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What is Networking?
Networking refers to the process of connecting two or more devices (such as servers, computers, and printers) together to share resources and communicate with each other. This connection can be established through physical cables (wired) or through wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Networking is the foundation of digital communication, connecting devices and enabling the exchange of information and resources. Networking enables many everyday activities, such as:
Sending emails
Sending files from computers to printers
Browsing the internet
Online gaming
Video conferencing
Cloud computing
Types of Networks
Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is a network that connects that connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office building, or campus. It is typically owned and managed by a single organization. LANs are usually wired, using Ethernet cables, but can also be wireless (WLAN).
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN covers a larger geographic area, such as a city, country, or even multiple countries. The internet we use everyday is the biggest WAN. WANs are often used by organizations with multiple sites or branches.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN spans a metropolitan area, such as a city, town, or a very large campus. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, and it is used to connect multiple LANs within a specific geographic area.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A PAN is a small network used for connecting devices within a very small area, typically within a few meters. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are commonly used technologies for PANs.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between devices over the internet, allowing remote access to a network or resources.
Network Protocols
TCP/IP
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is the fundamental protocol suite for internet and network communication. TCP ensures reliable data transfer, while IP routes data between networks.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
A protocol for transferring data, including web pages, over the internet. It is the foundation of the web.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
This is the secure version of HTTP, adding encryption and security for online transactions.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
This is a protocol for transferring files between devices over a network. It supports both uploading and downloading of files.
DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS translates human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses that computers can understand.
Basic Networking Devices
Router
A router connects multiple networks and directs data traffic between them. It is commonly used to connect a LAN to the internet.
Switch
A switch connects devices within a LAN and uses MAC (Media Access Control) addresses to forward data to the correct destination.
Hub
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices within a LAN. Unlike a switch, it sends/broadcasts data to all connected devices in the network.
Modem (Modular-Demodulator)
A modem converts digital signals to analog signals for internet access over phone or cable lines. It is used to connect a network to an internet service provider.
IP Addressing
IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)
IPv4 is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 32-bit address space. It supports approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. IPv4 addresses are typically written in dotted decimal notation (e.g., 192.0.2.1). However, due to the fact that it has a limited number of available addresses, this has led to the development of IPv6.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)
IPv6 is the sixth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 128-bit address space. It supports an almost unlimited number of unique addresses and is designed to replace IPv4. IPv6 addresses are typically written in hexadecimal notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the basics of networking, including types of netwoks, key protocols, and essential devices. Networking is a crucial skill for IT professionals, enabling efficient communication and resource sharing in modern IT environments.
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