Internetworking and Networking Concepts

Flashcards covering key networking concepts, IP addressing, and protocols related to internetworking.

Multiplexing

Combining multiple signals into a single signal over a shared medium.

Network collision

Occurs when two devices transmit data simultaneously on the same network channel.

Bridge

A device that connects and filters traffic between two or more segments of a network.

Switch

A networking device that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to forward data.

Internetworking

Connecting multiple networks together to form a larger, interconnected network.

Router

A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

A hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network.

Packet forwarding

The process of sending data packets from one network to another.

IP (Internet Protocol)

A set of rules governing the format of data sent over the Internet.

IPv4

The fourth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 32-bit addressing scheme.

IPv6

The sixth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 128-bit addressing scheme.

MAC Address

A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer.

CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing)

A method for allocating IP addresses and IP routing that improves the flexibility of IP address distribution.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

A network management protocol used to dynamically assign an IP address to a device on a network.

SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration)

A method of IPv6 address configuration that allows devices to create their own address.

Multiplexing

Combining multiple signals into a single signal over a shared medium.

Multiplexing Benefits

• Efficiency: Maximizes the utilization of available bandwidth.

• Cost-effective: Reduces the number of physical cables or links required between two points.

Multiplexing Limitations

• Complexity: Requires specialized multiplexers and demultiplexers at both ends.

• Latency: The processing time for combining and separating signals can introduce slight delays.

Network collision

Occurs when two devices transmit data simultaneously on the same network channel.

Network collision Benefits

• Congestion Indicator: Serves as a natural feedback mechanism in shared media to signal that the network is overloaded and devices should back off.

Network collision Limitations

• Data Loss: Packets involved in a collision become corrupted and unreadable.

• Reduced Throughput: Frequent collisions lead to retransmissions, drastically lowering network efficiency.

Bridge

A device that connects and filters traffic between two or more segments of a network.

Bridge Benefits

• Traffic Segmentation: Reduces traffic on individual segments by filtering data based on MAC addresses.

• Range Extension: Allows the physical length of a network to be extended beyond single-segment limits.

Bridge Limitations

• Performance: Generally slower than switches because they often process packets via software.

• Scalability: Limited number of ports compared to modern Layer 2 switches.

Switch

A networking device that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to forward data.

Switch Benefits

• Micro-segmentation: Provides dedicated bandwidth to each port, effectively eliminating collisions.

• High Performance: Hardware-based (ASIC) switching allows for wire-speed data forwarding.

Switch Limitations

• Cost: Historically more expensive than hubs or basic bridges.

• Security: Prone to attacks like MAC flooding if not properly configured.

Internetworking

Connecting multiple networks together to form a larger, interconnected network.

Internetworking Benefits

• Global Connectivity: Enables communication between disparate networks (e.g., the Internet).

• Resource Sharing: Allows resources in one network to be accessed by users in another.

Internetworking Limitations

• Complexity: Requires sophisticated routing protocols and management strategies.

• Security Risks: Increases the attack surface as data traverses multiple administrative domains.

Router

A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

Router Benefits

• Path Optimization: Best path selection for data transmission across complex network topologies.

• Broadcast Isolation: Blocks broadcast traffic from crossing between network segments, conserving bandwidth.

Router Limitations

• Latency: Packet analysis at Layer 3 is more time-consuming than Layer 2 switching.
• Initial Setup: Requires complex configuration of IP addresses and routing tables.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

A hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network.

NIC Benefits

• Essential Link: Provides the physical and logical interface necessary for network communication.
• Offloading: Modern NICs can handle some protocol processing, freeing up the host CPU.

NIC Limitations

• Hardware Failure: If the NIC fails, the host loses all network connectivity.
• Compatibility: Requires specific drivers and physical connectors matching the network medium.

Packet forwarding

The process of sending data packets from one network to another.

Packet forwarding Benefits

• Dynamic Delivery: Allows data to take different routes based on current network health or availability.
• Efficiency: Only the necessary segments of the network handle the data, rather than broadcasting it everywhere.

Packet forwarding Limitations

• Out-of-Order Delivery: Packets may take different paths and arrive in the wrong sequence.
• Drop Risk: If buffers in forwarding devices overflow, packets are discarded without notice at this layer.

IP (Internet Protocol)

A set of rules governing the format of data sent over the Internet.

IP Benefits

• Universal Standard: Allows hardware from different manufacturers and networks to communicate seamlessly.
• Connectionless: High efficiency as no session setup is required for individual packets.

IP Limitations

• Unreliable Delivery: IP does not guarantee packet delivery; that must be handled by upper layers (like TCP).
• Overhead: Every packet requires an IP header, consuming bandwidth.

IPv4

The fourth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 32-bit addressing scheme.

IPv4 Benefits

• Maturity: Extensively tested, widely deployed, and supported by every networking device.
• Manageability: 32-bit addresses are relatively short and easy for humans to read compared to IPv6.

IPv4 Limitations

• Address Scarcity: Only supports approx. 2^{32} (4.3 billion) addresses, leading to exhaustion.
• Fragmented Routing: Large global routing tables due to inefficient address allocation.

IPv6

The sixth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 128-bit addressing scheme.

IPv6 Benefits

• Infinite Scale: Supports 2^{128} addresses, enough for every grain of sand on Earth.
• Automatic Configuration: Includes SLAAC for easier device setup without a DHCP server.

IPv6 Limitations

• Transition Costs: Moving from IPv4 requires expensive dual-stack configurations or tunneling.
• Address Complexity: 128-bit hexadecimal addresses are difficult for human administrators to memorize.

MAC Address

A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer.

MAC Address Benefits

• Uniqueness: Hardcoded into hardware, ensuring every device has a globally unique ID for local delivery.
• Plug-and-Play: Ethernet networks can function immediately at Layer 2 using MAC addresses without IP configuration.

MAC Address Limitations

• Not Routable: Cannot be used for communication between different IP networks; it only works on the local segment.
• Security: Can be easily spoofed or changed by software to bypass network filters.

CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing)

A method for allocating IP addresses and IP routing that improves the flexibility of IP address distribution.

CIDR Benefits

• Address Conservation: Allows for more granular allocation of IPs (e.g., /29 or /30), reducing waste.
• Route Aggregation: Combines multiple small routes into a single large one, reducing the size of internet routing tables.

CIDR Limitations

• Administrative Overhead: Requires careful calculation of subnet masks and binary offsets.
• Protocol Support: Older, classful routing protocols cannot interpret CIDR notation.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

A network management protocol used to dynamically assign an IP address to a device on a network.

DHCP Benefits

• Automation: Eliminates the need for manual IP configuration on every device.
• Consistency: Prevents IP address conflicts (two devices with the same IP) by managing a central pool.

DHCP Limitations

• Central Point of Failure: If the DHCP server goes down, new devices cannot join the network.
• Security: An unauthorized DHCP server can distribute

SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration)

A method of IPv6 address configuration that allows devices to create their own address.

SLAAC Benefits

• Decentralization: Devices can configure themselves immediately upon connecting to a router without a dedicated server.
• Efficiency: Reduces network traffic by eliminating the back-and-forth communication required for DHCP leases.

SLAAC Limitations

• Limited Control: Network administrators have less visibility and control over exactly which address a device chooses.
• Information Gaps: Standard SLAAC does not provide extra information like DNS server addresses as easily as DHCPv6.