Introduction to Computer Networking
Fundamentals of IP addressing, switching, routing, DNS, troubleshooting, and security
1. Introduction to Computer Networks
A computer network is a collection of devices that communicate and share resources. Devices may include
computers, servers, printers, switches, routers, wireless access points, and phones.
A network allows services such as file sharing, web access, printing, centralized authentication, and
communication between systems.
Important terms: host means a network-connected device; IP address identifies a device at the network
layer; switch connects devices on a local network; router connects different networks.
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2. IP Addresses and Subnets
An IPv4 address contains 32 bits and is commonly written as four decimal octets, such as [Link]. A
subnet mask separates the network portion from the host portion.
For example, [Link]/24 uses 24 network bits. The remaining 8 bits are available for host addressing,
subject to network and broadcast reservations in traditional IPv4 subnetting.
Subnetting allows a larger address space to be divided into smaller logical networks. This can improve
organization, routing, and security.
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3. Ethernet and Switching
Ethernet is widely used for wired local-area networking. A switch learns MAC addresses and forwards
frames toward the appropriate port.
A switch is different from a hub. A hub repeats traffic to multiple ports, while a switch can make forwarding
decisions using its MAC address table.
Common physical problems include damaged cables, loose connectors, incorrect speed or duplex
configuration, disabled interfaces, and faulty ports.
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4. Routing and DNS
A router forwards packets between networks. A default gateway is the router a host normally uses when
communicating outside its local subnet.
DNS translates human-readable names into IP addresses. For example, a client may ask a DNS server for
the address associated with a domain name.
When troubleshooting connectivity, test in layers: check the interface, local address, gateway reachability,
DNS resolution, and finally the application.
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5. Network Troubleshooting
A useful sequence is: physical → link → IP configuration → gateway → DNS → application. This
prevents complicated application troubleshooting when the actual problem is a disconnected cable.
On Linux, commands such as ip addr, ip link, ip route, ping, ss, and resolvectl can provide useful
information. On Windows, ipconfig, ping, tracert, nslookup, and netstat are commonly used.
Record the observed error before changing settings. After each change, test again so that you know which
action affected the result.
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6. Basic Network Security
Network security includes authentication, authorization, segmentation, encryption, updates, monitoring, and
appropriate firewall rules.
Use least privilege: users and services should have only the permissions required for their tasks. Unused
services and unnecessary ports should be disabled where practical.
Backups are also part of resilience. A secure backup should be protected from accidental deletion,
corruption, and unauthorized access.
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Practice and Review
1: What is the purpose of a router?
2: What is DNS used for?
3: What information does a switch learn?
4: What does /24 mean in IPv4 notation?
5: Give the recommended troubleshooting sequence.
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Answer Key
Answer: What is the purpose of a router?
Answer: What is DNS used for?
Answer: What information does a switch learn?
Answer: What does /24 mean in IPv4 notation?
Answer: Give the recommended troubleshooting sequence.
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