Networking
Networking
address
The short explanation is that they are different levels or layers of a
network. Ethernet covers the physical medium plus some low level things
like message collision detection. TCP/IP worries about getting a message
to where it is going.
Used for
IP Class B 128 to 191 255.255.0.0 128.1.1.1 16 16384 medium size
network.
Reserve for
IP Class D 224 to 239 NA NA NA NA
multi-tasking.
This class is
reserved for
IP Class E 240 to 254 NA NA NA NA research and
Development
Purposes
• Class A Network
This IP address class is used when there are a large number of hosts. In a Class A type of
network, the first 8 bits (also called the first octet) identify the network, and the remaining
have 24 bits for the host into that network.
An example of a Class A address is 102.168.212.226. Here, “102” helps you identify the
network and 168.212.226 identify the host.
Class A addresses 127.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255 cannot be used and is reserved for loopback
and diagnostic functions.
• Class B Network
In a B class IP address, the binary addresses start with 10. In this IP address, the class decimal
number that can be between 128 to 191. The number 127 is reserved for loopback, which is
used for internal testing on the local machine. The first 16 bits (known as two octets) help
you identify the network. The other remaining 16 bits indicate the host within the network.
An example of Class B IP address is 168.212.226.204, where *168 212* identifies the network
and *226.204* helps you identify the Hut network host.
• Class C Network
Class C is a type of IP address that is used for the small network. In this class, three octets are
used to indent the network. This IP ranges between 192 to 223.
In this type of network addressing method, the first two bits are set to be 1, and the third bit
is set to 0, which makes the first 24 bits of the address them and the remaining bit as the
host address. Mostly local area network used Class C IP address to connect with the network.
Example for a Class C IP address:
192.168.178.1
• Class D Network
Class D addresses are only used for multicasting applications. Class D is never used for regular
networking operations. This class addresses the first three bits set to “1” and their fourth bit
set to use for “0”. Class D addresses are 32-bit network addresses. All the values within the
range are used to identify multicast groups uniquely.
Therefore, there is no requirement to extract the host address from the IP address, so Class D
does not have any subnet mask.
• Class E Network
Class E IP address is defined by including the starting four network address bits as 1, which
allows you two to incorporate addresses from 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. However, E class
is reserved, and its usage is never defined. Therefore, many network implementations discard
these addresses as undefined or illegal.
Example for a Class E IP address:
243.164.89.28
Subnet Mask
• A subnet mask is a 32-bit address that segregates an IP address into network bits
that identify the network and host bits that identify the host device operating on
that network. It encapsulates a range of IP addresses that a subnet can use,
wherein the subnet refers to a smaller network within a more extensive
network.
Let’s look at an example:
The IP address for a device may be:
192.168.123.132
11000000. 10101000. 01111011. 10000100
The subnet mask for the IP network above:
255.255.255.0
11111111. 11111111. 11111111. 00000000
Global address and private address
• A global IP address is meant to be publicly
accessible from the Inter
• A private IP address is a range of non-internet
facing IP addresses used in an internal
network. Private IP addresses are provided by
network devices, such as routers, using
network address translation.net.
Broad cast address
• The broadcast address can be used to send
data packets in IP networks to all participants
of a local network. The individual addresses of
each party in the network do not have to be
known for this to work. If necessary, the
broadcast address can be calculated quite
easily.
Multi cast address
• A multicast address is a specific type of IP
address labeling a network location that is
used to multicast data packets within a
network. It stands in contrast to other IP
addresses that only allow for unicast models.
TCP and UDP
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User
Datagram Protocol (UDP) are the most widely
used Internet protocols. TCP is a connection-
oriented protocol, which means, once a
connection is established, data can be sent
bidirectional. UDP, on the other hand, is a
simpler, connectionless Internet protocol.
Multiple messages are sent as packets in
chunks using UDP.
What is TCP?
• TCP is a transport layer connection-oriented
protocol. It provides a reliable connection and
protected data transmission between the
connected machines over a network. It first
establishes a secure link and then sends the data.
• TCP sends the data from one device to the other in
the form of data blocks. It is slow in data
transmission but has more functionalities such as
flow control, error control, and congestion control
in the system.
What UDP?
• UDP is a transport layer, connectionless protocol.
It provides quick transmission of data between
the connected machines over a network. There
is no overhead of creating, maintaining, and
terminating a connection in UDP.
• It is mainly used to transmit real-time data
where we cannot afford any transmission delays.
UDP sends the data from one device to the other
in the form of continuous data streams.
IPV4 and IPV6
• IPv4 is an IP version widely used to identify devices on a
network using an addressing system. It was the first version of
IP deployed for production in the ARPANET in 1983. It uses a
32-bit address scheme to store 2^32 addresses which is more
than 4 billion addresses. It is considered the primary Internet
Protocol and carries 94% of Internet traffic.
• IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol. This
new IP address version is being deployed to fulfill the need for
more Internet addresses. It was aimed to resolve issues that
are associated with IPv4. With 128-bit address space, it allows
340 undecillion unique address space. IPv6 is also called IPng
(Internet Protocol next generation).
What is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?
• Ethernet Cables:
– Ethernet cables are the most widely used cables for wired networking. They come in different categories, each with
different performance levels. The two most common categories are:
• Cat 5e (Category 5e): Supports up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second) data transfer speed and is suitable
for most home and small business networks.
• Cat 6 (Category 6): Supports up to 10 Gbps data transfer speed over shorter distances and provides
better performance in areas with higher interference.
– These cables typically have four pairs of twisted copper wires and use RJ45 connectors.
• Coaxial Cables:
– Coaxial cables are often used for cable TV and broadband internet connections. They consist of a central copper
conductor surrounded by layers of insulating material, shielding, and an outer jacket.
– The most common types are RG-6 and RG-59. RG-6 offers better performance and is suitable for longer cable runs.
• Fiber Optic Cables:
– Fiber optic cables use thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data using light signals. They offer high-speed, long-
distance, and secure data transmission.
– Common types include single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF), each with specific applications based on
distance and bandwidth requirements.
• USB Cables:
– While primarily used for connecting peripheral devices to computers, USB cable networking scenarios. For example,
USB-to-Ethernet adapters can enable wired network connections for devices without built-in Ethernet ports.s
can also be used in
• Serial Cables:
– Serial cables, such as RS-232 or RS-485, were commonly used for older networking
applications. They are now less prevalent due to the popularity of Ethernet for data
transmission.
• Parallel Cables:
– Similar to serial cables, parallel cables were used in older networking setups. However, they
have largely been replaced by more efficient and faster technologies.
• Cable sizes are generally specified by the category (e.g., Cat 5e, Cat 6), coaxial cable
type (e.g., RG-6, RG-59), or fiber optic cable type (e.g., 9/125 µm for single-mode
fiber). The size and type of cable you choose will depend on the specific networking
requirements, including data transfer speed, distance, and environmental factors.
• In modern networking setups, Ethernet cables (Cat 5e, Cat 6, etc.) are the most
common choice for connecting devices to local area networks (LANs) due to their
reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Fiber optic cables are preferred for
long-distance, high-speed connections and in environments where electromagnetic
interference is a concern. Coaxial cables are used primarily for cable TV and
broadband connections, although they may still have some applications in networking.
Jack and Connector
•
In networking, jacks and connectors play a crucial role in establishing physical
connections between devices and network infrastructure. They allow network cables
to be plugged into devices, such as computers, switches, routers, and other
networking equipment. Here are some common types of jacks and connectors used
in networking:
• RJ45 Jack and Connector:
– The RJ45 (Registered Jack 45) is the most commonly used jack and connector for Ethernet
cables, which are used in wired local area networks (LANs). The RJ45 connector has eight
pins and is used with twisted-pair copper cables, such as Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 6a cables.
• Fiber Optic Connectors:
– There are several types of connectors used for fiber optic cables, and the choice depends on
the type of fiber and the application. Some common fiber optic connectors include:
• LC (Lucent Connector): A small, push-pull connector used for single-mode and multi-mode fibers.
• SC (Subscriber Connector): A square-shaped connector used for single-mode and multi-mode fibers.
• ST (Straight Tip): A round connector used mainly for multi-mode fibers.
• MPO/MTP (Multi-Fiber Push-On/Pull-off): These connectors are used for high-density applications
and support multiple fibers in a single connector.
• BNC Connector:
– The BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connector is commonly used with coaxial cables, especially in older
networking and video applications. It uses a bayonet-style locking mechanism for quick and secure
connections.
• USB Connector:
– While primarily used for connecting peripherals to computers, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors can also
be used for networking purposes. For example, USB-to-Ethernet adapters allow devices without built-in
Ethernet ports to connect to a network.
• Serial Connector:
– Serial connectors, such as DB9 and DB25, were commonly used for older networking equipment. They are
now less common due to the popularity of Ethernet for data transmission.
• Parallel Connector:
– Similar to serial connectors, parallel connectors were used in older networking setups but have been largely
replaced by more efficient and faster technologies.
• SFP/SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable) Transceivers:
– SFP and SFP+ are hot-swappable transceivers commonly used in network switches and routers to connect
them to fiber optic or copper networks. They allow for flexible and modular network configurations.
• Modular Connectors for Telephone Systems:
– In older telephone systems, modular connectors like RJ11 and RJ12 were commonly used for connecting
telephone lines to devices. These connectors are still used in some analog telephone setups.
Clamper
• A crimping tool or clamper is a device used to conjoin two pieces of metal by
deforming one or both of them to hold each other. The result of the tool's work is
called a crimp. An example of crimping is affixing a connector to the end of a cable.
For instance, network cables and phone cables are created using a crimping tool
(shown below) to join RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors to both ends of phone or Cat 5
cable.
Connection Tester
• A connection tester in networking, also known as a network cable tester or cable
tester, is a specialized tool used to verify and troubleshoot the physical
connections of network cables. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the cables are
properly terminated and free from faults or connectivity issues.
• Network cable testers are commonly used in various networking environments,
including data centers, offices, and home networks, to maintain reliable and
efficient network connectivity. They help identify and diagnose problems in the
network cabling infrastructure, which can include issues such as open circuits,
short circuits, miswiring, or crossed connections.
Multimeter
• A multimeter, also known as a multitester or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter), is a
versatile electronic test instrument used to measure various electrical parameters
in electronic circuits and electrical systems. It is an essential tool for electronics
enthusiasts, engineers, electricians, and technicians, allowing them to
troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical issues effectively.
The most common measurements a multimeter can perform are:
• Voltage (V): Multimeters can measure both direct current (DC) voltage and
alternating current (AC) voltage. They are often used to check the voltage level in
batteries, power supplies, and electrical circuits.
• Current (A): Multimeters can measure current flowing through a circuit, both in DC
and AC. To measure current, the multimeter must be connected in series with the
circuit.
• Resistance (Ω): Multimeters can measure the resistance of a component or a part
of a circuit. This is helpful in identifying faulty resistors, checking continuity, and
verifying proper connections.
• Continuity: This function allows the
multimeter to check if there is a complete
electrical path (continuity) between two
points in a circuit. It is commonly used to
verify if a wire or a connection is intact.
• Diode Testing: Multimeters can check the
health of diodes in electronic circuit
Soldering processing
• Soldering is a fundamental and widely used technique in electronics, electrical work,
and various other industries where a secure and reliable electrical connection is
required. It involves joining two or more metal components together by melting and
flowing a filler metal, known as solder, into the joint. The solder typically consists of an
alloy of tin and lead (though lead-free solder is becoming more common due to
environmental concerns).
• The soldering process is not directly involved in typical networking operations. In
networking, soldering is not a commonly used technique for connecting components or
cables. Instead, networking relies on other methods for establishing physical
connections between devices and components.
In networking, the primary method for connecting cables is through connectors. These
connectors include:
• RJ-45 Connectors: These connectors are commonly used in Ethernet networking and
are used with twisted-pair copper cables (e.g., Cat 5e, Cat 6) to establish wired network
connections.
• Fiber Optic Connectors: Fiber optic cables use specialized connectors, such as SC, LC, or
ST connectors, to enable high-speed data transmission over long distances.
Optical fiber related connections
• Connecting optical fibers is a crucial aspect of building reliable and high-speed data transmission
networks. Optical fibers are thin, flexible, and transparent fibers made of glass or plastic, capable of
carrying data signals using light pulses. When connecting optical fibers, the goal is to ensure low
signal loss and maintain the integrity of the transmitted data.
There are two primary methods for connecting optical fibers:
• Splicing: Optical fiber splicing involves permanently joining two optical
fibers together using fusion splicing or mechanical splicing.
– Fusion Splicing: Fusion splicing is the process of fusing or melting the ends of
two optical fibers together using an electric arc or a laser. This creates a
seamless, low-loss connection between the fibers. Fusion splicing provides
excellent optical performance and is commonly used in long-haul and high-
speed networks.
– Mechanical Splicing: Mechanical splicing involves aligning the two fiber ends
precisely and securing them using a mechanical splice connector. This method is
less costly than fusion splicing and is often used in situations where temporary
connections or repairs are needed.
• Connectors: Optical fiber connectors are used to make temporary or detachable
connections between optical fibers. Connectors are more commonly used in
situations where the fibers need to be frequently connected and disconnected, such
as in data centers or for easy network maintenance.
Some common types of optical fiber connectors include:
• SC (Subscriber Connector): A square-shaped connector commonly used in data
communication and telecommunications networks.
• LC (Lucent Connector): A small form-factor connector widely used in high-density
applications, such as data centers.
• ST (Straight Tip): A bayonet-style connector commonly used in older fiber optic
installations.
• FC (Ferrule Connector): A threaded connector commonly used in laboratory and test
equipment.
• MPO/MTP (Multi-Fiber Push-On/Pull-off): A high-density connector with multiple
fibers in a single connector, often used in data centers for high-speed Ethernet
connections.
Configuration of networking services on
windows and Linux
Sharing file/folder/drive:
• Network File Sharing (SMB/CIFS): Windows and Linux support file sharing using the
SMB (Server Message Block) protocol, which is also known as CIFS (Common Internet
File System). You can enable file sharing on Windows and access the shared folders on
Linux using the following steps:
• On Windows: Share the desired folder(s) by right-clicking on the folder, selecting
"Properties," going to the "Sharing" tab, and enabling sharing with appropriate
permissions.
• On Linux: Use a file manager or command-line tools (like Samba) to access the shared
folders. Mount the shared folder or access it using the UNC (Uniform Naming
Convention) path, which typically starts with \\<Windows-IP>\<Shared-Folder>.
FTP/SFTP:
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) are standard protocols
for transferring files over a network. You can set up an FTP or SFTP server on either
Windows or Linux and use appropriate client software on the other system to connect
and transfer files.
Sharing printer/scanner
• Sharing a printer/scanner in a network involves making the printer or scanner
accessible to other devices on the same network. This allows multiple users to use
the same printer/scanner without physically connecting to it. Here's how you can set
up printer/scanner sharing on both Windows and Linux systems:
Sharing Printer/Scanner on Windows:
• Connect the printer/scanner to the Windows computer where it is physically
installed.
• Make sure the printer/scanner is set up correctly on the Windows computer, and you
can print or scan from it locally.
• Open the Control Panel and navigate to "Devices and Printers."
• Right-click on the printer/scanner you want to share and select "Printer properties"
or "Properties."
• Go to the "Sharing" tab and enable "Share this printer" option.
• Provide a share name for the printer/scanner. This is the name other devices on the
network will use to access it.
• Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.
Sharing Printer/Scanner on Linux:
On Linux, the printer sharing process varies depending on the distribution
and the desktop environment you are using. Below is a general outline
of the steps:
• Install the necessary printer/scanner drivers for Linux if they are not
already included with the distribution.
• Open the printer/scanner settings or system settings on your Linux
system.
• Look for an option related to printer sharing or network
printing/scanning.
• Enable printer/scanner sharing and provide the network address or
hostname of the Windows computer that is sharing the printer/scanner.
• Save the settings.
Sharing Internet
• To share your internet connection in Windows, you can use the built-in feature called
"Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)." This allows you to share your internet connection
from one computer (host) to another device (client) through a physical connection, such
as an Ethernet cable or wirelessly using a Wi-Fi adapter. Here's how to set it up:
• Set up the Host Computer (Sharing the Internet):
• Connect the host computer to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• Right-click on the network icon in the system tray and select "Open Network & Internet
settings."
• In the Network & Internet settings window, click on "Change adapter options."
• Right-click on the active network connection that is connected to the internet (e.g., Wi-
Fi or Ethernet) and choose "Properties."
• In the properties window, go to the "Sharing" tab.
• Check the box that says "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's
Internet connection."
• Choose the network adapter that you want to share the internet connection with. This
will likely be the Ethernet adapter or a virtual Wi-Fi adapter (if you have one).
• Connect the Client Device (Receiving the Shared
Internet):
• For a wired connection, connect the client device
(another computer, gaming console, etc.) to the
host computer using an Ethernet cable.
• For a wireless connection, search for available Wi-Fi
networks on the client device, and you should see a
new network with the host computer's name (SSID).
Connect to it, and you'll be using the shared
internet connection.
• In Linux, you can share your internet
connection using a feature called "Internet
Connection Sharing (ICS)" or by setting up a
network bridge. The process can vary slightly
depending on the Linux distribution you are
using. Here, I'll provide a general guide that
should work for many Linux distributions.
Note: Before proceeding, ensure that your host computer is connected to the
internet and has a functioning network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) using iptables:
• Open a terminal on your Linux host.
• Enable IP forwarding by running the following command
1. Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP): Research and select a reputable ISP that offers internet
services in your area. Common types of internet services include DSL, cable, fiber-optic, satellite, and
wireless.
2. Check Equipment Requirements: Confirm the equipment needed for your chosen internet service.
Typically, you'll need a modem and a router. Some ISPs provide all-in-one modem-router devices.
3. Acquire Necessary Equipment: If your ISP does not provide the equipment, purchase a modem and
router that are compatible with your internet service type.
4. Connect the Modem: Use a coaxial cable, telephone cable, or fiber-optic cable to connect the modem to
the wall outlet or the appropriate line provided by your ISP.
5. Activate the Modem: Follow the instructions provided by your ISP to activate the modem. This might involve calling
their customer support or visiting their website.
6. Connect the Router: If you have a separate router, connect it to the modem using an Ethernet cable. Some routers
may also support wireless connectivity.
7. Power On Devices: Plug in the modem and router (if applicable) to a power source and turn them on. Wait for them
to initialize, which may take a few minutes.
8. Connect Devices to the Network: Use an Ethernet cable or connect wirelessly to your router from your devices
(computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, etc.).
9. Configure Wi-Fi Settings (if using wireless): Access your router's settings page (usually through a web browser) using
its default IP address. Set up a secure Wi-Fi password and network name (SSID) to protect your network from
unauthorized access.
10. Test Internet Connectivity: Open a web browser on one of your devices and try accessing a website to ensure the
internet is working correctly.
11. Troubleshoot if Necessary: If you encounter any issues, refer to the user manuals or contact your ISP's customer
support for assistance.
Internet gateway
• An Internet Gateway is a networking device or component that acts as an entry point between a
local network (such as a home or office network) and the internet. It allows devices within the local
network to communicate with devices and resources on the internet and vice versa.
• 2. **Private IP Addressing:** Devices within the local network are assigned private IP addresses
(such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x) by the router. These private IP addresses are not directly accessible
from the internet.
• 3. **Internet Connection:** The Internet Gateway is the connection point between the local
network and the internet. It is typically provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and can be a
modem, DSL modem, cable modem, fiber-optic gateway, or any other device that connects to the
ISP's network infrastructure.
• 4. **Public IP Addressing:** The Internet Gateway is assigned a public IP address by
the ISP. This public IP address is unique and allows devices on the internet to
communicate with the devices within the local network.
• 5. **Network Address Translation (NAT):** When a device from the local network
accesses the internet, the Internet Gateway uses a technique called Network Address
Translation (NAT) to convert the device's private IP address to the public IP address of
the gateway. This allows data packets to be properly routed between the local network
and the internet.
• 6. **Security:** The Internet Gateway also serves as a security barrier between the
local network and the internet. It helps protect the devices on the local network from
unauthorized access and potential threats from the internet.