Switching in Computer Networks

Switching

• Definition: Switching is the process of forwarding data packets between devices on a network.
• Types of Switching:
  • Store-and-Forward Switching: The switch stores the entire packet before forwarding it.
  • Cut-Through Switching: The switch forwards the packet as soon as the destination address is read.
• Switching Modes:
  • Half-Duplex: Data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time.
  • Full-Duplex: Data can be sent in both directions simultaneously.

Routing

• Definition: Routing is the process of determining the best path for forwarding data packets between networks.
• Types of Routing:
  • Static Routing: Routes are manually configured by the network administrator.
  • Dynamic Routing: Routes are learned automatically through routing protocols.
• Routing Protocols:
  • RIP (Routing Information Protocol): Distance-vector protocol that uses hop count as a metric.
  • OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): Link-state protocol that uses cost as a metric.
  • EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol): Hybrid protocol that uses both distance-vector and link-state methods.

Subnetting

• Definition: Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller sub-networks.
• Subnet Mask: A 32-bit mask that determines the scope of a subnet.
• Subnetting Benefits:
  • Improved Network Organization
  • Increased Security
  • Better Network Performance
• Subnetting Calculation:
  • Classful Subnetting: Uses default subnet masks.
  • Classless Subnetting: Uses variable-length subnet masks (VLSM).

Network Security

• Types of Network Threats:
  • Malware: Viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
  • Un authorized Access: Hacking, unauthorized login, and access control breaches.
  • Denial of Service (DoS): Overwhelming a network with traffic to make it unavailable.
• Network Security Measures:
  • Firewalls: Hardware or software that filters incoming and outgoing traffic.
  • Encryption: Encrypting data to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Access Control: Restricting access to network resources through authentication and authorization.

WAN and LAN

• WAN (Wide Area Network):
  • Definition: A network that connects devices over a large geographical area.
  • Examples: Internet, VPN, and MPLS networks.
• LAN (Local Area Network):
  • Definition: A network that connects devices in a limited geographical area.
  • Examples: Home networks, office networks, and campus networks.
• Key differences:
  • Geographical scope
  • Ownership and management
  • **Network size and complexity

Switching

• Switching is the process of forwarding data packets between devices on a network.
• There are two types of switching: Store-and-Forward and Cut-Through.
• Store-and-Forward Switching stores the entire packet before forwarding it.
• Cut-Through Switching forwards the packet as soon as the destination address is read.
• Switching operates in two modes: Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex.
• In Half-Duplex mode, data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time.
• In Full-Duplex mode, data can be sent in both directions simultaneously.

Routing

• Routing is the process of determining the best path for forwarding data packets between networks.
• There are two types of routing: Static Routing and Dynamic Routing.
• Static Routing involves manually configuring routes by the network administrator.
• Dynamic Routing involves learning routes automatically through routing protocols.
• There are three types of routing protocols: RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• RIP is a distance-vector protocol that uses hop count as a metric.
• OSPF is a link-state protocol that uses cost as a metric.
• EIGRP is a hybrid protocol that uses both distance-vector and link-state methods.

Subnetting

• Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller sub-networks.
• A subnet mask is a 32-bit mask that determines the scope of a subnet.
• Subnetting has three benefits: Improved Network Organization, Increased Security, and Better Network Performance.
• There are two methods of subnetting: Classful Subnetting and Classless Subnetting.
• Classful Subnetting uses default subnet masks.
• Classless Subnetting uses variable-length subnet masks (VLSM).

Network Security

• There are three types of network threats: Malware, Unauthorized Access, and Denial of Service (DoS).
• Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
• Unauthorized Access includes hacking, unauthorized login, and access control breaches.
• Denial of Service (DoS) involves overwhelming a network with traffic to make it unavailable.
• There are three network security measures: Firewalls, Encryption, and Access Control.
• Firewalls are hardware or software that filters incoming and outgoing traffic.
• Encryption involves encrypting data to prevent unauthorized access.
• Access Control restricts access to network resources through authentication and authorization.

WAN and LAN

• A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that connects devices over a large geographical area.
• Examples of WANs include the Internet, VPN, and MPLS networks.
• A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area.
• Examples of LANs include home networks, office networks, and campus networks.
• The key differences between WANs and LANs are geographical scope, ownership and management, and network size and complexity.

Switching

• Switching: process of forwarding data packets between devices on a network
• Store-and-forward switching: receives entire packet before forwarding, ensuring error-free transmission
• Cut-through switching: forwards packet as soon as destination address is read, reducing latency
• Fragment-free switching: checks packet for errors before forwarding, preventing corrupt data transmission
• Half-duplex switching mode: allows sending and receiving data, but not simultaneously
• Full-duplex switching mode: enables simultaneous sending and receiving of data
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): prevents network loops by creating a tree-like structure
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): combines multiple links for increased bandwidth and redundancy

Routing

• Routing: process of forwarding data packets between networks
• Static routing: manually configured routes, often used for small networks
• Dynamic routing: automatically learns and updates routes, suitable for large networks
• Distance-Vector Routing Protocol (RIP): uses hop count to determine best route, with a maximum hop count of 15
• Link-State Routing Protocol (OSPF): uses topology information to determine best route, with faster convergence
• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): used for routing between autonomous systems, enabling inter-network communication
• Routing tables: store information about networks, including destination addresses, next hops, and metrics

Subnetting

• Subnetting: dividing a larger network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks
• Subnet mask: determines which part of an IP address represents the network and which part represents the host
• Subnetting benefits: improved network organization, reduced network traffic, and increased security
• Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM): allows for different subnet masks in different subnets, enabling more efficient use of IP addresses
• Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR): uses a single IP address and subnet mask to represent multiple networks, reducing routing table entries

Network Security

• Network security threats: unauthorized access, malware and viruses, DoS and DDoS attacks, data theft, and interception
• Firewalls: block unauthorized access to the network, controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): restrict access to network resources, based on user identity, IP address, or other criteria
• Encryption: protects data in transit, using protocols like SSL/TLS, IPsec, and Kerberos
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): detect and respond to security threats, reducing network vulnerability

This quiz covers the basics of switching in computer networks, including types of switching and switching modes.