Basic Network Concepts

Network: A collection of computers and devices connected together to share resources and information.
Node: Any device connected to a network, such as computers, printers, or routers.
Host: A computer or other device connected to a network that provides data or services to other devices.

Types of Networks

LAN (Local Area Network):
- A network that connects devices within a limited geographic area, such as a single building or campus.
- Example: A school's network connecting all its computers and printers.
WAN (Wide Area Network):
- A network that covers a broad area, such as multiple cities, states, or countries.
- Example: The internet, which connects networks across the globe.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):
- A network that spans a city or a large campus.
- Example: A city's public Wi-Fi network.
PAN (Personal Area Network):
- A network for personal devices, typically within a range of a few meters.
- Example: Bluetooth connections between a smartphone and a smartwatch.

Network Topologies

Bus Topology:
- All devices are connected to a single central cable, called the bus.
- Simple and inexpensive, but a failure in the central cable can take down the entire network.
Star Topology:
- All devices are connected to a central hub or switch.
- If the central hub fails, the entire network is affected, but individual cable failures only affect one device.
Ring Topology:
- Devices are connected in a circular fashion, with each device having two neighbors.
- Data travels in one direction, reducing the chance of collision, but a failure in any cable or device can break the loop.
Mesh Topology:
- Devices are interconnected, with multiple paths between nodes.
- Provides high redundancy and reliability but is more expensive and complex to set up.

Network Devices

Router:
- Connects multiple networks and directs data between them.
- Example: A home router connects the home network to the internet.
Switch:
- Connects devices within a single network and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct device.
- Example: A network switch in an office connecting computers and printers.
Hub:
- Connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act as a single network segment.
- Unlike a switch, it broadcasts data to all devices, leading to more collisions.
Access Point:
- A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.
- Example: A Wi-Fi access point in a classroom providing internet access to students.

Network Protocols

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol):
- The foundational protocols for the internet and most modern networks.
- TCP ensures data is transmitted reliably, while IP handles addressing and routing.
HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure):
- Protocols for transferring web pages on the internet.
- HTTPS includes encryption for secure communication.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol):
- Used for transferring files between computers on a network.
- Example: Uploading files to a web server.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol):
- Protocol for sending email messages between servers.
- Example: Sending an email from one domain to another.
DNS (Domain Name System):
- Translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses.
- Example: Converting "google.com" to its IP address.

Network Security

Firewall:
- A security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Example: A school firewall blocking access to certain websites.
VPN (Virtual Private Network):
- Creates a secure connection over a public network, encrypting data transmitted between the user's device and the internet.
- Example: Employees accessing the company network securely from remote locations.
Encryption:
- The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.
- Example: HTTPS encrypting data transmitted between a user's browser and a web server.

IP Addressing

IPv4:
- The most common version of IP, using 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
- Limited to approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses.
IPv6:
- The newer version of IP, using 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
- Provides a virtually unlimited number of unique addresses.
Static IP Address:
- A permanent IP address assigned to a device.
- Example: A web server with a fixed IP address.
Dynamic IP Address:
- An IP address assigned by a DHCP server that can change over time.
- Example: A home computer getting a new IP address each time it connects to the internet.

Wireless Networking

Wi-Fi:
- Wireless technology allowing devices to connect to a network using radio waves.
- Example: Connecting a laptop to a home network.
Bluetooth:
- Short-range wireless technology for connecting personal devices.
- Example: Pairing a smartphone with wireless headphones.
Cellular Networks:
- Mobile networks providing internet access and communication through cellular towers.
- Example: 4G and 5G networks used by smartphones.

Common Networking Terms

Bandwidth:
- The maximum rate of data transfer across a network path.
- Measured in bits per second (bps).
Latency:
- The delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction.
- Measured in milliseconds (ms).
Packet:
- A small unit of data transmitted over a network.
- Contains both the data being sent and the control information for routing.
Subnet:
- A logical subdivision of an IP network.
- Used to improve network performance and security.
MAC Address:
- A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment.
- Example: The MAC address of a network card in a laptop.

Types of software used in educational and administrative settings, including open source software