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.