Networks and Communications

What are Networking Principles?

  • The study of how computers and other devices communicate with each other.
  • This includes understanding the protocols, topologies and technologies that enable data transfer across networks.

Components:

Network Protocols

 
  • Definition: Protocols are rules and conventions for communication between network devices.
  • Common Protocols:
    • TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The fundamental suite of protocols for the internet.
    • HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol / Secure): Protocols for transferring web pages.
    • FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Protocol for transferring files.
    • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Protocol for sending emails.
    • DNS (Domain Name System): Protocol for translating domain names into IP addresses.

Example:

  • HTTP: When you type a URL into your browser, it uses HTTP to request the web page from a server.

 

    Network Topologies

     
    • Definition: Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network.
    • Common Topologies:
      • Star Topology: All devices are connected to a central hub.
      • Bus Topology: All devices share a common communication line.
      • Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular fashion.
      • Mesh Topology: Devices are interconnected with many redundant interconnections.

    Example:

    • Star Topology: Used in home networks where all devices connect to a central router.

      Types of Networks

       
      • Definition: Networks can be categorised based on their size, purpose and functionality.
      • Common Types:
        • LAN (Local Area Network): A network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office or building.
        • WAN (Wide Area Network): A network covering a large geographic area, such as a city, country or even global.
        • MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network covering a city or campus.
        • PAN (Personal Area Network): A network covering a very small area, typically within a range of a single person.

      Example:

      • LAN: The network within your home connecting your computers, smartphones and other devices.

        Network Security

         
        • Definition: Network security involves protecting a network and its data from unauthorised access, misuse or theft.
        • Common Security Measures:
          • Firewalls: Hardware or software that blocks unauthorised access.
          • Encryption: Encoding data to prevent unauthorised access during transmission.
          • VPN (Virtual Private Network): Creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network.
          • Antivirus and Anti-malware: Software to detect and prevent malicious software.

        Example:

        • VPN: Using a VPN to secure your internet connection while accessing public Wi-Fi.

          Data Transmission

           
          • Definition: The process of sending data from one device to another over a network.
          • Transmission Methods:
            • Wired: Using physical cables (Ethernet) for data transmission.
            • Wireless: Using radio waves (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) for data transmission.
          • Data Transmission Concepts:
            • Bandwidth: The maximum rate of data transfer across a network.
            • Latency: The time it takes for data to travel from source to destination.
            • Packet Switching: Dividing data into packets and transmitting them independently.

          Example:

          • Packet Switching: Data sent over the internet is broken into packets, each taking the best available path to the destination.

            Understanding networking principles is key to designing, managing and securing reliable computer networks.