ITN_Module_1 Networking Today

1. Networking Today

• Module Overview: This module focuses on explaining the advances in modern networking technologies, their impact on life, and the components and security of networks.

2. Module Objectives

• Networks Affect Our Lives: Describe how networks play a critical role in our daily lives.

• Network Components: Explain the roles of hosts and network devices.

• Network Representations and Topologies: Understand how networks are represented visually and the significance of different topologies.

• Common Types of Networks: Compare different types of networks based on their characteristics.

• Internet Connections: Understand how local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) interconnect.

• Reliable Networks: Outline the essential requirements for building reliable networks.

• Network Trends: Discuss trends such as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), online collaboration, and cloud computing that reshape interactions.

• Network Security: Identify basic network security threats and potential solutions.

• The IT Professional: Explore job opportunities in the networking field.

3. Networks Affect Our Lives

• Networking is crucial for communication, akin to air, water, food, and shelter.

• We are more interconnected than ever due to advances in networking technologies.

4. Network Components

• Host Devices: Computers on a network; categorized as:

  • Servers: Provide information (e.g., email servers, web servers, file servers).

  • Clients: Devices that request information from servers.

• Peer-to-Peer Networks: Allow devices to function as both clients and servers.

  • Advantages: Easy setup, lower cost.

  • Disadvantages: No centralized control, security concerns, and limited scalability.

• End Devices: Locations where messages originate and are received (e.g., computers, smartphones).

• Intermediary Devices: Include switches, routers, and firewalls which manage data flow and connectivity.

• Network Media: Communication is facilitated through various media types:

  • Metal Wires: Use electrical impulses.

  • Fiber Optic Cables: Use light pulses.

  • Wireless Transmission: Uses electromagnetic waves.

5. Network Representations and Topologies

• Network Diagrams: Topology diagrams use symbols to represent network devices.

• Physical vs. Logical Topologies:

  • Physical Topology: Illustrates the physical installation of cables and devices.

  • Logical Topology: Represents device connections and addressing schemes.

6. Common Types of Networks

• Types of Networks: Vary by size and complexity.

  • Small Home Networks: Connect few devices, often to the internet.

  • SOHO (Small Office/Home Office): Connect home or remote offices to corporate networks.

  • Medium to Large Networks: Include many interconnections across multiple locations.

  • World Wide Networks: Connect millions globally (e.g., the internet).

• LANs and WANs: Key distinctions:

  • LAN: Covers a small geographical area.

  • WAN: Spans large geographical areas, connecting multiple LANs.

  • Administered by individuals/organizations vs. service providers.

7. Internet Connections

• Access Technologies: Services to connect users to the internet include:

  • Broadband Cable: High-speed and always on.

  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): High-speed over telephone lines.

  • Cellular: Uses mobile networks.

  • Satellite: Useful for rural areas.

• Business Connections: Requirements for higher bandwidth, dedicated services and more robust security measures.

• Converging Networks: Combines data, voice, and video on the same infrastructure.

8. Reliable Networks

• Network Architecture: Framework that supports data transmission; characterized by:

  • Fault Tolerance: Minimizes impact of failures with redundant paths.

  • Scalability: Easily expands for new applications/users without performance degradation.

  • Quality of Service (QoS): Ensures reliable content delivery, critical for video and voice calls.

  • Security: Protects against unauthorized access and data breaches.

9. Network Trends

• Key Trends affecting organizations:

  • BYOD: Flexibility of using personal devices for work.

  • Online Collaboration: Tools like Cisco WebEx enable effective teamwork.

  • Video Communications: Critical for remote interaction.

  • Cloud Computing: Enables storage and application access globally, powered by data centers.

10. Network Security

• Threats: Must secure networks against external (e.g., malware) and internal (e.g., user error) threats.

• Security Layers: Effective security involves multiple solutions like firewalls and VPNs.

11. The IT Professional

• Cisco CCNA Certification: Essential for foundational technology knowledge and staying current.

• Employment Opportunities: Explore job prospects via Cisco Networking Academy.