Networking Today - Cisco Introduction to Networks v7.0

Module Objectives

• Module Title: Networking Today

• Module Objectives:

  • Explain the advances in modern technologies.

Key Topics and Objectives

• Networks Affect Our Lives:

  • Explain how networks affect our daily lives.

• Network Components:

  • Explain how host and network devices are used.

• Network Representations and Topologies:

  • Explain network representations and their uses in topologies.

• Common Types of Networks:

  • Compare characteristics of common types of networks.

• Internet Connections:

  • Explain how LANs and WANs interconnect to the Internet.

• Reliable Networks:

  • Describe four basic requirements of a reliable network.

• Network Trends:

  • Explain how trends like BYOD, online collaboration, video, and cloud computing change interaction.

• Network Security:

  • Identify basic security threats and solutions for all networks.

• The IT Professional:

  • Explain job opportunities in the networking field.

1.1 Networks Affect Our Lives

• Communication is crucial in modern life, akin to air, water, food, and shelter.

• Networking connects us globally, creating a world without boundaries and fostering global communities.

1.2 Network Components

• Host Roles:

  • Hosts or End Devices: Every computer on a network.

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

  • Clients: Request information from servers.

Types of Servers

• Email Server: Runs email server software, accessed by client software.

• Web Server: Runs web software; accessed via browsers.

• File Server: Stores files for access by client devices.

Peer-to-Peer Networks

• Client and server roles can be shared within small networks.

• Advantages: Easy setup, lower cost, suitable for simple tasks.

• Disadvantages: No centralized administration, security issues, and performance concerns.

End Devices

• Data messages originate from or are received at end devices as they traverse the network.

Intermediary Network Devices

• Devices like switches and routers interconnect end devices, manage data flow, regenerate signals, and maintain network pathways.

Network Media

• Communication media:

  • Metal wires: Electrical impulses.

  • Fiber-optic cables: Pulses of light.

  • Wireless transmission: Uses modulation of electromagnetic wave frequencies.

1.3 Network Representations and Topologies

• Network Diagrams: Use symbols to represent devices in a network.

• Important terms included: Network Interface Card (NIC), Physical Port, Interface.

Topology Diagrams

• Physical Topologies: Show physical device locations and cabling.

• Logical Topologies: Illustrate devices and addressing schemes.

1.4 Common Types of Networks

• Small Home Networks: Connect few computers to each other and the Internet.

• Small Office/Home Office (SOHO): Connects computers to corporate networks.

• Medium to Large Networks: Involve hundreds/thousands of interconnected devices.

• World Wide Networks: Connect millions of computers globally, like the internet.

LANs and WANs

• Local Area Network (LAN): Small geographical coverage.

• Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers larger regions.

• Differences include administration, speed, and connection type.

1.5 Internet Connections

• Internet Access Technologies:

  • Types: Broadband cable, DSL, wireless WAN, and mobile services.

  • Corporate Needs: Require higher bandwidth for IP phones, video conferencing, and data storage.

Home and Small Office Connections

• Cable: High bandwidth, constant internet.

• DSL: Runs over telephone lines with high bandwidth.

• Cellular: Connects via cell phone networks.

• Satellite: Beneficial for rural areas lacking ISPs.

• Dial-up: Low bandwidth, inexpensive, uses modems.

Business Internet Connections

• Include dedicated leased lines, Ethernet WAN, DSL options.

1.6 Reliable Networks

• Network Architecture: Refers to technologies that enable data movement across networks. Key characteristics include:

  • Fault Tolerance: Reduces failure impact with multiple paths.

  • Scalability: Adapts to new users and applications without service disruption.

  • Quality of Service (QoS): Ensures reliable delivery of services.

  • Security: Protects network integrity and availability.

1.7 Network Trends

• Recent Trends:

  • Adjust network roles to handle new technologies: BYOD, online collaboration, video communications, cloud computing.

Specific Trends

• BYOD: Users access networks with personal devices for flexibility.

• Online Collaboration: Essential for joint projects, leveraging tools like Cisco Webex.

• Video Communication: Increasing role in remote collaboration, powered by tools such as Cisco TelePresence.

• Cloud Computing: Access applications and store files online; various types including public, private, hybrid, and custom clouds.

1.8 Network Security

• Security Threats: Both external (viruses, identity theft) and internal (lost devices, misuse) can compromise network integrity.

• Solutions: Multi-layered security incorporating antivirus, firewall, ACLs, VPNs, and IPS is critical for security management.

1.9 The IT Professional

• CCNA Certification: Validates knowledge of foundational technologies and adapts to next-generation tech.

  • Focus areas: IP foundation, security, wireless, and network programmability.

• Job Opportunities: Cisco Networking Academy provides resources for discovering career paths in networking.

1.10 Module Practice and Quiz

• Recap of module highlights includes the importance of networks, roles of hosts and intermediary devices, types of connections, and trends in networking which influence security and job opportunities in IT.

These comprehensive notes provide an overview of key concepts from the "Networking Today" module of the Introduction to Networks v7.0 (ITN) curriculum. They cover the essential components, types of networks, internet connections, network security, and emerging trends relevant to the field.