Reading Chapter 13 Notes - SeanSeymour/SYS140-Tech-Journal GitHub Wiki

Networking Overview

Networking, in general, is all over the place whether you notice it or not. Not related to computers, you can have a network of friends. A network is two or more things that communicate with each other. This is very similar in relation to computers. A network is two or more computers that communicate with each other, just like you would if you had a network of friends. Communication in relation to computers can consist of, but not limited to: Share files, browse the internet, access applications, etc.. It is important to understand how to connect devices to an existing network.

Copper Media

Copper media is the most common and most used cabling to connect devices to a network. With copper media, you can have either a twisted pair or coaxial.

Ethernet Concepts

Ethernet is the most common type of LAN. We must spend extra time understanding ethernet as people constantly edit Ethernet networks, whether that be by increasing bandwidth, adding and removing devices from the ethernet network, etc... Ethernet was originally designed for Half-duplex at 10mbps. The more connections on an Ethernet Network, the more your network slows down. Nowadays, Ethernet networks support speeds up to 10Gbps, however, most support up to 1Gbps. If you see a "T" at the end of "100Base" then that means that the device connected uses a twisted pair cable. Full Duplex more than doubles speeds because, with Full duplex, it is transmitting in both directions, meaning less collisions.

The OSI Model

The OSI Model is how the information transfers across the network. The model has several guidelines, which include (1): How the different transmissions media is arranged. (2): How the network devices use different languages to communicate with each other. (3):How the network devices contact one another. (4): How and when data is transmitted across the network.(5): How data is sent to the correct device. (6): How we know if the network data was properly received. The OSI model provides a structure into which these rules fit. The OSI Model divides networking into different layers so that it is easier to understand. This also helps out the manufacturers. If a manufacturer wants to make a device that works on a certain layer, they only have to focus on that specific layer. In return to making it easier for manufacturers, you get more technology come out a lot faster.

If you want to get to a certain layer, you have to go through the Other Layers. For example, if you wanted to get to layer three, you would have to get through layer 1 and 2 first.

The TCP/IP model

A network protocol is a communication language. A protocol SUITE is a GROUP of protocols that work together. TCP/IP is what is used today when accessing the internet. The TCP/IP uses Multiple protocols.The TCP/IP model only has four layers, in contrast to the 7 that the OSI model uses. Because of this, it is easier to understand and study.

More IPv4 Addressing

An IP address is broken down into two parts: the network number, and the host number. The network number is responsible for displaying which network the computer is on. The host number, is responsible for displaying the specific computer on the network. Every device uses a different host number on the same network.

Wireless networks overview

Wireless networks are networks that transmit data over air using infrared or radio frequencies. (2.4GHz or 5 GHz range)Most wireless networks in homes and businesses use radio frequencies. (2.4GHz) Wireless networks operate at layers 1 and 2 of the OSI Model. Wireless networks can be installed indoors or outdoors. Laptops and portable devices usually connect to the internet using wireless networks.

Wireless Network Standards

Table showing and explaining standards

Bluetooth

Bluetooth includes Audio products, visual products, automotive accessories, keyboards, mice, phones, cameras, etc... Bluetooth works in the 2.4GHz range. Standard versions of bluetooth support up to 100 meters of connection, however with version 5, it supports up to 243 meters. Up to eight bluetooth devices can be connected on a small network at a time. Bluetooth is used mostly for short-range wireless solutions.

Wireless Network Components

Major types of wireless network components include USB, PCIe and integrated ports.

A wireless access point is a device that receives and transmits data from multiple devices that have wireless NICs installed. Wireless routers usually have switch ports built into them. A wireless router is used the same way a normal router is used.

Wireless Network Design

Think of an access point as a Hub. The access point connects to wireless devices that share bandwidth.

It is common that a home network uses both wireless connections and wired connections. You can expand a wireless network by using a wireless repeater. (Range extender)