Introduction to computer networking for beginners (2023)

Computer networks are a means by which computers are interconnected to share data and information, resources and all other network devices such as printers.

Computers, as we now know, apply to all fields of activity, be it agriculture, education, medicine, technology, transportation, etc. So there is an obvious need for an organization to have an internetwork of its computers to further help share and retrieve data and efficiently manage and use computing resources.

Today's world is a global village with the advent of the Internet, which is a combination of millions of interconnected computer systems to share information. The growth of the internet has sporadically improved as it provides useful information and platforms for all classes of people, business people, students, artisans, artisans and all other categories of people and professions.

Types of computer networks

Computer networks can be classified based on different attributes such as physical size, connection mode, device types, etc. To ease the introduction, let's look at their classification in terms of physical size. You will often hear the following.

• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN a type of computer network that generally deals with a small area and most often restricted to one location; for example, networking an Internet café, a computer lab, or simply building an organization.

The network of a home or a small building is known as SOHO LAN (Small Home Office Local Area Network). In this type of network, there are usually few computers and other network devices, for example switches and routers involved (details about the devices are explained below).

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN is a type of computer network that is larger than a LAN but does not reach a WAN (Wide Area Network). It is an intermediary between LAN and WAN. It covers more areas than a LAN and has a larger number of computers; it can also be seen as a combination of more than one LAN.

In this type, the use of routers is well employed for network segregation and integration, and requires more administrative controls due to their size.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

This is the biggest form of computer network covering thousands of acres of land area. You can cross states and countries; there is no limit to the number of computers and devices or network resources involved. WAN employs the use of all necessary network devices like switches, routers, hubs, bridges, repeaters, etc. This type of network usually requires full-time administrative verification, as its failure can lead to massive data loss or theft.

An easily familiar example is the Internet.

Networking devices and terms

There are many networking devices available and many terminologies are used. Let's find out about them the following.

router

A router is used to connect different networks. That is, for two or more LANs to be interconnected, a router is needed. It is responsible for determining the route of the sent data. The router is considered a layer three device, because it operates at layer 3 of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) communication model and uses IP addresses in its interface.

To change

The switch is responsible for connecting computers to each other. The switch is an important backbone of LANs. As it provides a way for different computers to be interconnected. This device is known to operate at layer 2 of the standard OSI communication model. So it's a layer two device. The switch is an improved form of a jumper.

wireless router

you can have at home. A wireless router helps you connect multiple devices without cables.

Commonly known as wifi network and used to distribute internet to various devices at home, shop or office.

Access point

In wireless networks, an access point is used instead of a switch.

Model OSI

OSI model concept designed to standardize the communication system between devices on a network. It consists of seven layers.

• Physicist
• data link
• Red
• Transport
• session
• Presentation
• Application

center

The hub is also known as a multiport repeater due to its resemblance to a repeater, although there are specific devices called repeaters. The hub was also used to connect computers and share data between them, but now it is mainly used as a repeater to repeat signals over long distances. The hub is known as a layer one device (in the OSI model), as is the repeater.

ethernet

Ethernet for the cabling system and ports involved in the network. Network cables are called Ethernet cables and are used to connect a computer to all other network devices or for a computer-to-computer connection. The most common of these is the RJ45 connector.

On Cisco devices, the Ethernet ports on a router or switch are known as Fast Ethernet ports, most of which are indicated by letters and numbers, depending on their arrangement. For example, the first Ethernet port on a router is labeled Fa0/0, while the first Ethernet port on a switch is labeled Fa0/1.

IP address

IP stands for Internet Protocol.

The IP address is a 32-bit address given to computers, switches, and routers so that they can be easily located by other devices on the network. It currently exists in two versions, which areIPv4(IP version 4) andIPv6(IP version 6).

IPv4 is the most used. It is written as a set of 12 numbers separated by dots in three(s), for example 192,168,231,254 or it can be written shorter if the first number is zero i.e. 010,002,001,001 can be written as 10.2.1.1

Currently, IPv6 is not very common in use. It was developed to address the challenges of increasing IP address depletion. It is written in the form 2031:0000:130F:0000:0000:09C0:876A:130B. Contains numbers and alphabets.

Do you want to know your public Internet IP? try thismy ip tool.

MAC

The MAC (Media Access Control) address is a 64-bit manufacturer's address engraved on your computer's motherboards, routers, and switches. Each computer, switch, or router has a unique MAC address. This is a single source of identity for electronic devices for easy recognition. It is as unique as the fingerprint of human beings.

subnet mask

The subnet mask helps determine the class of an IP address as it is assigned to computers, routers or switches along with an IP address to clarify its class or network.

• For class A IP address: subnet mask, it is written as 255.0.0.0
• For class B IP address, subnet mask is written as 255.255.0.0
• For class C IP address, subnet mask is written as 255.255.255.0

Domain Name Service (DNS)

DNS is a service for translating or transforming human readable names into IP addresses and vice versa. you can use aDNS record lookupto find out the resolution IP address.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

DHCP is a service for automatically assigning IP addresses to host devices such as computers. This function is performed by a router (only when configured to do so).

Rede local virtual (VLAN)

VLAN is a method of logically separating a LAN and making different networks appear to be on one. Physically it is a network, but logically they are different networks. This is done via a switch (only when configured to do so).

WI-FI

Wi-Fi is a method of wirelessly connecting computers to a network, i.e. wireless networking, which involves the use of Wi-Fi enabled computers, access points, wireless routers, etc.

scalability

It is the ability of a network to expand in such a way as to make room for more devices to interconnect and join the network without causing major changes to the entire network.

Conclusion

I hope this gives you an idea about basic computer networking terms. If you are non-technical and interested in learning more about networking, check out this brilliantonline course.