Module 1
Module 1
The TCP/IP protocol suite is the foundation of the internet and modern networking. It
consists of a set of protocols organized into layers. Each layer is responsible for specific tasks
and interacts with the layers directly above and below it.
Key Protocols:
OSI Model
IPv4 Addresses
IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers, typically represented in dot-decimal notation (e.g.,
192.168.1.1).
Structure:
Classes of IPv4:
• Private IP Addresses:
o Class A: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
o Class B: 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
o Class C: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
• Loopback Address: 127.0.0.1
• Broadcast Address: 255.255.255.255
IPv6 Addresses
IPv6 addresses are 128-bit numbers, typically represented in hexadecimal notation (e.g.,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
Structure:
Features of IPv6:
• Larger Address Space: 128-bit addresses provide a vastly larger number of unique
addresses.
• Simplified Header: Improves routing efficiency.
• Auto-configuration: Supports stateless address auto-configuration (SLAAC).
• No Broadcasts: Uses multicast and anycast instead of broadcast.
• Enhanced Security: IPSec is mandatory for IPv6.
Network Devices
Router
A router is a network device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It
performs traffic directing functions on the Internet.
Functions:
• Routing: Determines the best path for data packets based on IP addresses.
• Inter-network Communication: Connects different network segments.
• Packet Filtering: Uses ACLs (Access Control Lists) to filter incoming and outgoing
traffic.
• NAT (Network Address Translation): Translates private IP addresses to a public IP
address for internet access.
Types:
Switch
A switch is a network device that connects devices within a local area network (LAN) and
uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination.
Functions:
• MAC Address Learning: Stores MAC addresses in a table and uses it to forward
traffic.
• Frame Forwarding: Directs data packets only to the intended recipient device.
• Loop Prevention: Uses protocols like STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) to prevent
network loops.
Types:
Hub
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act
as a single network segment.
Functions:
• Broadcasts Data: Sends incoming data packets to all ports, regardless of the
destination.
• No Intelligence: Does not filter or manage traffic, leading to potential collisions and
inefficiencies.
Types:
Comparison of Devices: