Scott - Networking for Beginners

I n this book, you are certain to get down to an exciting learning undertaking of various networking experience. Particularly, Networking for Beginners concisely sets the tempo with an easy-to-understand introduction to the essentials of networking, so you get to know just enough about the LANs and WANs, the OSI model and networking components.

It is also worth noting that the issue of network maintenance and troubleshooting have been significantly covered. There is appreciable coverage on wireless technology, the Internet, and the interesting concept of virtualization in cloud computing. Also, this book introduces the interesting concepts of IP addressing and subnetting that certainly injects a practical touch to the largely theoretical aspect of networking.

Thoroughly researched to meet the current networking and technological needs of learners, Networking for Beginners is a highly practical and up-to-date beginners guide to the essentials of through to the very advanced concepts of computer networking. Prepared from a teaching and guidance point of view, the book does not compel readers to have any experience or prior knowledge in the discipline of networking. Readers have the chance to grab the basics of computer networking through to the fundamental concepts of TCP/IP configuration, router basics, network troubleshooting, network security, IP Management as well as virtualization and cloud computing, among other key networking topics. After reading this book, you will have a considerable understanding of different networking protocols and their role in making the networking concept a reality.

C omputer networking is a wide discipline that incorporates numerous computing concepts primarily aimed at improving communication and access to limited (yet sharable) computer resources.

In this chapter, we are going to examine the basic concepts of computer networking. Our discussion shall begin by defining a network, after which we will look at network infrastructure, roles of a network administrator, an overview of the different Personal Area Network with a lot of emphasis on LANs and WANs, and an analysis of peer-to-peer networking vs. client-server networking.

To sum it up, we will take a quick glimpse of the various network devices, terminologies, the OSI model, and wrap it up with a brief discussion of collision and broadcast. This chapter is typically a summary of networking fundamentals that prepares us for more of a highly illuminating networking experience in the subsequent chapters.

Computer network is a term that refers to any collection of computers that are linked to one another for communication and sharing of data (and information) and other computing resources. Other resources that network also permits network hosts to share applications, data, and a lot more network resources of hardware nature-file servers and printers, among many other devices.

Computer networks may be distinguished according to size, functionality and even location. However, size is the main criterion with which computer networks are classified.

Classification of networks according leads us to the following common types of networks:

• LANs
• WANs

LAN means Local Area Network, whereas WAN, in full, means Wide Area Network.

A LAN refers to any group of computers that are linked to one another in a small area like an office or a small building. In a LAN, two or more computers are connected via communication media like coaxial cables, twisted pair copper cables or fiber-optic cables.

It is easy and less costly to set up a LAN since it can do just fine with inexpensive network hardware such as switches, Ethernet cables, and network adapters. The limited traffic allows for faster transmission of data over LANs.

Besides, LANs are easy to manage since they are set up in a small space. Thus, even security enforcement is also enhanced through closer monitoring of activities within the networks geographical location.

LAN examples include office networks and home-based networks.

LANs have a rather obvious advantage over WANs considering the LANs small geographical coverage, unlike the Wans that stretch over unlimited geographical coverage.

The following are the pros of a LAN:

• Ease of installation since it involves a small area within which computers can be connected. The limited area of operation amounts to a limited number of networked machines, which makes it a lot easier to set up a LAN.