Networking Basics

• Network refers to a collection of computing devices connected by wired or wireless means.
• Data consists of raw facts and figures.
• A data packet is a small unit of data prepared for network transmission.
• Sustainability is achieved when a network is easy to maintain long-term.
• Equipment is fit for purpose when it is well-designed for its intended use.
• An active internet connection provides a working link to the internet.
• High bandwidth connections allow for rapid data transfer.
• Interference occurs when signals disrupt data transmissions.
• Network topology is a diagram showing the layout and connections of network devices.

Network Types

• A Personal Area Network (PAN) covers a small area, connecting devices to a smartphone or computer.
• A Local Area Network (LAN) operates within a limited area, such as a building.
• A server is a powerful computer offering services like file storage and user management.
• A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans a large geographical area, like a city or country.
• An Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers internet access and equipment to connect LANs to WANs.

Network Hardware

• Hardware includes physical computer components like processors and storage.
• A router connects different networks.
• A network switch creates a wired network by connecting devices.
• Every network-connected device has a Network Interface Card (NIC) with a unique MAC address.
• A MAC address uniquely identifies a device on a network via its NIC.
• A wireless access point enables Wi-Fi connections to a network.
• A file server stores and shares users' files on a network.
• A firewall is a security system that manages network traffic to ensure data safety.
• Network traffic is the amount of data moving through a network.
• A terminator absorbs signals at the end of a network cable to prevent signal reflection.
• Colliding occurs when data packets interfere with each other, leading to errors.
• Ring topology connects devices in a circular manner.
• Star topology connects each device to a central switch.

Protocols and Addressing

• A protocol is a set of rules for data transfer between devices.
• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) enables data transfer.
• An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a computer on a network.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) governs communication with web servers.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) enhances the security of HTTP with encryption.
• A domain name is part of a URL that specifies an internet location.
• Scalability is the ability to add more devices to a network.
• A cyber-attack attempts to gain unauthorized network access for malicious purposes.
• An administrator account has full control to change settings and manage users.
• Cloud computing uses internet servers for computing services.
• Online storage services store files on remote servers.
• A Network Operating System (NOS) provides network management tools.
• An operating system manages computer hardware and software, interfacing with users.
• Utilities software maintains device functionality.
• Software consists of programs that instruct a computer.
• A device driver operates hardware connected to a computer.
• Defragmentation reorganizes stored files for efficiency.
• A hard disk drive is a removable storage device.
• User management involves adding or removing users from a network.
• Virus scanning checks files for malicious software.
• Backup copies files to another location for safety.
• Encryption converts information into a secure, unreadable format.
• Connecting remotely means accessing a network from another location via the internet.

Data and Security

• A bit is a binary digit, represented as 0 or 1.
• Binary data is data represented using 0s and 1s.
• A hacker attempts to gain unauthorized access to a system.
• Parity-checking is a method for error detection.
• A byte is a unit of data consisting of 8 bits.
• A parity bit is added to data for error detection.
• A dataset is a collection of related data.
• A table arranges data in rows and columns.
• A character is a single letter, digit, or symbol.
• A brute-force attack attempts to guess passwords through multiple combinations.
• Two-factor authentication requires two verification steps for login.
• Fingerprint recognition identifies users based on their fingerprints.
• Facial recognition authenticates users by matching facial images.
• Authentication is the process of verifying user details.
• Plaintext is unencrypted, readable text.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows systems to learn and adapt.
• Machine learning enables computers to improve performance over time.
• A two-dimensional parity check is used to identify data errors.
• A parity byte is added to data for validation.
• A block is a sequence of 0s and 1s.
• A command line is a text-based interface for operating systems.
• A Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides a visual interface for software interaction.
• Bus topology connects all devices via a central cable.
• Biometric security uses physical attributes for authentication.