertainment, and more.

Explore the different types of networks including Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Campus Area Network (CAN). Each network type serves distinct purposes and environments, enhancing connectivity and resource sharing. Test your knowledge on their functionalities and applications.