Networking Basics

Computer Network: The Meaning

A computer network is a group of interconnected computers that
communicate with each other and share resources, data, and
applications. These connections can be established via wired or
wireless media, enabling devices to interact and perform functions
collectively.
LAN vs. WAN
• LAN (Local Area Network): A network that spans a relatively
small area, typically within a single building or campus. It
connects personal computers, workstations, printers, and other
devices within a limited area.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that covers a broad
area, potentially nationwide or global. It connects multiple
LANs, enabling communication across long distances. The
internet is the largest example of a WAN.
Network Infrastructure
Network infrastructure encompasses all the hardware and software
resources of a network that enable network connectivity,
communication, operations, and management. This includes routers,
switches, hubs, firewalls, network cables, and wireless access points.
Peer-to-Peer vs. Client-Server
• Peer-to-Peer Network: Each computer has equal status and can
act as both a client and a server. It is decentralized and each
device is capable of initiating communication.
• Client-Server Network: A centralized model where client
devices request resources or services from a dedicated server.
The server manages resources and provides services like file
sharing, email, and database access.
Client-Server Network Architecture
In a client-server architecture, the server hosts, delivers, and manages
most of the resources and services consumed by the client. Clients are
end-user devices like PCs, smartphones, and tablets that request
services and resources from the server.
Network Devices
• Hub: A basic device that connects multiple computers in a
network and broadcasts data to all devices.
• Switch: A device that connects multiple computers and manages
data traffic by forwarding data only to the specific device that
needs it.
• Router: A device that routes data between different networks,
typically between a local network and the internet.
• Modem: A device that modulates and demodulates analog
signals for digital data transmission over phone lines, cable
systems, or satellite links.
• Network Adapter (Network Interface Card): A hardware
component that connects a computer to a network.
Network Speeds
Network speeds are typically measured in bits per second (bps).
Common speeds include:
• Kilobits per second (Kbps)
• Megabits per second (Mbps)
• Gigabits per second (Gbps)
The OSI Model
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual
framework used to understand network interactions in seven layers:
1. Physical Layer: Deals with the physical connection between
devices, including cables and switches.
 2. Data Link Layer: Handles data transfer between adjacent
network nodes, error detection, and correction.
3. Network Layer: Manages data routing, forwarding, and
addressing (e.g., IP addresses).
4. Transport Layer: Ensures reliable data transfer with error
detection and flow control (e.g., TCP/UDP).
5. Session Layer: Manages sessions or connections between
applications.
6. Presentation Layer: Translates data formats between the
application and the network.
7. Application Layer: Provides network services directly to
applications (e.g., HTTP, FTP).
Roles of Each OSI Layer
• Physical: Transmission and reception of raw bit streams over a
physical medium.
• Data Link: Node-to-node data transfer, error detection, and
MAC addressing.
• Network: Path determination, logical addressing, and packet
forwarding.
• Transport: End-to-end communication, error recovery, and data
flow control.
• Session: Establishment, maintenance, and termination of
sessions.
• Presentation: Data translation, encryption, and compression.
• Application: Network services to applications, such as email,
file transfer, and web browsing.
The Network Administrator
A network administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining
computer networks. Their duties include:
 • Installing and configuring network hardware and software
• Monitoring network performance
• Troubleshooting network issues
• Ensuring network security
• Managing user access and permissions
Collision and Broadcast Domains
• Collision Domain: A network segment where data packets can
collide with each other when being sent. Switches and routers
are used to separate collision domains to improve network
performance.
• Broadcast Domain: A network segment where a broadcast sent
by any device is received by all other devices in the segment.
Routers separate broadcast domains to control traffic and
improve network efficiency.
Networking Hardware
• Host Machines: Workstations and computers that use network
resources.
• Network Adapter (NIC): Connects a host machine to a
network.
• Hub: Connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act as a
single network segment.
• Switch: Connects devices and uses MAC addresses to forward
data only to the intended recipient.
• Router: Connects different networks and routes data between
them.
• Modem: Converts digital data to analog signals and vice versa
for data transmission over phone lines or cable.
IP Addressing
What is an IP Address?
An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected
to a network, allowing them to communicate with each other.
Function of an IP Address
• Identifies a device on a network
• Provides the location of the device in the network
• Facilitates data transfer between devices
Hexadecimal Number System
A base-16 number system used in computing and networking. It
includes digits 0-9 and letters A-F.
Default Gateway
A node that serves as an access point to other networks, typically used
to connect a local network to the internet.
Finding Your IP Address Manually
On Windows:
1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
3. Look for the IP address under the appropriate network adapter.
IP Address Configuration
• Static IP Address: Manually assigned and does not change.
• Dynamic IP Address: Assigned by a DHCP server and can
change over time.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol automatically assigns IP
addresses to devices on a network.
Default IP Address Classes
 • Class A: 0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255 (Large networks)
• Class B: 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255 (Medium-sized
networks)
• Class C: 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255 (Small networks)
• Class D: 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255 (Multicast)
• Class E: 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255 (Experimental)
Network and Security Concepts
Information Assurance Fundamentals
Protecting information and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and
availability.
Basic Cryptography
The practice of securing information by transforming it into an
unreadable format, only reversible with a specific key.
Symmetric Encryption
Uses the same key for both encryption and decryption.
Public Key Encryption
Uses a pair of keys (public and private) where the public key encrypts
data, and the private key decrypts it.
The Domain Name System (DNS)
Translates domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses,
allowing users to access websites using human-readable names.
Firewalls
Security devices or software that monitor and control incoming and
outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules,
protecting networks from unauthorized access.
Textbook References
1. James Graham, Richard Howard, Ryan Olson, Cyber Security
Essentials, CRC Press, 2011.
2. David Hanes, Gonzalo Salgueiro, Patrick Grossetete, Robert
Barton, Jerome Henry, IoT Fundamentals: Networking
Technologies, Protocols, and Use Cases for the Internet of
Things, 1st Edition, Pearson Education (Cisco Press Indian
Reprint).
3. Russell Scott, Computer Networking: Computer Networking for
Beginners and Beginners Guide (All in One), 2019.