Networking Fundamentals

Study Notes

Switching

A switch is a network device that connects multiple devices within a network
Switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model
Switches forward frames based on MAC addresses
Types of switches:
- Unmanaged switches: simple, no configuration options
- Managed switches: configurable, with features like VLANs and QoS
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches: provide power to devices over Ethernet cables

TCP/IP

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect devices on the internet
TCP/IP is the standard protocol used for internet communication
Key components of TCP/IP:
- IP (Internet Protocol): responsible for addressing and routing packets
- TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): ensures reliable, error-checked data transfer
- UDP (User Datagram Protocol): ensures fast, best-effort data transfer
- ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): used for error-reporting and diagnostic functions
- DNS (Domain Name System): translates domain names to IP addresses

Subnetting

Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks
Subnetting allows for more efficient use of IP addresses and improved network organization
Key subnetting concepts:
- Subnet mask: a 32-bit number that determines the scope of a subnet
- Subnet ID: the unique identifier of a subnet
- Host ID: the unique identifier of a device on a subnet
- CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) notation: a shorthand way to represent subnets and IP addresses

Routing

Routing is the process of forwarding packets between networks
Routers operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model
Key routing concepts:
- Routing tables: store information about reachable networks and the best path to reach them
- Routing protocols: algorithms used to update routing tables and determine the best path
- Static routing: manual configuration of routing tables
- Dynamic routing: automatic updating of routing tables using routing protocols

Network Security

Network security refers to the measures taken to protect a network from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction
Key network security concepts:
- Firewall: a network device or software that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic
- Authentication: the process of verifying the identity of a user or device
- Authorization: the process of determining what actions a user or device can perform on a network
- Encryption: the process of converting plaintext data into unreadable ciphertext
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): a secure, encrypted connection between two endpoints over the internet

Description

Test your knowledge of networking basics, including switching, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, and network security. Learn about network devices, protocols, and security measures that enable communication and protect networks.