Level Up Your Life - The Ultimate Guide to Modern Networking
A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Networks
A new series about "Networking"
Defining Network and Networking
Network: A network is a fundamental collection of connected devices or systems that can interact and share resources. Connected via cables, wireless signals, or the internet, this can include PCs, servers, cellphones, Internet of Things devices, and more.
Networking: The process of creating and preserving connections between people, organizations, or systems for mutual benefit is known as networking. It includes establishing connections, exchanging knowledge, and working with people to achieve shared goals.
Types of Networks
- Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a group of computers that share data, software, and devices. It covers a short distance between a building and a group of buildings close to each other.
- Wide Area Network (WAN): It covers a large geographical area. WAN establishes connections between LANs through the internet.
- Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): WLAN connects devices through radio waves instead of wires.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MAN covers a large area of a city or large metropolitan area that connects LANs and WANs
Why Network?
- Sharing resources: An efficient way of sharing files, printers, and other resources is made possible through Networks.
- Communication: Increase conversation through video conferencing, instant messaging, and email.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with people from all over the world and have the opportunity to people, and work in a team.
- Information access: Access to sharing data, information, and databases.
How Computer Networks Work
- Equipment: Devices are associated with cables, wireless technology, and radio waves. These devices are computers, servers, and printers.
- Protocols: How devices exchange data for that purpose standardized rules are defined, rules are known as protocols.
- Data packets: Packets divided into smaller sizes and containing the destination address information.
- Routing: Data packets are sent along the most effective path to their destination by devices such as switches and routers.
- Network Interface Card (NIC): A network interface card (NIC) connects computers in a network.
- Network Protocol: A network protocol is a set of instructions that tells how devices communicate within a network.
- Network Topology: Device arrangement within a network defines its topology.
Old vs. New Networks
Old Networks
- Mainly relied on physical connections, such as phone lines and cables.
- Growth and reach limitations, slower data transfer speeds, and restricted access are all present.
- Mainly employed in restricted situations for simple resource sharing and conversation.
New Networks
- Provide worldwide connection for immediate communication and access to a multitude of information
- Enable immediate information interchange, remote work, and interaction among various platforms and devices.
- Adopt cloud computing, fast internet access, and wireless technology.
Network Models
- Client-server model: Client devices receive resources and services from a central server. (e.g., email servers)
- Peer-to-peer model: Devices communicate directly with each other without a central server.
- OSI Model: In network communication, there are seven layers, each responsible for a specific function routing, application interaction, and data encapsulation.
- TCP/IP Model: In this model, four layers work: Application, Internet, transport, and Link. And the focus on end-to-end transmission across the network connectivity.
Popular Networking Sites
- Professional: LinkedIn, Meetup
- Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- Personal: Nextdoor, Bumble, Discord
Conclusion
Sharing resources, communicating, and working connectivity between all users depend on networking. Over the years, it has changed, with newer networks being faster and having less maintenance. Various network models, including star, bus, and ring networks, are applied in different contexts. Users can interact with others and share information on well-known networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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