network fundamentals Flashcards
definition of network
a (computer) network is a group of computer systems and other computing hardware devices that are linked together through communication channels to facilitate communication and resouce sharing among a range of users
how do we categorize networks
based on their characteristics
LAN
local area networks. aka covers a local area. this usually includes a local office/building and theyre also pretty common in homes (our gzmnasium counts)
wired or wireless, all modren LANs are based on Ethernet (set of protocols for exchanging data)
two wazs to implement - twisted pair cables (UTP) or wireless (wifi radio waves)
WAN
wide area network - covers a wider area than LAN. distances range from multiple buildings
collection of other networks (other LANs and WANs)
they can be wired (fibre optic cable) or or wireless (using microwave or satellite transmission technology)
most popular WAN is internet
LAN vs WAN
LAN - ethernet
WAN - internet
wan is a mega cloud that is outside few houses and lan of one house connects the devices within that house to the wan megacloud outside of it (chehck the scheme drawn in topic 3 slides 3.1.1)
wna basicallz connects few lans
VLAN
virtual local area network - a logical group of work stations, servers and network devices that appear to be on the same LAN despite their geographical distribution.
it allows a network of computers and users to communicate in a simulated enviroment as if they exist in a single LAN
pros of vlans: implemented to achieve scalability, security and easy of network management and can quickly adapt to changes in network requirements and relocation of workstations and server nodes
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is like a way to split one physical network into smaller, separate networks. Imagine a big school with different groups of students. With a VLAN, you can create “virtual rooms” for each group so they don’t mix, even though they’re in the same building. In computer terms, it helps keep data organized and secure, allowing certain devices to communicate as if they’re in their own network while still being part of the larger network.
WLAN
Wireless local area network - a wireless distribution method for two or more devices that use high frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the Internet
a WLAN allows users to move around the coverage area, often a home or a small office - while maintaining a network connection
an example would be WiFi
LAN vs WLAN
LAN is wired and it can connect more devices (WLAN is limited)
what is internet?
a network or networks - globally connected network system that uses TCP/IP protocols to transmit data vie various types of media. it is a network of global exchanges (including private, public, business, academic and government network) all connected by wired, wireless and fibre-optic cables.
the term ‘internet’ and ‘world wide web’ are often used interchangeably HOWEVER THEY ARE NOT SAME THING!
internet - refers to global communication system INCLUDING hardware and infrastructure
wwweb - one of the services communicated over the internet
extranet
it is a controlled private network allowing costumers, partners, vendors, suppliers and other businesses to gain information typically about a specific company or educational institution, and do so without granting access to the organization’s entire network.
an extranet is often a private part of a website.
it is restricted to select users though user IDs, passwords
intranet vs extranet
internet is “equally private” (like a club taht you need to pay to go to), while extranet is limited for some people to see (like a VIP area in that club that you need to pay to again)
VPN
Virtual Private Network. it uses the internet to allow people to log into a network remotely and access its resources, but encrypts the connection to thwart
with a VPN you can access your corporate intranet, file servers or email from home or a coffee shop just as if you were using it in your office
therefore VPN is a popular way to support remote workers (especially where the privacy is most important)
also you can avoid the government blocks on content using it but also hackers and corporate
PAN
Personal area network. a network covering a very small area - usually a small room.
most popular wireless example would be bluetooth and popular wired would be usb
peripheral devices that can connect to a computer are a network
wifi is also a PAN technology.
P2P
peer to peer - a network model in which computers or hardware devices exchange files.
“equal client” system - instead of accessing files the computers just swap them amongst eachotehr
name all types of networks you can rememebr
LAN
WAN
VLAN
SAN
WLAN
INTERNET
EXTRANET
VPN
PAN
P2P
