Network and Networking
A network is a system of interconnected devices that communicate with each other to share data and resources. In simple terms, it allows computers, servers, smartphones, and other devices to exchange information.
Key Points About a Network
- Definition: A collection of nodes (devices) connected by links (wired or wireless) for communication.
- Purpose: To share resources like files, printers, and internet access.
- Components:
- Nodes: Computers, routers, printers.
- Links: Cables or wireless signals.
- Protocols: Rules for communication (e.g., TCP/IP).
Why Networks Are Important
- Enable data sharing.
- Provide internet connectivity.
- Support communication (email, VoIP).
- Allow centralized storage and management.
A network in computing and telecommunications refers to a system of interconnected devices that communicate and share resources. Here’s a clear breakdown:
1. What is a Network?
A network is a collection of nodes (like computers, servers, smartphones) connected by links (wired or wireless) to exchange data and resources.
2. Types of Networks
- LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area like a home or office.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Spans large geographical areas, e.g., the Internet.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a city or campus.
- PAN (Personal Area Network): For personal devices like Bluetooth connections.
3. Key Components
- Nodes: Devices like computers, printers, routers.
- Links: Physical (Ethernet cables) or wireless (Wi-Fi).
- Protocols: Rules for communication (e.g., TCP/IP).
- Network Devices: Routers, switches, hubs.
4. How Does It Work?
- Data is broken into packets.
- Packets travel through the network using routing and switching.
- Protocols ensure reliable delivery and security.
5. Common Uses
- File sharing
- Internet access
- Communication (email, VoIP)
- Cloud services
Main type of network:
1. LAN (Local Area Network)
- Scope: Small area like a home, office, or building.
- Speed: High (up to 1 Gbps or more).
- Example: Office computers connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
2. WAN (Wide Area Network)
- Scope: Large geographical area (cities, countries).
- Example: The Internet is the largest WAN.
- Uses: Connects multiple LANs over long distances.
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- Scope: Covers a city or campus.
- Example: A network connecting all branches of a bank in a city.
4. PAN (Personal Area Network)
- Scope: Very small range (within a few meters).
- Example: Bluetooth between phone and headphones.
5. WLAN (Wireless LAN)
- Scope: Same as LAN but wireless.
- Example: Wi-Fi in homes and offices.
6. CAN (Campus Area Network)
- Scope: Multiple buildings in a campus.
- Example: University network.
7. SAN (Storage Area Network)
- Purpose: High-speed network for data storage.
- Example: Used in data centers.
8. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Purpose: Secure connection over public networks.
- Example: Remote employees accessing company resources securely.
IP Address and MAC Address
1. What is an Address in Networking?
An address identifies a device on a network so data can be sent to the correct destination. There are two common types:
- IP Address (Internet Protocol Address):
- A unique number assigned to each device on a network.
- Used for logical addressing.
- Example:
- IPv4:
192.168.1.1 - IPv6:
2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334
- IPv4:
2. What is a MAC Address?
- MAC (Media Access Control) Address is a physical address.
- It is a unique identifier assigned to a device’s network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer.
- Format: 48-bit hexadecimal, usually shown as
00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. - Purpose: Used for communication within a local network (Layer 2 of OSI model).
- Permanent: Unlike IP addresses, MAC addresses usually don’t change.
Difference Between IP and MAC Address
| Feature | IP Address | MAC Address |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Logical | Physical |
| Layer | Network Layer (Layer 3) | Data Link Layer (Layer 2) |
| Format | Numeric (IPv4/IPv6) | Hexadecimal |
| Changeable | Yes | No (usually fixed) |