How to Build a Secure and Reliable Computer Network - Tec Fall

Computer networking is the practice of connecting two or more devices together to share information and resources. This can include everything from local area networks (LANs) within a single building to wide area networks (WANs) that span entire countries or continents. It is also called it networking.

The Following are some of the basics of computer networking:

Network Topology:

Network topology refers to the physical or logical layout of devices and connections that make up a network. There are several types of network topologies, including:

Bus Topology: In this topology, all devices are connected to a single cable (called a bus) and data is transmitted in both directions.

Star Topology: In this topology, all devices are connected to a central device (such as a switch or hub) and data is transmitted through the central device.

Ring Topology: In this topology, devices are connected in a circular manner, with data being transmitted in one direction around the ring.

Mesh Topology: In this topology, each device is connected to every other device, allowing for redundant paths and increased reliability.

Network Protocols:

Network protocols are sets of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network. Some common protocols include:

TCP/IP: This is the protocol used for most internet communication. It governs how data is broken up into packets, transmitted, and reassembled at the other end.

HTTP: This is the protocol used for transmitting web pages and other web content over the internet.

FTP: This is the protocol used for transmitting files over a network.

Network Devices:

Network devices are physical components that make up a network. Some common devices include:

Routers: These are devices that connect different networks together and route data between them.

Switches: These devices connect devices within a network and transmit data between them.

Hubs: These devices connect devices within a network and transmit data to all devices on the network. It is backbone network.

Modems: These devices convert digital data into analogy signals that can be transmitted over telephone lines. Some modems are mec 5g.

IP Addressing:

IP addressing is the system used to uniquely identify devices on a network. IP addresses are typically assigned automatically using a protocol called DHCP, but they can also be assigned manually. There are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4: This is the most used IP addressing scheme. It consists of four groups of numbers (each between 0 and 255) separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.1.

IPv6: This is a newer IP addressing scheme that is designed to replace IPv4. It consists of eight groups of hexadecimal digits (each between 0 and FFFF) separated by colons, such as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

Network Security:

Network security refers to the measures taken to protect a network from unauthorized access or attacks. Some common network security measures include:

Firewalls: These are devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Encryption: This is the process of encoding data so that it cannot be read by unauthorized users.

Access controls: These are measures that limit access to certain parts of a network to authorized users only.

Network Services:

Network services are the services provided by a network. Some common network services include:

File sharing: This allows users to share files with each other over a network. It also provide the facility of cloud networking.

Printing: This allows users to send print jobs to a network printer.

Email: This allows users to send and receive email over a network.

Network Administration:

Network administration refers to the process of managing and maintaining a network. This includes tasks such as:

Monitoring network performance: This involves monitoring network traffic, identifying bottlenecks, and ensuring that the network is running efficiently.

Configuring devices: This involves setting up network devices (such as routers and switches) and configuring them to work together.

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKING:

Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network that covers a small geographical area, typically within a single building or campus. Devices in a LAN are connected through wired Ethernet cables or wireless Wi-Fi, and they share resources such as printers, files, and internet connectivity. LANs are commonly used in homes, schools, and offices, and they are relatively easy to set up and maintain. The networking server is very good performance.

Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN is a network that covers a large geographical area, such as a city, country, or even multiple countries. WANs are typically used by organizations with multiple offices or branches that need to communicate with each other. WANs can use different technologies such as leased lines, satellite links, and VPNs to connect devices. WANs are more complex to set up and maintain than LANs, and they require specialized expertise and equipment.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN is a network that covers a metropolitan area, such as a city or town. MANs are typically used by service providers to provide internet connectivity to businesses and homes. MANs use technologies such as fiber optic cables and microwave links to connect devices. MANs are more complex than LANs but less complex than WANs, and they require specialized expertise and equipment.

Storage Area Network (SAN): A SAN is a network that provides access to shared storage devices, such as disk arrays and tape libraries. SANs are typically used by organizations with large amounts of data that need to be stored and accessed efficiently. SANs use technologies such as Fibre Channel and iSCSI to connect storage devices to servers. SANs require specialized expertise and equipment, and they are typically more expensive to set up and maintain than LANs and WANs.

Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN is a secure network that allows users to access a private network over a public network, such as the internet. VPNs are typically used by remote workers to access company resources from outside the office. VPNs use encryption and tunneling protocols to secure data transmission over the internet. VPNs can be set up using software or hardware, and they require specialized expertise to configure and maintain.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A WLAN is a type of LAN that uses wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices. WLANs are typically used in places where it is difficult or impractical to run Ethernet cables, such as public places like airports and cafes. WLANs use wireless access points to connect devices to the network, and they can be secured using encryption and authentication protocols.

Personal Area Network (PAN): A PAN is a network that covers a small area, typically within a single room or between two devices. PANs are typically used to connect devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets to other devices, such as printers and speakers. PANs use wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Zigbee to connect devices, and they can be set up easily by users without specialized expertise. It is server based network.

These are the main types of computer networking. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and organizations and individuals may choose to use one or more types depending on their specific needs.