1.
Terminologies in Networking
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): A numerical label assigned to devices on a network. It can be
static (manually set) or dynamic (assigned by DHCP).
MAC Address (Media Access Control Address): A hardware address unique to a device's NIC (Network
Interface Card).
Bandwidth: The maximum capacity of a network to transmit data, measured in bits per second (bps).
Latency: The time it takes for a data packet to travel from source to destination, typically easured in
milliseconds (ms).
Protocol: A set of standardized rules for data transmission. Examples include:
TCP/IP(Transmission Control Protocol): Used for internet communication.
HTTP/HTTPS(Hyper text transfer Protocol(secured)): Protocol for web browsing.
FTP(File Transfer Protocol): Used for file transfer.
Firewall: A security system that monitors and controls network traffic, protecting against unauthorized
access.
Broadcast: A message sent to all devices on a network.
Multicast: A message sent to few but not all devices on a network.
Unicast: One-to-one communication on s network.
Cluster computing: A network architecture that allows group of computers to work together share
available resources.
Bits: 0s and 1s.
Network admin: An individual who has full control over the network.
2. Types of Network
Based on Architecture:
1. Peer-to-Peer (P2P):
All devices are equal and share resources directly without a central server.
Example: Home file-sharing networks.
2. Client-Server:
Centralized server provides services or resources to clients.
Example: A company email system with a central mail server.
Based on Size:
1. PAN (Personal Area Network):
Small network for personal devices (e.g., connecting a phone to Bluetooth headphones).
2. LAN (Local Area Network):
Covers a limited area, such as a single building or office.
Example: School or office networks.
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):
Covers a city or large campus.
Example: City-wide Wi-Fi networks.
4. WAN (Wide Area Network):
Covers a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs.
Example: The internet.
Based on Data Communication:
1. Simplex:
Data flows in one direction only.
Example: TV broadcasting.
2. Half-Duplex:
Data flows in both directions, but only one at a time.
Example: Walkie-talkies.
3. Full-Duplex:
Simultaneous two-way data flow.
Example: Telephone communication.
Internet, Intranet, and Extranet:
1. Internet:
A global network connecting millions of private, public, academic, and governmental networks.
Example: Browsing websites, streaming services.
2. Intranet:
A private network accessible only to an organization’s staff, designed for internal use.
Example: Company internal portals for employees.
3. Extranet:
An extended intranet accessible to authorized external users (e.g., partners or vendors).
Example: Online supply chain management systems.
3. Types of Internet Connection
1. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Internet over telephone lines. Speeds vary based on proximity to the
service provider.
2. Fiber Optic: Uses glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as light signals. High-speed and reliable.
3. Cable: Internet via coaxial cables used for cable TV. Common in residential areas.
4. Satellite: Internet via satellites, ideal for remote or rural areas but prone to latency.
5. Mobile Network: Internet access through cellular technologies (3G, 4G, 5G).
6. Dial-Up: Older technology using analog phone lines. Very slow and largely obsolete.
4. Network Topology
1. Bus Topology:
All devices connect to a single central cable.
Pros: Simple, cost-effective.
Cons: Single point of failure.
2. Star Topology:
All devices connect to a central hub or switch.
Pros: Easy to manage, isolate faults.
Cons: Failure of the central hub affects the entire network.
3. Ring Topology:
Devices form a closed-loop, with each connected to two others.
Pros: Data flows in one direction, reducing collisions.
Cons: Failure of a single device can break the network.
4. Mesh Topology:
Devices connect directly to multiple others, forming a web-like structure.
Pros: Highly reliable.
Cons: Expensive and complex.
5. Hybrid Topology:
Combination of two or more topologies.
Pros: Flexible, scalable.
5. Network Media
Wired Media:
1. Coaxial Cable: Used for older Ethernet networks and TV connections.
2. Twisted Pair: Common in LANs. Comes in two types:
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Better protection against interference.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Most common for Ethernet.
3. Fiber Optic: Uses light signals for high-speed, long-distance communication.
Wireless Media:
1. Wi-Fi: Standard wireless LAN technology.
2. Bluetooth: Short-range wireless for personal devices.
3. Infrared: Low-speed, line-of-sight communication (e.g., TV remotes).
6. Network Devices
Router: Connects multiple networks, directs traffic, and manages IP addressing.
Switch: Connects devices in a LAN and forwards data to specific destinations.
Hub: Basic device that broadcasts data to all connected devices.
Bridge: Connects two LAN segments, ensuring traffic flows correctly.
Access Point (AP): Extends Wi-Fi coverage in a network.
7. Ethernet Categories
Cat5: Up to 100 Mbps (obsolete).
Cat5e: Up to 1 Gbps, reduced interference.
Cat6: Up to 10 Gbps for short distances.
Cat6a: Enhanced Cat6 with even less crosstalk.
Cat7: Up to 10 Gbps, fully shielded for noise reduction.
8. Ethernet Cable Configuration
Straight-Through Cable: Connects dissimilar devices (e.g., PC to switch).
Crossover Cable: Connects similar devices (e.g., PC to PC).
Color Coding:
T568A Standard: Green pair first.
T568B Standard: Orange pair first.
9. Wireless Media: 802.11 Standards
802.11a: 5 GHz, 54 Mbps.
802.11b: 2.4 GHz, 11 Mbps.
802.11g: 2.4 GHz, 54 Mbps.
802.11n: 2.4/5 GHz, up to 600 Mbps.
802.11ac: 5 GHz, gigabit speeds.
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Higher speeds and capacity, supports more devices.
10. Open System Interconnection (OSI) Model
1. Physical Layer (Layer 1): Transmission of raw bits via cables or signals.
2. Data Link Layer (Layer 2): Frames, MAC addressing, and error detection.
3. Network Layer (Layer 3): Packet routing and IP addressing (e.g., IP protocol).
4. Transport Layer (Layer 4): Reliable data transfer (e.g., TCP/UDP).
5. Session Layer (Layer 5): Manages sessions and connections between devices.
6. Presentation Layer (Layer 6): Data formatting, encryption, and compression.
7. Application Layer (Layer 7): End-user services like web browsing and email.