Basics of Computer Networks
Computer networking is the practice of connecting computers together to enable communication and data exchange between them. It involves the use of nodes (devices) and links (wires, cables, or wireless connections) to establish connections between computers and facilitate data transmission.
Here are some important concepts and terms related to computer networking:
Network: A network is a collection of computers and devices that are interconnected to enable communication and data exchange.
Nodes: Nodes refer to the devices connected to a network, such as computers, servers, printers, routers, switches, and other devices.
Protocol: A protocol is a set of rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted over a network. Examples of protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
Topology: Network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of nodes in a network. Common topologies include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree.
Service Provider Networks: These networks allow organizations to lease network capacity and functionality from providers, such as wireless communications and data carriers.
IP Address: An IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a network. It helps in identifying and enabling communication between devices.
DNS: The Domain Name System (DNS) is a protocol used to translate human-readable domain names (e.g., www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand.
Firewall: A firewall is a security device used to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. It protects networks from unauthorized access and other security threats.
Types of Computer Networks:
LAN (Local Area Network): A LAN is a network that covers a small area, such as an office or home, and connects devices within that area.
WAN (Wide Area Network): A WAN is a network that covers a large geographic area, such as a city, country, or the entire world. It connects LANs over long distances.
Cloud Networks: Cloud networks are hosted on public or private cloud service providers. They include virtual routers, firewalls, and other network components.
Computer Network Architecture:
Client-Server Architecture: In this architecture, nodes can be servers or clients. Servers manage client node behavior and provide services.
Peer-to-Peer Architecture: In P2P architecture, there is no central server. Each device can act as both a client and a server.
Network Devices:
Network devices are interconnected devices that facilitate communication between different devices on a network. Examples include routers, switches, hubs, and bridges.
Network Topology:
Network topology refers to the arrangement of devices in a network. Common topologies include bus, star, mesh, ring, and daisy chain.
OSI Model:
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a reference model that defines standards for communication protocols and functionalities of each layer. It consists of seven layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application.
Protocol:
A protocol is a set of rules and algorithms that govern communication between entities on a network. Different protocols are defined at each layer of the OSI model, such as TCP, IP, UDP, ARP, DHCP, and FTP.
Unique Identifiers of Network:
- Hostname: A unique device name associated with each device on a network.
- IP Address: The network address of a system. IPv4 and IPv6 are versions of IP addresses.
- MAC Address: A physical address assigned to a network interface card (NIC) of a device.
- Port: A logical channel through which data is sent/received to an application. Ports are identified by numbers.
- Socket: The combination of an IP address and port number is called a socket.
Other Related Concepts:
- DNS Server: A server that translates domain names into IP addresses.
- ARP (Address Resolution Protocol): Converts an IP address to its corresponding MAC address.
- RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol): Provides the IP address given a physical address, but it's now obsolete.
These are some of the fundamental concepts and terms related to computer networking. The field of networking is vast and complex, with many more concepts and technologies involved in building and maintaining networks.
