Basic Networking Concepts & Knowledge
Networking is the foundation of communication between computers and devices. It allows data
to be transmitted efficiently. Below are the key concepts you need to understand:
1. What is Networking?
🔹 Networking is the process of connecting two or more devices to share data, resources, and
communication.
🔹 Example: The Internet is the largest network connecting billions of devices worldwide.
2. Types of Networks
Networks can be categorized based on their size and coverage:
3. Network Devices & Their Functions
💻 End Devices → Computers, Smartphones, Printers
📡 Network Devices (connect devices together):
4. Network Topologies (How Devices Connect)
📌 Topology refers to the structure of a network.
5. Networking Protocols (Rules for Communication)
Protocols define how devices communicate over a network.
6. IP Addressing & Subnetting
An IP Address is a unique identifier for devices on a network.
📌 Types of IP Addresses
IPv4 (Example: 192.168.1.1) – Most common, uses 32-bit addresses.
IPv6 (Example: 2001:db8::1) – Newer, uses 128-bit addresses for more space.
📌 Private vs Public IPs
Private IPs: Used within a local network (e.g., 192.168.1.x, 10.0.0.x)
Public IPs: Used for Internet communication (assigned by ISPs).
📌 Subnetting
Subnetting divides a large network into smaller parts. Example:
192.168.1.0/24 → 256 IPs
192.168.1.128/25 → 128 IPs
7. OSI & TCP/IP Models (How Data Moves in a Network)
📌 OSI Model (7 Layers)
1. Physical (Cables, Wi-Fi)
2. Data Link (MAC addresses, Ethernet, Switch)
3. Network (IP addresses, Router)
4. Transport (TCP/UDP, Port Numbers)
5. Session (Manages sessions)
6. Presentation (Encryption, Formatting)
7. Application (Web, Email, FTP)
📌 TCP/IP Model (Simplified Version)
1. Network Interface (Physical, Data Link)
2. Internet (Network, IP, Router)
3. Transport (TCP/UDP, Ports)
4. Application (Web, Email, FTP, DNS)
8. TCP vs UDP (Transport Layer Protocols)
9. Basic Networking Commands
These commands help test and troubleshoot networks.
10. Network Security Basics
📌 Common Threats
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) – Overloading a network with traffic.
MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) – Intercepting communication between devices.
Phishing – Tricking users into giving sensitive data.
📌 Basic Security Measures
Use firewalls to block unauthorized access.
Enable encryption (e.g., HTTPS, VPNs).
Set strong passwords and enable 2FA.
Summary
✅ Understand network types (LAN, WAN, WLAN)
✅ Learn about network devices (Router, Switch, Hub)
✅ Know about IP addressing & subnetting
✅ Understand protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, DNS, DHCP, SSH)
✅ Master OSI & TCP/IP models
✅ Use basic networking commands (ping, tracert, nslookup)
✅ Follow security best practices
