Difference between revisions of "W2783 Basic Networking"
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== Introduction == | |||
When working with '''Computer devices''', it's important to understand the concept of '''Networking'''. Networks have mainly to do with the '''Hardware''' of computers. They work to connect devices together to allow the ability to share data, software, and other forms of communication among several devices. Historically, Computer Networks are thought of in the context of a business or institution as they typically need a specialized network to share resources such as printers, scanners, and expensive software. In the following, we'll take a look at the components of a Network and shared Computer Devices to understand how Computer Networking works on a fundamental level. | |||
=== Types of Networks === | |||
It's important to understand that a ''Network is simply the connect of many physical devices'' using '''wires''' or '''wireless media.''' This means simply plugging together a printer to a computer can be thought of as a Network. | |||
As a result, there are many different types of Networks that exist depending on their scope. For instance, one of the smallest Networks is called '''PAN''' which stands for Personal Area Network. This refers to the Network many have for their personal use typically consisting of a computer, one or two monitors, a router etc. | |||
Beyond that, there's the '''LAN''' which stands for Local Area Network. These are typically used in school and office settings where several computers are connected, allowing the shared use of devices (most commonly printers in these sorts of settings). Outside of this, there is the '''MAN''' which stands for a Metropolitan Area Network, which covers Networks the size of cities, as well as the '''WAN''' or Wide Area Network. WANs can cover any distance and the most common example of a WAN is the internet. | |||
The internet provides an interesting case study for a network, however, because not only is the internet meant to be a Network that spans the globe, it is also meant to be '''public'''. This leads to the distinction between '''Public''' and '''Private''' Networks. Many companies, for instance, have data that they'd like to share among only their network privately, meaning someone outside the network can not easily connect to the network and have access to all the data. | |||
This distinction leads to the idea of a '''VPN'''. You may have heard the term '''VPN''' in the past. It stand for Virtual Private Network. Essentially it allows connection to a Private Network virtually. These are often used when employees need to access work files from home. They can use a VPN to connect to their companies' private network virtually. | |||
There still remains many complexities to the above distinctions but to understand Computer Networks at a basic level, just keep these in mind. | |||
=== Quiz ==== | |||
=== Components of a Network === | |||
==== Quiz ==== | |||
=== Identifiers and Protocols === | |||
==== Quiz ==== | |||
== Key Concepts == | |||
== References == | |||
<references/> | |||
Revision as of 10:16, 19 February 2022
Introduction[edit]
When working with Computer devices, it's important to understand the concept of Networking. Networks have mainly to do with the Hardware of computers. They work to connect devices together to allow the ability to share data, software, and other forms of communication among several devices. Historically, Computer Networks are thought of in the context of a business or institution as they typically need a specialized network to share resources such as printers, scanners, and expensive software. In the following, we'll take a look at the components of a Network and shared Computer Devices to understand how Computer Networking works on a fundamental level.
Types of Networks[edit]
It's important to understand that a Network is simply the connect of many physical devices using wires or wireless media. This means simply plugging together a printer to a computer can be thought of as a Network.
As a result, there are many different types of Networks that exist depending on their scope. For instance, one of the smallest Networks is called PAN which stands for Personal Area Network. This refers to the Network many have for their personal use typically consisting of a computer, one or two monitors, a router etc.
Beyond that, there's the LAN which stands for Local Area Network. These are typically used in school and office settings where several computers are connected, allowing the shared use of devices (most commonly printers in these sorts of settings). Outside of this, there is the MAN which stands for a Metropolitan Area Network, which covers Networks the size of cities, as well as the WAN or Wide Area Network. WANs can cover any distance and the most common example of a WAN is the internet.
The internet provides an interesting case study for a network, however, because not only is the internet meant to be a Network that spans the globe, it is also meant to be public. This leads to the distinction between Public and Private Networks. Many companies, for instance, have data that they'd like to share among only their network privately, meaning someone outside the network can not easily connect to the network and have access to all the data.
This distinction leads to the idea of a VPN. You may have heard the term VPN in the past. It stand for Virtual Private Network. Essentially it allows connection to a Private Network virtually. These are often used when employees need to access work files from home. They can use a VPN to connect to their companies' private network virtually.
There still remains many complexities to the above distinctions but to understand Computer Networks at a basic level, just keep these in mind.
