View source for Portal:Computer networks

{{center top}}<big>'''Welcome to the Department of Computer Networks!'''</big>{{center bottom}}
{{center top}}''Also Part of [[:Category:Engineering and Technology|Engineering and Technology]]''{{center bottom}}
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'''[[w:Computer networking|Computer networking]]''' is the scientific and engineering discipline concerned with communication between computer systems. Such networks involve at least two devices capable of being networked with at least one usually being a computer. The devices can be separated by a few meters (e.g. via Bluetooth) or thousands of kilometers (e.g. via the Internet). Computer networking is sometimes considered a sub-discipline of [[Telecommunications engineering|telecommunications]].

Computer networking can be examined from either the 7 layer [[Network+/Old guides/OSI Model|OSI Model]], or the 4 layer [[Network+/Standards/Theory and Concepts|TCP/IP Model]]

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==Introduction==
Networking is the practice of enabling and harnessing the transmission of data between computer systems. A simple analogy of a data network is two tin cans connected by a simple string. As in the analogy, the following holds true for actual data network implementations as well:
* The network exists merely as a medium for communications across it
* A protocol of some form is needed to initiate and carry on conversations (this is not intrinsic to the network itself)
* The same protocol (a spoken language) can also be used with different media for the same purpose; different networks have different advantages and uses
A network may require one engineer to design it, another to build it, and yet another to administer it. The skills needed by each are related, but not necessarily dependent; hence, Networking is interdisciplinary.
Networking developed within the discipline of Computer Science, but an extensive background in Computer Science is not necessary to study or even practice Networking.
A ''Network Engineer'' works with data networks in some form, but the scope of that work and the skills required may be as diverse - even from one job to the next - as those of any scientist.

== Topics ==
Networking is the practice of enabling and harnessing the transmission of data from one computer system to another. The TCP/IP model is used in presenting the following topics.

# [[Introduction to Networking]]
# [[TCP/IP Fundamentals]]
# [[Application Layer]]
# [[Transport Layer]]
# [[Internet Layer]]
# [[Link Layer]]
# [[Mobile Networks]]
# [[IT Security/Network|Network Security]]
# [[Network Administration]]
# [[Portal:Pursuing network certification|Pursuing network certification]]

==[[w:OSI model|OSI Seven Layer Model]]==
The alternative OSI layer can be studied [[Network+/Old guides/OSI Model|here]].

*Layer 7, the '''Application layer''', provides service directly related to the applications. Those services vary on applications.
*Layer 6, the '''Presentation layer''', format the data to look like common for all applications
*Layer 5, the '''Session Layer''', establishes a connection between two nodes. Deals with whether the connection is [[w:Full duplex|full duplex]], [[w:Half Duplex|half duplex]] etc.
*Layer 4, '''Transport layer''', handles and delivers data, whenever it is connection-oriented or connectionless. It includes some [[w:flow control|flow control]] issues.
*Layer 3, '''Network Layer''', establishes the connection between two nodes, using the IP addressing.
*Layer 2, the '''Data Link Layer''', frames data and provides low-level flow control
*Layer 1, '''Physical layer''', transmits low bitstreams (data), deals with electrical signalling, [[w:Network cabling|cabling]] and hardware interface
Each topic includes an outline, suggested activities and links to useful resources. They are constructed for self-study, but should be adaptable to a group environment.
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== Courses ==
* [[Computer Networks]]
* [[Internet Protocol Analysis]]
* [[Windows Server Administration]]

==See also==
* [[School:Computer Science]]
* [[w:NetSim | NetSim]] - Useful network simulator for lab experimentation and teaching on networks

==External Resources==
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[[Category:Networking]]
[[Category:Engineering and Technology|{{PAGENAME}}]]

[[fr:Département:Réseau]]
[[ru:Компьютерные сети]]