Chapter 1

Part I

Introduction to Networking

• Part I introduces the fundamentals of TCP/IP networking, encompassing important topics and protocols.

• Chapter Breakdown:

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to TCP/IP Networking

  • Chapter 2: Fundamentals of Ethernet LANs

  • Chapter 3: Fundamentals of WANs and IP Routing

• Objective: Provide a solid foundation for understanding TCP/IP communications and how networks connect devices over distances.

Chapter 1: Introduction to TCP/IP Networking

Exam Topics Covered:

1.0 Network Fundamentals 1.3 Comparison of Physical Interface and Cabling Types:

• Types:

  • Single-mode fiber

  • Multimode fiber

  • Copper

• Connections Types: Ethernet shared media and point-to-point.

Overview:

• Networks operate correctly under established rules defined as standards and protocols.

• The extensive range of protocols can complicate network management.

• Networking models categorize standards into layers, helping integrate new protocols into existing infrastructure.

Networking Models as Blueprints:

• Analogous to architectural blueprints for constructing a house, networking models ensure different components work cohesively.

• TCP/IP is the dominant model utilized universally across operating systems in devices from mobile phones to mainframes.

• Essential for CCNA exam preparation as foundational knowledge.

“Do I Know This Already?” Quiz Introduction:

• Users can gauge their understanding of the material via quizzes and refer to Appendix C for answers and explanations.

Chapter 2: Fundamentals of Ethernet LANs

Exam Topics Covered:

1.0 Network Fundamentals 1.1 Role and Function of Network Components 1.2 Characteristics of Network Topologies 1.3 Physical Interface and Cabling Types

• Key Contents:

  • Ethernet LANs: Connecting nearby devices in the same vicinity.

  • Ethernet as a wired technology and its reliance on copper wires and fiber optics, contrasted with wireless LANs.

Typical small office/home office (SOHO) Ethernet LAN:

• Components Include:

  • An Ethernet LAN switch with multiple ports.

  • Devices interconnected via Ethernet cables, possibly including wireless access points.

Standard Ethernet types and protocols:

• Physical Layer Standards:

  • Cable types, functionality, and distinctions between different Ethernet standards over varying distances and data rates (e.g., 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, etc.).

Quiz Introduction for Chapter 2:

• Assess understanding of Ethernet functionalities, cabling types, and other related topics through quizzes, with accompanying answers.

Chapter 3: Fundamentals of WANs and IP Routing

Exam Topics Covered:

1.0 Network Fundamentals 1.1 Role and Function of Routers 1.2 Characteristics of Network Topologies 1.2 WAN Type Overview

WAN Basics:

• Explanation of how WANs connect LANs and facilitate communication over longer distances using serial and Ethernet links.

• WAN technologies establish the rules and standards for data transmission over extended networks.

IP Routing Capabilities:

• Detailed look into the TCP/IP model, focusing on IP routing, addressing, and relevant protocols.

• Routers execute routing decisions based on destination IP addresses and utilize routing tables to inform data path selection.

Routing Protocol Mechanisms:

• Discusses a router's responsibilities for maintaining accurate routing information, learning routes, and advertising them across the network to ensure efficient data transmission.

Additional Functions of the Network Layer:

• Highlights the functionalities beyond basic routing, such as DNS, ARP, and ICMP, emphasizing their importance in overall network management and functionality.

Conclusion and Review:

• Encouragement to utilize diverse study plans and interactive review elements for effective retention and understanding of materials covered in Part I.

• This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics related to Ethernet implementation in the following chapters.