Mastering Networking Basics From Novice To Pro

Mastering Networking Basics From Novice To Pro

Learn The Fundamentals Of Computer Networking For Non-Techies

What You'll Learn

Understand How Computer Networks Work

Know the Inner Workings of a Computer Network

Understand the Benefits of Computer Networks

Know How to Effectively Plan and Design a Computer Network

Understand basic networking concepts, including switches, routers, and TCP/IP

Learn about network protocols including NAT, Ethernet, VLANs, VPNs, and DNS

Follow packets as they move through a network

Understand multi-destination traffic including broadcasts, unknown unicast, and multicast

About

Are you a non-techie who wants to understand computer networks? Are you a company person or prospective IT professional who needs to comprehend networks more fully? You've come to the correct site, then!

I'll walk you through the basics of computer networking in this Book, teaching you the fundamental core concepts you must understand. This Book is essential if you want to improve in or start a career in information technology (IT).

After completing this Book, you'll know how computer networks operate as well as how to plan and create one. What Are You Ready For, Then? Get In Today!

Who Should Take This Book:

Non-technical People Curious About Computer Networks

Business and IT managers who need to be familiar with computer networking

Inexperienced & Aspiring IT Professionals

Seasoned and experienced IT and networking professionals SHOULD NOT take this Book.

Introduction

You may be confident that reading this book will take you on a fun educational journey about a range of networking encounters. Networking for Beginners covers LANs and WANs, the OSI model, and networking components in exactly the right amount of depth while also clearly setting the pace with an uncomplicated explanation of networking's fundamentals.

It's also important to remember that network troubleshooting and maintenance have been trending topics. The Internet, wireless technologies, and the fascinating idea of virtualization in cloud computing have all received a lot of attention. The interesting ideas of IP addressing and subnetting are also introduced in this book, and they undoubtedly provide a practical touch to networking's mostly theoretical nature.

Networking for Beginners is a very practical and current introduction to computer networking for beginners in order to fulfil learners' current networking and technology expectations. The book was written from a teaching and counselling perspective, so the reader doesn't need to have any prior experience or expertise in the area of networking. The fundamentals of TCP/IP setup, router configuration, network troubleshooting, network security, IP Management, and other major networking subjects are covered, as well as the concepts of computer networking. You will have a firm grasp of a variety of networking protocols after reading this book, as well as how they contribute to the reality of the networking notion.

Fundamentals of Networking

The basic goals of computer networking, a broad field that encompasses many computing ideas, are communication and access to restricted (but shared) computer resources.

We'll look at the underlying ideas of computer networking in this chapter. The idea of a network is first discussed, then network architecture is examined, network administrator responsibilities are discussed, numerous LANs and WANs are listed, and peer-to-peer networking and client-server networking are contrasted.

We'll rapidly go over the different network building blocks, lingo, and the OSI model before concluding with a succinct discussion of collision and broadcast. Usually, the goal of this chapter is to give an overview of networking concepts and lay the groundwork for the subsequent chapters' more in-depth discussions of networking.

Computer Networking: Definition

Any group of computers that are connected to one another for communication, the exchange of data (and information), and other computing resources is referred to as a computer network. Due to the availability of additional network resources like file servers, printers, and many other hardware-based devices that may be shared, network hosts may be able to do more than merely exchange data and programs.

Computer networks may be divided into groups based on their size, purpose, and even geography. However, the primary factor used to categorise computer networks is their size. 

The classification of networks demonstrates several prevalent network types:  The WAN and LAN

WAN versus LAN

LAN stands for local area network, whereas WAN stands for wide area network.

LAN

Any connected computer network that is situated in a small space, such a home or business, is referred to as a LAN. Coaxial cables, twisted pair copper cables, and fibre-optic cables are regularly used kinds of communication medium that connect two or more computers in a LAN.

A LAN may be set up quickly and cheaply since it can function just as effectively with basic network components like switches, Ethernet cables, and network adapters. LANs can deliver data more rapidly thanks to the managed traffic.

LANs are generally simple to administer due to their simple configuration. As a result, by keeping a closer eye on what's happening locally within the network, security enforcement is improved.

Home networks and workplace networks are two LAN instances.

Benefits of LAN

Given that WANs have a limitless geographic reach in contrast to LANs' restricted worldwide coverage, LANs are undoubtedly superior than WANs.

A few LAN benefits are as follows:

Installation is simple since connecting computers only requires a little amount of space. Setting up a LAN is substantially simpler due to the lower number of networked machines in the constrained operational zone.

Because there are few networked computers and a limited network region, maintenance is simple.

The low number of networked devices and the relatively simple operating environment make security enforcement easier.

The Disadvantages of LAN

By considering both its geographical restrictions and the number of linked devices, a LAN's constraints may be summed up in a single phrase. This suggests that LANs are limited by their inability to support a large number of users, which limits their application to smaller workplaces, corporate settings, learning environments, and residential settings.

WAN

A wide-area network (WAN) is a type of computer network that links together several cities, states, and even entire nations. It outperforms LAN or MAN. There are no geographical restrictions on it. Through phone lines, satellite connections, or fibre optic cables, it connects vast geographic areas. One of the many WANs that are now in use throughout the world is the Internet.

In the corporate, governmental, and academic sectors, WANs are often used.

WAN examples

The examples below demonstrate how WANs may permanently connect individuals, no matter where they are: 

Mobile broadband: 3G or 4G networks offer consumers in a sizable region, state, or even nation comprehensive coverage.

Private Network: Using telephone leased lines that they purchase from a telecom provider, banks build private networks to link their multiple offices that have been erected in various areas.

Last Mile: By simply connecting homes, businesses, and commercial structures with fibre, telecommunications firms provide internet services to thousands of clients in different cities.

Notably, the most well-known WAN that links individuals from all over the world is the Internet.

Benefits of WANs

WANs connect to enormous human populations spread across a large geographic area. The benefits of a wide area network may be summed up by considering how the Internet has affected people's lives all around the world.

data that is centrally located. WANs aid in the centralization of information and data. As a result, people no longer need to purchase backup servers for their emails and files.

Updates must be made to files. Since software operates on live servers, programmers may immediately access updated files.

exchanging messages in a hurry. WANs employ state-of-the-art hardware and software to facilitate message exchanges more quickly than on most traditional networks. Skype and Facebook conversations are two excellent