Difference between revisions of "W2783 Basic Networking"
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
When working with ''' | When working with '''computer devices''', it's important to understand the concept of '''Networking'''. Networks mainly concern the '''hardware''' of computers. They connect devices together to allow them to share data, software, and other forms of communication. Historically, computer networks are thought of in the context of a business or institution because they typically need a specialized network to share resources such as printers, scanners, and expensive software. In this experience, we'll take a look at the components of a Network and shared computer devices to understand how computer networking fundamentally works. | ||
=== Types of Networks === | === Types of Networks === | ||
It's important to understand that a ''Network is simply the connection of many physical devices'' using '''wires''' or '''wireless media'''. At its simplest level, a Network can be thought of as plugging in a printer to a computer. | |||
As a result, many different types of Networks exist, depending on their scope. For example, one of the smallest Networks is called '''PAN'''<ref name="How Networks Work">[https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howcomputernetworkswork.html How Do Computer Networks Work?]</ref>, 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. | |||
At the next level is the '''LAN'''<ref name="How Networks Work">[https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howcomputernetworkswork.html How Do Computer Networks Work?]</ref>, 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). Beyond this is the '''MAN''', which stands for a Metropolitan Area Network. This covers Networks the size of cities. The '''WAN''' or Wide Area Network can cover any distance; the most common example of a WAN is the Internet. | |||
The Internet serves an interesting case study for a Network, however, because the Internet is meant to be a Network that spans the globe and it is meant to be '''public'''.<ref name="How Networks Work">[https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howcomputernetworkswork.html How Do Computer Networks Work?]</ref> This leads to the distinction between '''public''' and '''private''' Networks. Many companies, for example, have data that they want to share among only their Network privately. This means someone outside the network cannot easily connect to the Network and access all the data. | |||
This distinction leads to the idea of a '''VPN'''.<ref name="How Networks Work">[https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howcomputernetworkswork.html How Do Computer Networks Work?]</ref> You might have heard the term '''VPN'''. It stands 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. | |||
Many complexities remain with the above distinctions; however, if you keep those general distinctions in mind, you understand computer Networks at a basic level. | |||
==== Quiz ==== | ==== Quiz ==== | ||
<quiz shuffle=none display=simple> | <quiz shuffle=none display=simple> | ||
{ | { | ||
Put the following Networks in order from smallest to largest | Put the following Networks in order from smallest to largest. | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN | - PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN | ||
| Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
{ | { | ||
Which of the following is a way | Which of the following is a way computers can be connected to a Network? | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- Shared Hardware such as CPUs | - Shared Hardware such as CPUs | ||
- Shared Specifications such as RAM | - Shared Specifications such as RAM | ||
- Proximity | - Proximity | ||
+ Wires such as Ethernet Cables | + Wires, such as Ethernet Cables | ||
{ | { | ||
True or False: Companies typically have | True or False: Companies typically have public Networks. | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- True | - True | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
{ | { | ||
True or False: A VPN allows access to | True or False: A VPN allows access to private Networks remotely. | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
+ True | + True | ||
| Line 51: | Line 51: | ||
=== Components of a Network === | === Components of a Network === | ||
Networks require several pieces of hardware to operate effectively. As | Networks require several pieces of hardware to operate effectively. As mentioned, a Network is the connection of several physical devices, typically computers. '''Switches''' control these computers and allow them to communicate with each other over a Network <ref name="cisco">[https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/networking-basics.html Cisco.com]</ref>. Equipment that is similar to Switches, is '''Routers'''.<ref name="cisco">[https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/networking-basics.html Cisco.com]</ref> | ||
You might have heard of Internet routers. These simply communicate data between Networks with either a LAN cable (Ethernet) or WiFi (Wireless Ethernet). Routers are integral to how the Internet works because they connect an individual PAN or LAN to the broader Internet. They are usually programmed to operate at high efficiencies as they manage the traffic of data packets between the networks. | |||
You might also have heard of an '''Access Point'''.<ref name="cisco">[https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/networking-basics.html Cisco.com]</ref> In computer networking, Access Points can be thought of as a way to quickly bring new devices into a Network without the need of cables. These improve flexibility within networks in a business setting. | |||
Finally, '''Servers'''<ref name="cisco">[https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/networking-basics.html Cisco.com]</ref> are simply computers that provide shared data (files, programs, and other media) to all the devices on the Network. | |||
These all lend themselves to the idea of '''Network Topology'''.<ref name="GeeksForGeeks">[https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/basics-computer-networking/ GeeksForGeeks]</ref> We won't go too in depth here, but know that Network Topology essentially refers to how the devices of a Network are connected. Common patterns are '''Line''', '''Star''', and '''Mesh'''. You can see these in the image below. | |||
{{MerlinNoteFromEditor|Perhaps you weren't finished writing this topic. In any case, please provide the image, or delete the last sentence just above.}} | |||
==== Quiz ==== | ==== Quiz ==== | ||
| Line 65: | Line 67: | ||
{ | { | ||
What | What are switches used for? | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
+ Control computers and allow them to communicate within a connected Network | + Control computers and allow them to communicate within a connected Network | ||
- Communicate with computers outside of its own Network | - Communicate with computers outside of its own Network | ||
- Control the flow of data coming into the | - Control the flow of data coming into the Network from the outside | ||
- Connect two computers or devices via Ethernet | - Connect two computers or devices via Ethernet | ||
{ | { | ||
What is the purpose of a | What is the purpose of a router? | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- Work within a Network to manage the connections between devices | - Work within a Network to manage the connections between devices | ||
+ Communicate between Networks and | + Communicate between Networks and manage the traffic flow of data | ||
- Serve as a central location for shared data that can be accessed within a | - Serve as a central location for shared data that can be accessed within a Network | ||
- Allow | - Allow computers to wirelessly connect to the Network | ||
{ | { | ||
True or False: Access Points can be used to increase flexibility | True or False: Access Points can be used to increase flexibility of connecting devices to a Network. | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
+ True | + True | ||
| Line 87: | Line 89: | ||
{ | { | ||
True or False: Devices in a | True or False: Devices in a Network are connected using network topology | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
+ True | + True | ||
| Line 93: | Line 95: | ||
</quiz> | </quiz> | ||
=== Identifiers and Protocols === | === Identifiers and Protocols === | ||
With Networks, several Identifiers and Protocols are used to distinguish devices and to define how those two devices are to communicate. Possibly the most famous Identifier is known as the '''IP Address'''<ref name="GeeksForGeeks">[https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/basics-computer-networking/ GeeksForGeeks]</ref>. IP stands for '''Internet Protocol'''. It is a unique identifier given to every device that is connected to the Internet. These numbers were assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority to keep track of devices on the Internet. The number of IPs in the world is 2<sup>32</sup> with IP version 4 because every IP is a 32 bits long. | |||
Another identifier for devices is called the '''MAC Address'''<ref name="GeeksForGeeks">[https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/basics-computer-networking/ GeeksForGeeks]</ref> (Media Access Control Address), which is simply an identifier given to a computer or device when it is manufactured. It's a sort of physical version of an IP Address. The number of MAC addresses available in the world is 2<sup>48</sup> because every MAC Address is 48 bits long. | |||
In terms of Protocols, there are a few to keep in mind. For example, the '''ARP''' <ref name="GeeksForGeeks">[https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/basics-computer-networking/ GeeksForGeeks]</ref>, which stands for Address Resolution Protocol is a protocol to convert an IP into the physical MAC. The reverse can be done with '''RARP''' (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol). | |||
Finally, there is the DNS Server. This stands for Domain Name System, and it is vital to how the Web works. This is because the DNS Server takes the Web address and URLs that are input into a Web browser and translates it into the necessary IP address or server that is hosting the website for the computers on the Network (the Internet). | |||
We have many moving parts and complexities involved in networking, but these are essentially the core concepts to keep in mind. Try thinking of how all these parts work together and when you feel comfortable, try reading further into how computer Networks operate. | |||
==== Quiz ==== | ==== Quiz ==== | ||
{{MerlinNoteFromEditor|Please define Protocol above better so the reader can answer the question, "What is a protocol?" I feel the correct answer is new information.}} | |||
<quiz shuffle=none display=simple> | <quiz shuffle=none display=simple> | ||
| Line 111: | Line 115: | ||
What is a Protocol? | What is a Protocol? | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- A means of physically identifying hardware | - A means of physically identifying hardware when it is manufactured | ||
+ An | + An algorithmic set of instructions on how computers in a Network can talk to each other | ||
- A way of translating | - A way of translating Web addresses or URLs into IP Addresses | ||
- A way of managing the devices that are on the internet | - A way of managing the devices that are on the internet | ||
{ | { | ||
How are devices on the Internet | How are devices on the Internet identified? | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- Using the DNS System | - Using the DNS System | ||
| Line 125: | Line 129: | ||
{ | { | ||
True or False: An IP can be | True or False: An IP can be converted to a MAC Address using RARP. | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- True | - True | ||
| Line 131: | Line 135: | ||
{ | { | ||
True or False: | True or False: Two main identifiers and three main protocols are used in computer networking. | ||
|type="()"} | |type="()"} | ||
- True | - True | ||
| Line 141: | Line 145: | ||
{{KeyConcepts| | {{KeyConcepts| | ||
* '''Types of Computer Networks''' | * '''Types of Computer Networks''' | ||
** A Network is simply the connection between several | ** A Network is simply the connection between several devices and can span anywhere between local and global areas | ||
** Networks can be public or private with the | ** Networks can be public or private, with the Internet being a quintessential example of a public network | ||
** Networks are made to quickly communicate files and programs between multiple devices such as computers, printers, or scanners | ** Networks are made to quickly communicate files and programs between multiple devices such as computers, printers, or scanners | ||
* '''Components of a Network''' | * '''Components of a Network''' | ||
** Switches allow control and communication between computers | ** Switches allow control and communication between computers in a Network | ||
** Routers allow communication and traffic between networks | ** Routers allow communication and traffic between networks | ||
** Access | ** Access points allow computers to join a Network wirelessly | ||
** Servers hold shared data within a network for the devices to | ** Servers hold shared data within a network for the devices to use | ||
* '''Identifiers and Protocols''' | * '''Identifiers and Protocols''' | ||
** Identifiers are used in | ** Identifiers are used in networking to keep track of certain devices; Protocols are sets of instructions on how devices communicate | ||
** IP Addresses and MAC Addresses | ** IP Addresses and MAC Addresses are used to track devices on the Internet and as the devices are being manufactured | ||
** ARP and RARP are two protocols that allow the conversion between IP and MAC and vice versa | ** ARP and RARP are two protocols that allow the conversion between IP and MAC and vice versa | ||
** DNS or Domain Name System Server is a common protocol used to convert URLs into IP Addresses, a critical protocol for the Web | ** DNS or Domain Name System Server is a common protocol used to convert URLs into IP Addresses, a critical protocol for the Web | ||
Revision as of 18:04, 27 February 2022
Introduction[edit]
When working with computer devices, it's important to understand the concept of Networking. Networks mainly concern the hardware of computers. They connect devices together to allow them to share data, software, and other forms of communication. Historically, computer networks are thought of in the context of a business or institution because they typically need a specialized network to share resources such as printers, scanners, and expensive software. In this experience, we'll take a look at the components of a Network and shared computer devices to understand how computer networking fundamentally works.
Types of Networks[edit]
It's important to understand that a Network is simply the connection of many physical devices using wires or wireless media. At its simplest level, a Network can be thought of as plugging in a printer to a computer.
As a result, many different types of Networks exist, depending on their scope. For example, one of the smallest Networks is called PAN[1], 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.
At the next level is the LAN[1], 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). Beyond this is the MAN, which stands for a Metropolitan Area Network. This covers Networks the size of cities. The WAN or Wide Area Network can cover any distance; the most common example of a WAN is the Internet.
The Internet serves an interesting case study for a Network, however, because the Internet is meant to be a Network that spans the globe and it is meant to be public.[1] This leads to the distinction between public and private Networks. Many companies, for example, have data that they want to share among only their Network privately. This means someone outside the network cannot easily connect to the Network and access all the data.
This distinction leads to the idea of a VPN.[1] You might have heard the term VPN. It stands 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.
Many complexities remain with the above distinctions; however, if you keep those general distinctions in mind, you understand computer Networks at a basic level.
Quiz[edit]
Components of a Network[edit]
Networks require several pieces of hardware to operate effectively. As mentioned, a Network is the connection of several physical devices, typically computers. Switches control these computers and allow them to communicate with each other over a Network [2]. Equipment that is similar to Switches, is Routers.[2]
You might have heard of Internet routers. These simply communicate data between Networks with either a LAN cable (Ethernet) or WiFi (Wireless Ethernet). Routers are integral to how the Internet works because they connect an individual PAN or LAN to the broader Internet. They are usually programmed to operate at high efficiencies as they manage the traffic of data packets between the networks.
You might also have heard of an Access Point.[2] In computer networking, Access Points can be thought of as a way to quickly bring new devices into a Network without the need of cables. These improve flexibility within networks in a business setting.
Finally, Servers[2] are simply computers that provide shared data (files, programs, and other media) to all the devices on the Network.
These all lend themselves to the idea of Network Topology.[3] We won't go too in depth here, but know that Network Topology essentially refers to how the devices of a Network are connected. Common patterns are Line, Star, and Mesh. You can see these in the image below.
This article can be improved by: Perhaps you weren't finished writing this topic. In any case, please provide the image, or delete the last sentence just above.
Quiz[edit]
Identifiers and Protocols[edit]
With Networks, several Identifiers and Protocols are used to distinguish devices and to define how those two devices are to communicate. Possibly the most famous Identifier is known as the IP Address[3]. IP stands for Internet Protocol. It is a unique identifier given to every device that is connected to the Internet. These numbers were assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority to keep track of devices on the Internet. The number of IPs in the world is 232 with IP version 4 because every IP is a 32 bits long.
Another identifier for devices is called the MAC Address[3] (Media Access Control Address), which is simply an identifier given to a computer or device when it is manufactured. It's a sort of physical version of an IP Address. The number of MAC addresses available in the world is 248 because every MAC Address is 48 bits long.
In terms of Protocols, there are a few to keep in mind. For example, the ARP [3], which stands for Address Resolution Protocol is a protocol to convert an IP into the physical MAC. The reverse can be done with RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol).
Finally, there is the DNS Server. This stands for Domain Name System, and it is vital to how the Web works. This is because the DNS Server takes the Web address and URLs that are input into a Web browser and translates it into the necessary IP address or server that is hosting the website for the computers on the Network (the Internet).
We have many moving parts and complexities involved in networking, but these are essentially the core concepts to keep in mind. Try thinking of how all these parts work together and when you feel comfortable, try reading further into how computer Networks operate.
Quiz[edit]
This article can be improved by: Please define Protocol above better so the reader can answer the question, "What is a protocol?" I feel the correct answer is new information.
Key Concepts[edit]
- Types of Computer Networks
- A Network is simply the connection between several devices and can span anywhere between local and global areas
- Networks can be public or private, with the Internet being a quintessential example of a public network
- Networks are made to quickly communicate files and programs between multiple devices such as computers, printers, or scanners
- Components of a Network
- Switches allow control and communication between computers in a Network
- Routers allow communication and traffic between networks
- Access points allow computers to join a Network wirelessly
- Servers hold shared data within a network for the devices to use
- Identifiers and Protocols
- Identifiers are used in networking to keep track of certain devices; Protocols are sets of instructions on how devices communicate
- IP Addresses and MAC Addresses are used to track devices on the Internet and as the devices are being manufactured
- ARP and RARP are two protocols that allow the conversion between IP and MAC and vice versa
- DNS or Domain Name System Server is a common protocol used to convert URLs into IP Addresses, a critical protocol for the Web
