Networking Fundamentals

Networking Fundamentals

Network Topologies

• Physical Topology: The physical layout of devices in a network
  • Examples: Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh
• Logical Topology: The way data flows through a network
  • Examples: Bus, Token Ring, Ethernet

Network Protocols

• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): A suite of protocols used for communication on the internet
  • TCP: ensures reliable data transfer, error-checking, and correction
  • IP: assigns IP addresses, routing, and packet forwarding
• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): A protocol for transferring data over the internet
  • Used for web browsing, requests, and responses

Network Devices

• Routers: Connect multiple networks, route traffic, and forward packets
• Switches: Connect devices within a network, forward packets, and manage traffic
• Hubs: Simple network devices that connect multiple devices, repeating incoming data signals
• Modems: Modulate and demodulate signals for internet connectivity

Network Types

• LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects devices in a limited geographical area
• WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that covers a larger geographical area, often using telecommunications networks
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network that connects devices in a metropolitan area
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A network that connects devices wirelessly in a limited area

Networking Fundamentals

Network Topologies

• Physical Topology defines the physical layout of devices in a network, including bus, star, ring, and mesh configurations.
• Logical Topology defines the way data flows through a network, including bus, token ring, and ethernet configurations.

Network Protocols

TCP/IP Suite

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures reliable data transfer, error-checking, and correction.
• IP (Internet Protocol) assigns IP addresses, routes, and forwards packets.

HTTP

• Hypertext Transfer Protocol is used for transferring data over the internet, specifically for web browsing, requests, and responses.

Network Devices

Routers

• Routers connect multiple networks, route traffic, and forward packets between networks.

Switches

• Switches connect devices within a network, forward packets, and manage traffic at the data link layer.

Hubs

• Hubs are simple network devices that connect multiple devices, repeating incoming data signals.

Modems

• Modems modulate and demodulate signals for internet connectivity, enabling data transmission over phone or cable lines.

Network Types

LAN

• Local Area Network (LAN) connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or building.

WAN

• Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a larger geographical area, often using telecommunications networks, such as a city or country.

MAN

• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects devices in a metropolitan area, such as a university or business campus.

WLAN

• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connects devices wirelessly in a limited area, such as a home or coffee shop.