Networks
Networks
*What is a Network?*
A network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers, and printers,
that communicate with each other to share resources and exchange data.
*Types of Networks*
1. *Local Area Network (LAN)*: A network that connects devices in a limited geographical area,
such as a home or office building.
2. *Wide Area Network (WAN)*: A network that connects devices over a larger geographical
area, such as a city or country.
3. *Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)*: A network that connects devices in a metropolitan area,
such as a city or town.
4. *Wireless Network (WLAN)*: A network that connects devices wirelessly, using radio waves
or infrared signals.
5. *Virtual Private Network (VPN)*: A network that uses encryption and other security measures
to create a secure and private connection between devices over the internet.
*Network Topology*
1. *Bus Topology*: A network in which all devices are connected to a single cable, called a bus.
2. *Star Topology*: A network in which all devices are connected to a central device, called a
hub.
3. *Ring Topology*: A network in which devices are connected in a circular configuration, and
data travels in one direction around the ring.
4. *Mesh Topology*: A network in which each device is connected to every other device, and
data can travel multiple paths.
*Network Devices*
1. *Router*: A device that connects multiple networks together and routes traffic between them.
2. *Switch*: A device that connects multiple devices within a network and forwards data packets
between them.
3. *Hub*: A device that connects multiple devices within a network and broadcasts incoming
data to all connected devices.
4. *Modem*: A device that connects a network to the internet via a broadband connection.
*Network Protocols*
1. *TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)*: A suite of protocols that governs
communication over the internet.
2. *HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)*: A protocol that governs communication between web
servers and web browsers.
3. *FTP (File Transfer Protocol)*: A protocol that governs the transfer of files over a network.
4. *DNS (Domain Name System)*: A protocol that translates domain names into IP addresses.
*Network Security*
1. *Firewall*: A network security system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic
based on predetermined security rules.
2. *Antivirus Software*: Software that detects and removes malware from a network.
3. *Encryption*: The process of converting plaintext data into unreadable ciphertext to protect it
from unauthorized access.
4. *Authentication*: The process of verifying the identity of users and devices on a network.
*Key Terms*
1. *Network*: A collection of interconnected devices that communicate with each other to share
resources and exchange data.
2. *Node*: A device on a network, such as a computer or printer.
3. *Protocol*: A set of rules that governs communication between devices on a network.
4. *Router*: A device that connects multiple networks together and routes traffic between them.