FROM
ROUTER
HACKER
Networking Concepts
A network is a group of connected devices — like
computers, phones, and routers — that share data.
A router connects different networks and directs traffic
between them, but it can be hijacked or spoofed if not
secured.
A switch connects multiple devices inside a LAN and
sends data only to the intended destination — though
attackers can target it with MAC flooding.
A host device (like your PC or phone) sends and receives
data — and can be hacked if not protected.
A server, which stores or processes data, is a common
target for DDoS attacks or malware.
IP address
What: Logical address for a device on an IP network.
Types / example: IPv4 (e.g. [Link]), IPv6 (e.g. 2001:0db8::1).
How to see: ipconfig (Windows) / ifconfig or ip addr (Linux).
MAC address
What: Hardware identifier for a network interface (Layer 2).
Format / example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E (6 bytes / 48 bits).
Port / Port number
What: Logical endpoint on a host identifying a service (TCP/UDP).
Format / example: :80 (port 80), :443 (port 443).
Common ports: 21 FTP, 22 SSH, 25 SMTP, 53 DNS, 80 HTTP, 443 HTTPS, 3389 RDP.
Service (network service)
What: A daemon/process that listens on a port and provides functionality.
Example: nginx listens on port 80/443 to serve websites.
LAN / WAN
LAN: Local Area Network — small area (office/home).
WAN: Wide Area Network — large geographic network (internet, provider links).
Subnet mask / CIDR
What: Defines network vs host bits (e.g. [Link] = /24).
Usage: Determines who is "local" and routing behavior.
Security note: Proper subnetting helps enforce access controls and contain
breaches.
Broadcast address
What: Address to send to all hosts in a subnet (e.g. [Link] for /24).
Security note: Broadcast storms and spoofing can be abused.
How the Internet Works
DNS: Converts domain names (like [Link]) to IP addresses.
DHCP: Assigns IP addresses automatically to devices.
NAT: Lets multiple devices share one public IP.
Firewall: Controls what network traffic is allowed or
blocked.
VPN: Secure tunnel through the internet.
Proxy: Middle server that hides or filters traffic.
IDS / IPS: Detects and blocks suspicious activity.
Encryption: Converts data into unreadable form for
protection.
CDN: Network of servers distributed around the world that
deliver web content to users from the nearest server, instead
of always from the main origin server.
OSI LAYER
18 COMMON PORTS
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure connection that
creates an encrypted tunnel , It hides your real IP address
and makes your online activities private and safe.
How a VPN Works
Without VPN:
Your data travels unencrypted across the internet.
Anyone — your ISP, government, or hackers — can see what
you do online.
With VPN:
Your device connects to a VPN client, which creates an
encrypted tunnel to a VPN server.
All your data passes through this tunnel safely.
Websites and trackers see the VPN server’s IP, not
yours.
In short:
VPN = Privacy + Encryption + IP Masking
LAN
local area network
MAN
metropolitan area
network
WAN
wide area network
ROUTER
A router connects different networks together
— usually:
Your local network (LAN) — your home or
office devices like PCs, phones, IoT,
etc.
The internet (WAN) — the global network
outside your LAN.
SWITCH
A switch connects different devices together
— usually:
A switch connects your local devices so
they can talk to each other efficiently
inside your network — it’s the heart of
your LAN.
[Switch] ——> [Router] ——> [Internet]
HUB
A Hub connects multiple devices
in a network — but it’s not
smart.
It sends data to everyone, not
just the right device.
That’s why Switches replaced
Hubs in modern networks.
THE CONNECTIVITY