If you’re in the world of Cisco networking, you’ve probably heard of terms like routing protocols and networking infrastructure. You might be wondering what they mean, or why they are important to know, but you don’t have time to research the answer yourself. The good news is that we have the answers for you! In this article, we will cover everything from the basics of networking to the most advanced networking topics that have ever been discussed by Cisco experts around the world.
The Basic Concept of Computer Networking
Computer networking might seem like a complicated topic, but it’s actually relatively simple when you think about it. In very general terms, computer networking can be thought of as a set of protocols that allow different systems (such as computers) to exchange information and data with one another. You see, in today’s digital world, we rely on various kinds of machines to accomplish just about everything. But what happens when your smartphone needs to share some data with your PC? How do they know how to find each other? Well, they don’t—at least not automatically.
The Definition of Computer Networking
Computer networking is a shared system that allows users to share resources and exchange information over a network. Networks consist of many devices, such as computers, smartphones, routers, etc., but for our purposes we’ll focus on two main types: LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks). Let’s examine both in detail. A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that uses a technology called Ethernet to connect multiple devices in close proximity. A Wide Area Network (WAN), also known as an enterprise or corporate network, does not use Ethernet technology; instead it typically relies on private lines for wide-ranging connections. Both technologies allow for one-to-one or one-to-many communication depending on configuration. For example, LANs can be configured so all connected systems can communicate directly with each other, or they can be configured so only certain systems have access to others via firewalls and proxies. By contrast, any device connected to a WAN can communicate with another anywhere else connected by setting up routes through various methods.
How Does Computer Networking Work?
To understand how networking works, you have to start with computers. Every computer connected to a network must have an IP address. When people talk about IP addresses, they’re referring to Internet Protocol addresses (sometimes called IP or IPv4). These are unique identifying numbers for every device that connects to a network. Devices need these addresses so that all of them can share information with each other over a system of connections. And it isn’t just one connection—it’s multiple. In order to function properly, data needs to be sent from point A to point B multiple times until it arrives there safely in one piece. The path may travel through many different networks, which means any single data packet will take numerous trips around town before making its way where it needs to go. In order for a packet to make it safely around town without being copied and re-copied along its way, you need some kind of security system in place.
What are Networks?
A network is a group of computers that are connected for some common purpose, typically to share resources like an Internet connection or internal information. Computer networks also connect users to each other via applications like email. There are a few main types of computer networks: Local Area Networks (LANs) link computers within a specific location, such as a company office or school district. Wide Area Networks (WANs) link groups of local area networks across vast distances, such as countries or entire continents. Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are used for sharing files and connecting directly with other PCs on a local network via an application like BitTorrent or Skype. A LAN is one type of network; it’s essentially a group of computers connected together in order to share files and resources. Each LAN has its own name, called a network address, which identifies all devices on that particular LAN. A WAN is another type of network; it connects several different LANs over large geographic areas using physical cables, radio waves or fiber optic lines (known as leased lines). Both WANs and LANs operate at layer three (3) of OSI model—the network layer—in order to route data between different systems in either multiple locations or just across great distances.
Types of Networks
There are many different types of computer networks, each of which has its own pros and cons. Businesses often choose from these common network types: Local Area Networks (LANs): LANs connect computers that are in close proximity to one another, such as employees within a building or members of a team who work out of individual offices. Wide Area Networks (WANs): WANs connect computers that are geographically distant from one another; you might use a WAN to access your company’s servers from your home office. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks: P2P networks allow two or more people to directly share data with one another without requiring a central server or an internet connection. All nodes on a P2P network must be connected directly to one another by a physical cable, but they can communicate just like nodes on any other kind of network. Cellular Networks: Wireless cellular networks allow smartphones and other mobile devices to transmit and receive data via radio waves when connected to cellular towers operated by cellular service providers (e.g., AT&T). Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Internet Access: DSL uses existing telephone lines for high-speed internet access via a DSL modem installed at your location or via Internet-enabled wireless router. Ethernet Switches: Ethernet switches function similarly to hubs but are much faster because they only send traffic onto ports that actually need it rather than broadcasting all traffic onto every port.
What is the Future of Computer Networks?
Computer networks matter because they help people, companies, communities and institutions move information faster. At the start of 2014, there were nearly 10 million miles of cabling within just one type of network (fiber optic) alone. As networking technology evolves to connect more devices more quickly while handling larger volumes of data more efficiently, it will also change how we communicate with one another. In 2013, 40% of U.S. adults owned a smartphone; by 2019 that number will likely increase to 65%. While some might argue that computer networks have already changed our lives significantly enough, I believe that’s only scratching the surface when it comes to their potential impact on individuals and organizations alike.
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