Networking Fundamentals
© 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. SMBUF-1
Contents
• Need for networking
• Topologies
• Protocols
• Networking components
• Types of media-wired & wireless,
• LAN setup
• Concept of IP addressing
• Internet sharing, resource sharing,
• Remote desktop
What is a Network?
• A network refers to two or more connected computers that
can share resources such as data, a printer, an Internet
connection, applications, or a combination of these
resources.
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Types of Networks
Local Area Network (LAN)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
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Topologies
Different ways to arrange these connected computers
• Bus topology
• Star
• Mesh
• Ring
Network Topologies: Bus Topology
SEGMENT
Terminator Terminator
All devices connect to a single cable, like a train on a track. Simple but prone
to failure if the cable breaks
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Network Topologies: Star Topology
Hub
Each device connects to a central hub or switch, like spokes to a wheel. Reliable
but costly for large networks.
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Network Topologies:
Extended Star Topology
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Ring topology
Ring: Devices form a closed loop, passing data around like a
conveyor belt. Secure but challenging to troubleshoot.
Mesh Topology
Mesh: Devices connect directly to each other, creating a
flexible web. Robust but complex to manage.
Protocol
In networking, a protocol is a set of rules for formatting and processing data.
Network protocols are like a common language for computers. The computers
within a network may use vastly different software and hardware; however, the
use of protocols enables them to communicate with each other . Think of
protocols as traffic rules for the network. They dictate how devices
communicate, ensuring everyone speaks the same language.
TCP/IP: The internet's backbone protocol, defining addressing and data
transmission. It is used with most of the Internet services; provides assured
delivery, reliability,
User Datagram Protocol (UDP): UDP is a part of the Internet Protocol suite,
referred to as UDP/IP suite and it is unreliable and connectionless protocol.
Used for real-time services like computer gaming, voice or video
communication, live conferences
Protocol
HTTP/HTTPS: Used for web browsing, transferring information
between websites and your computer. Think of it as the language used
by websites and browsers.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): Facilitates the transfer of files between
computers on a network.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): Manages the sending of
emails.
WiFi: Enables wireless network communication between devices and
access points.
Bluetooth: Allows short-range wireless connections for headsets,
speakers, and other devices.
Networking Components
Modem: Translates signal between your network and the internet
provider. Imagine it as a translator between your network language and
the internet provider's language.
Routers
• Routers facilitate communication within this internet work. It decides how
to send packets within the network so that they arrive at their destination.
Directs traffic between different network segments, like a traffic controller.
Think of it as a junction directing data flow within your network.
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Switch
• Connects multiple devices within a network segment, similar to a
junction box. Think of it as a smaller junction connecting specific devices
within your network.
• When a switch receives data the switch examines the data link header for
the MAC address of the destination station and forwards it to the correct
port. This opens a path between ports that can use the full bandwidth of
the topology.
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MAC Address
• The network interface card address, called the hardware address,
is protocol-independent and is usually assigned at the factory.
This address is technically called the media access control
address (MAC) because it is found on the MAC sub layer of the
Data Link layer.
Data Link
00-0C-F1-5E-BE-F2
2
MAC Address = Hardware Address
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Hub or Repeater
•A hub (concentrator) is a device that repeats the signals it receives on one port
to all other ports. It is a central connection point for several network devices. A
simpler switch that broadcasts data to all connected devices. Think of it as a
loudspeaker announcing data to all devices on the same segment.
Hub
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Hub (Multiport Repeater)
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Network Interface Card
Allows your computer to physically connect to the network.
Imagine it as a port on your computer for connecting to the
network cables.
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Gateway
• A gateway is a combination of hardware and software that connects
dissimilar network environments. It performs translations at multiple
layers of the open system interconnection (OSI) model.
OSI Model
Gateway
PC Network MAC Network
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Firewalls
• A firewall is a system or group of systems that manages access
between two or more networks
DMZ
Network
INTERNET
Outside Inside
Network Network
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Physical Media Types: Wired : Data travels through physical cables
like Ethernet or fiber optic cables, offering high speed and reliability.
Twisted-Pair Twisted-Pair
Outer jacket
RJ-45
Connector Color-Coded Plastic Insulation
Coaxial
Outer jacket Braided Copper Shielding
Copper Conductor
BNC
Plastic Insulation
Connector
Fiber Optics
Outer jacket Kevlar Reinforcing Material
Glass and Fiber Cladding
SC Plastic Shield
Connector
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RJ45 Pinout
Wireless:
Data travels through airwaves using WiFi or Bluetooth, providing
flexibility but potentially lower speed and security.
Physical Media Comparison
Wireless
Twisted Pair Coaxial Fiber Optic
LAN
Up to
Up to
Bandwidth Up to 1 Gbps 10–100 Mbps 10 Gbps
54 Mbps
or higher
Distance Up to 100 m Up to 500 m Up to 60 km Up to 100 m
Least Most
Price Inexpensive Moderate
expensive expensive
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LAN Setup:
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a small network connecting devices
within a limited area, like your home or office.
Setting it up involves:
•Connecting your devices to a router or switch using cables (wired) or
configuring WiFi settings (wireless).
•Configuring your router for internet access with your internet service
provider's details.
•Assigning IP addresses to devices for identification within the network.
IP ADDRESSING
•IP address: Unique identifier for a device on a network, similar to a postal
address for a house.
• Examples: [Link] (IPv4),
2001:db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 (IPv6)
•Subnet mask: Determines which part of the IP address belongs to the
network and which part identifies the device within that network.
• Examples: [Link] (IPv4), ffff:ffff:ffff:ffff:0000:0000:0000:0000
(IPv6)
•Default gateway: The router that provides access to other networks, acting as
a gateway to the internet.
Subnetting:
Dividing a large network into smaller, more manageable segments called
subnets.
• The subnet mask divides the IP address space into network and host
portions.
• Devices within the same subnet can communicate directly; those on
different subnets require routing.
• Improves network performance by reducing broadcast traffic.
• Enhances security by isolating different network segments.
• Provides more efficient use of IP addresses.
Example:
IP address: [Link]
•Subnet mask: [Link]
•Network portion: [Link] (first 3 octets, 24 bits)
•Host portion: 100 (last octet, 8 bits)
•This means the device belongs to the network [Link] and
has a unique identifier of 100 within that network.
Types of IP addresses:
• Static: Manually assigned, permanent address.
• Dynamic: Automatically assigned by DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol).
• Private: Used within internal networks.
• Public: Used for external internet access.
•IP configuration methods:
• Manual: Entering settings manually in device's network
properties.
• DHCP: Automatic assignment by a DHCP server.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Server)
Function:
Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network, eliminating the
need for manual configuration.
Provides other network settings, including subnet mask, default gateway,
and DNS server addresses.
[Link] Requests IP: A device connects to the network and sends a
DHCPDISCOVER broadcast message.
[Link] Offer: The DHCP server receives the request and offers an
available IP address, along with other network settings, in a DHCPOFFER
message.
DNS
DNS Server (Domain Name System Server):
Function:
Translates human-readable domain names
(like [Link]) into numerical IP addresses (like
[Link]) that computers use to communicate.
Acts like an address book for the internet.
Internet Sharing:
Once connected to the internet, you can share your internet connection
with other devices on your LAN. This involves configuring your router to
act as a gateway between your network and the internet.
1. Tethering: Enable "Portable Hotspot" or "Tethering" on your phone
settings.
2. WiFi Sharing(Mobile hotspot): Use computer's Wi-Fi adapter to create
a virtual access point, sharing internet connection with other devices
wirelessly.
3. USB tethering
Resource Sharing:
Networks allow you to share resources like printers, files, and storage space.
This requires configuring permissions and access settings on your devices and
network shares.
1. Network Discovery:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced sharing settings. Turn on
Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
2. Share Specific Folders:
Right-click a folder.
Select Properties > Sharing.
Remote Desktop:
This technology allows you to remotely access and control another
computer over the network. It's like visiting another island
(computer) without physically being there.
1. Remote Desktop:
Concept: You establish a graphical user interface (GUI) connection
to another computer, seeing its desktop and interacting with its
applications as if you were sitting right in front of it.
Methods:
Built-in tools: Windows has Remote Desktop Connection, macOS
has Screen Sharing, and Linux offers GNOME Remote Desktop.
Third-party software: Popular options include TeamViewer,
AnyDesk, and LogMeIn Pro.
Remote Login:
Concept: You establish a text-based command-line connection to
another computer, interacting with its operating system files and
processes directly through typed commands.
Methods:
Built-in tools: Windows has Command Prompt
•Remote Desktop: Use it for tasks requiring full graphical control and ease
of use.
•Remote Login: Use it for server administration, scripting, or resource-
constrained remote access.