Many IT professionals, such as network engineers, system administrators, and network technicians, consider computer networking basics. There are numerous terms, aspects, and components in computer networking. While looking for work, your breadth of technical knowledge may help you land an interview or a job offer. You can decide if working in IT is a career path you want to take by learning more about the fundamentals of the industry and what they entail.
This article will define computer networking and examine explanations of nine networking fundamentals to lay the groundwork for your technical understanding.
What is Computer Networking?
The act of connecting computers to share resources, communicate, and exchange data is known as computer networking. It allows devices to communicate and exchange data across a network. Networking is required to connect to the internet, send emails, use online services, and access remote applications in today’s digital world.
A network comprises two or more devices linked together, such as computers, laptops, tablets, servers, and smartphones. To communicate, these devices can send and receive data over a network. Thanks to advanced networks, millions of devices can be connected locally (in homes and businesses) and globally.
By sharing data between computers, the primary goal of computer networking is to enable remote work and access to shared resources from any device. Local Area Networks (LANs) connect devices nearby, such as Wi-Fi networks and office LANs. WANs enable networks that span multiple cities, counties, and countries.
Basics of Computer Networking
As a computer networking professional, you should be familiar with the following nine concepts:
Switches
Switches are required for computer networking. It serves as a network controller, allowing you to connect all your devices, including computers, servers, printers, and wireless, to a network in your home, office, or elsewhere. Switches can communicate with other networks and with each other when resources and materials are to be shared. For example, a healthcare organization with multiple locations may have a central network for storing employee and patient records.
Consider the two types of switches when designing your network:
- On-site switch: An on-premise switch gives you more control over network traffic, configuration, and monitoring because it is physically present.
- Cloud-managed switch: A cloud-based switch saves space and frequently simplifies network administration. Cloud-managed switch systems typically have simple user interfaces, automatic updates, and the ability to coordinate full-stack development across multiple sites.
Ethernet (cabling)
Ethernet cabling connects wired computers, servers, and other devices to form a network and transmit data. This uses four pairs of wires within a cable to create a dependable connection for high-volume data sharing. People widely used this networking protocol for residential and commercial applications before wireless options became available. The protocol functions similarly to phone cables.
Network Hubs
A hub is a device that duplicates and distributes traffic to all associated devices. Ethernet cables could connect multiple computers to a central hub like the spokes of a bicycle wheel converge in the middle. While this can help centralize information, it can also slow down a network, especially if multiple devices are sending and receiving data to the hub simultaneously.
Routers
A router is a device that connects networks and the computers on those networks to the internet, allowing computers to share a low-cost internet connection. Routers serve as dispatchers, analyzing data and determining where it should be transmitted. In addition to serving as network devices, routers can have additional optional features such as wireless connectivity, a firewall, an IP communication system, or a virtual private network (VPN).
You should know the differences between a residential router and an enterprise router. Connecting household devices to a router usually necessitates less overall power and more straightforward specifications than setting up business networks. Business network routers, for example, typically have more robust reliability options, enterprise management features, and performance capabilities than home network routers.
Firewall
A firewall is a network feature and function that filters traffic to protect a company’s servers and data. Depending on the organization’s needs, hardware and software firewalls are available to protect against intrusions and interference. However, it is critical to recognize that firewalls cannot provide complete network security. Despite the use of firewalls, phishing attempts, and email viruses are still possible. Firewalls are usually part of a more extensive cybersecurity system.
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Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses
Computers and networks use IP addresses to identify the origin and destination when transmitting data and information. An IP address comprises four numbers between 1 and 254 separated by periods, as shown below: 137.119.44.1. Every network-connected electronic device has an IP address, which serves as a street address. Some parts of the address specify the country or region where the computer or device is located. In contrast, others specify the country, state, city, or neighborhood, followed by the street and block number.
Furthermore, IP addresses can be either public or private:
- Public IP address: Anyone with a public IP address can gain access to the internet. You can locate it and exchange data and messages with it.
- Private IP address: On the internet, a private IP address is not visible to the general public. Those with authorization can access the hidden location, while unauthorized users are prevented from transmitting data.
Client and Server
A client or server is a device that requests data from another digital location that stores data. When you visit a website, your computer acts as the client, while the computer or database that contains the information you seek acts as the server. When you request, the server returns data to your device, such as entering a phrase into a search engine.
The client and server relationship is standard regardless of the type of computerized device used to access information, such as a tablet, smartphone, smartwatch, or other devices that connect to the Internet of things (IOT).
Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
Wireless access points allow your devices to connect wirelessly to the network, router, and internet. WAPs allow for the rapid connection of new equipment and the support of a mobile workforce, saving time and money. Furthermore, boosting the network from the router increases bandwidth to support more devices even when they are not physically close. For example, a three-story office building will likely have multiple WAPs that allow employees to connect without needing additional or more powerful routers.
The access point’s insightful data, such as the number of concurrently connected devices, potential security risks, and Wi-Fi signal strength, can also benefit network technicians.
Bandwidth
In computer networking basics, “bandwidth” refers to the data transfer rate over a specific path measured in bits per second (bps). This term, also known as bitrate, refers to various IT components. For example, you could have network bandwidth, digital bandwidth, and data bandwidth. By using different protocols and networking options, one can increase the bandwidth. For example, an Ethernet connection with 1,000 bps bandwidth may be superior to a cable modem internet connection with 25 bps bandwidth.
To Conclude
Hasn’t learned about networking been a whirlwind? We’ve looked at the fundamentals of computer networking basics, such as network types, topologies, and the protocols that keep everything running smoothly. Computer networking is an undeniably complex and fascinating field with many potential applications. The information presented here has better prepared you to advance your networking basics. Your networking efforts may lead to a lucrative career one day!
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