Networking Basics

Networking is the backbone of modern communication systems. It allows devices to connect and communicate with each other. This section provides an overview of the fundamental concepts of networking.

What is Networking?

Networking is the process of connecting two or more computing devices to exchange information and share resources. This can be done using various technologies, such as wired, wireless, or a combination of both.

Types of Networks

Local Area Network (LAN): Connects devices within a small area, like an office or a home.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Connects devices across a large geographical area, such as across cities or countries.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Connects devices within a city or a large campus.

Basic Networking Concepts

IP Address: A unique identifier assigned to each device on a network.
Subnet Mask: Helps determine which part of an IP address identifies the network and which part identifies the host.
Gateway: A device that connects different networks together.
Router: A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

Network Topologies

Network topologies define the physical or logical arrangement of devices in a network. Common topologies include:

Star Topology: All devices are connected to a central device, such as a switch or hub.
Bus Topology: Devices are connected to a single cable, known as a bus.
Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular loop.

Networking Protocols

Networking protocols are a set of rules that govern the exchange of data between devices. Some common protocols include:

TCP/IP: The foundation of the internet, providing reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of octets between applications running on hosts communicating via an IP network.
HTTP: The protocol used for transferring web pages and other resources on the web.
FTP: The protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server.