Overview of "Networking Today"
Course Version: v7.0 (ITN) by Cisco
Networks Affect Our Lives
Networks enhance communication, making it vital for daily living.
Networking Today
Communication is essential, like air and water.
Networks enable unprecedented global connectivity.
Global Communities
Networks eliminate geographical limitations.
Users can interact socially regardless of location or time zone.
Human Network
Cloud technology allows access to files and applications anywhere, anytime.
Overview of Network Components
Understanding the roles and functionalities of network hosts and servers.
Hosts: Devices participating in network communication (end devices).
Assigned specific numbers (IP addresses) for identification.
Server Types:
Email Server: Manages email software access through clients.
Web Server: Delivers web pages through browsers.
File Server: Centralizes access to files for clients.
Servers: Provide information to end devices (Email, Web, File).
Clients: Request and receive data from servers.
Client/Server Role in Peer-to-Peer Networks
Devices can act as both clients and servers.
Suitable for small networks (recommended for simplicity).
Advantages:
Easy setup and lower cost.
Disadvantages:
Lack of centralized administration and scalability.
Definition: Points where messages originate or are received.
Data flows from end device to end device through the network.
Role of Intermediary Devices:
Connect end devices: Ex: switches, routers, firewalls.
Manage data flow: regenerate signals, maintain pathways, and handle errors.
Communication Media Types:
Copper Cables: Use electrical impulses.
Fiber Optic Cables: Utilize light pulses for faster data transfer.
Wireless: Employ electromagnetic waves.
Factors to consider when selecting network media:
Signal distance, environment, data speed, and cost.
Network Diagrams: Visual representations of devices and connections.
Essential terms: NIC, Physical Port, Interface.
Physical Topology: Illustrates physical device locations and cable layouts.
Logical Topology: Depicts addressing schemes and device interactions.
Common Network Sizes:
Home Networks: Connect a few devices.
SOHO Networks: Link home/remote devices to corporate networks.
Medium/Large Networks: Hundreds/thousands of devices.
Global Networks: Includes the internet.
LAN: Local Area Network; covers a small geographical area, administered by a single entity.
WAN: Wide Area Network; spans larger areas, typically managed by multiple providers.
The Internet: Connected collection of global LANs and WANs.
Maintenance is overseen by organizations such as IETF and ICANN.
Intranet: Private LAN/WAN for a specific organization.
Extranet: Secure access from external organizations to internal networks.
Home/Small Office:
Cable, DSL, Cellular: High-bandwidth options for internet access.
Dial-up: Inexpensive, low-bandwidth connection.
Business Connectivity:
Requires dedicated, high-speed connections for data-intensive operations.
Essential Characteristics:
Fault Tolerance: Limits impact from failures.
Scalability: Ability to grow and support new users.
Quality of Service (QoS): Manages network performance.
Security: Protects network infrastructure.
Goals of Security:
Confidentiality: Restricted data access to authorized users.
Integrity: Assurance of unaltered data transmission.
Availability: Ensuring data is accessible when needed.
Trends:
BYOD: Allowing personal devices in the workplace.
Online Collaboration: Enhanced teamwork through digital tools.
Video Communication: Integral for remote interactions.
Cloud Computing: Access and storage of data via the internet.
Public, Private, Hybrid, and Custom Clouds:
Distinct attributes and purposes for different organizational needs.
Threats:
Can be external (viruses, Denial of Service) or internal (employee misuse).
Solutions:
Utilize multiple security layers and technologies.
CCNA Certification: Validates foundational networking skills.
Upcoming certifications: Reflect current technological relevance.
Communication Elements:
Source, Destination, and Channel must be recognized for effective messaging.
Protocols: Define rules for communication, ensuring structured exchanges.
Protocols Types: Include communication, security, routing, and service discovery rules.
TCP/IP: Most widely used protocol suite; integral for internet functionality.
Key Organizations: ISOC, IAB, IETF, and various engineering associations to create and maintain open standards.
Benefits of Layered Models: Simplifies understanding of network processes via defined layers (OSI & TCP/IP).
Segmenting Messages: Improves speed and efficiency, ensuring effective data transmission.
Addressing Importance: Distinction between data link and network layer addressing; MAC and IP addresses guide data routing.
Addressing Dynamics: Explains the role of networking layers and how devices manage address data to facilitate seamless communication.