Computer Networking

Satellite internet is suitable when a wired solution is not available.

Before converged networks, organizations had separate cabling for telephone, video, and data, each using different technologies to carry signals.

Converged data networks can carry data, voice, and video on one link, and they deliver these services over the same network infrastructure that uses the same set of rules and standards.

The technologies that support the infrastructure that moves data across the network.

Network architectures must address Fault Tolerance, Scalability, Quality of Service (QoS), and Security to meet user expectations.

The primary goal of a fault-tolerant network is to limit the impact of failures on the network

Reliable networks achieve redundancy through packet switching, enabling different paths for packets. Circuit-switched networks, on the other hand, establish dedicated circuits, making redundancy difficult.

A scalable network is one that can quickly and easily expand to accommodate new users and applications without impacting the performance of existing services. Network designers achieve scalability by adhering to accepted standards and protocols.

Voice and live video transmissions require higher expectations for reliable delivery of these services.

Quality of Service (QoS) is the primary mechanism used to ensure the reliable delivery of content for all users, allowing routers to better manage the flow of data and voice traffic.

The two main types of network security are network infrastructure security and physical security of network devices.

The three primary goals of network security are confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The network needs to keep pace with the constant emergence of new technologies and end-user devices in the market.

Recent networking trends include Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), online collaboration, video communications, and cloud computing.

BYOD allows users to utilize their own devices, providing them with increased opportunities and flexibility. End users can use devices like laptops, netbooks, tablets, smartphones, and e-readers as part of BYOD.

Online collaboration enables joint projects over the network, and tools like Cisco WebEx support collaboration by allowing users to instantly connect and interact, including features such as sending instant messages, sharing images, posting videos, and sharing links. Collaboration is a high priority in business and education.

Video communication is vital for connecting with anyone, regardless of their location, and it plays a crucial role in effective collaboration. Cisco TelePresence is a method that enables collaboration with people from everywhere.

Cloud computing primarily allows for storing personal files and data backup on internet servers and provides access to applications. Smaller companies benefit by leasing server and storage services from larger data center organizations in the Cloud, which they might not afford to build themselves.

The four types of Clouds are Public Clouds (available to the general public), Private Clouds (intended for specific organizations), Hybrid Clouds (combinations of two or more Cloud types), and Custom Clouds (built to meet specific industry needs and can be private or public).

Smart home technology is a growing trend that integrates technology into everyday appliances, allowing them to interconnect with other devices. For example, ovens can communicate with your calendar to know when to start cooking a meal based on your schedule.

Powerline networking is useful when data network cables or wireless communication is not feasible. It works by allowing devices to connect to a LAN via electrical outlets using standard powerline adapters that transmit data on specific frequencies. This is especially handy when wireless access points cannot reach all devices in the home.

Wireless broadband is an internet connection option, especially in rural areas, provided by Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs). It uses cellular technology and an outside antenna to connect devices in the home.

Network security is essential, and securing a network involves various methods, considering both data protection and quality of service. Threat vectors can be external or internal.

External threats include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, zero-day attacks, threat actor attacks, denial of service attacks, data interception and theft, and identity theft.

Internal threats consist of lost or stolen devices, accidental misuse by employees, malicious employees, and the fact that internal users of the network are responsible for most security breaches.

Security must be implemented in multiple layers to enhance protection. Key components for a home or small office network include antivirus and antispyware software on end devices and firewall filtering to block unauthorized access.

Larger networks require a dedicated firewall system, access control lists (ACL) for filtering, intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to detect threats like zero-day attacks, and virtual private networks (VPN) for secure remote access.

The study of network security starts with understanding the switching and routing infrastructure.