Learn about computer networking technology, computer networking equipment, network cards, routers, switches

Computer Networking Technology

Computer networking technology is the foundation that enables the connection and communication of multiple computing devices. It encompasses a wide range of protocols, architectures, and concepts.

• Network Architectures: There are different network architectures such as local – area networks (LANs), wide – area networks (WANs), and metropolitan – area networks (MANs). A LAN is typically used in a small area like an office building or a home, allowing devices such as computers, printers, and servers to communicate with each other. WANs cover a much larger geographical area and are used to connect LANs across different cities or even countries. MANs are designed for a city – wide or metropolitan – area coverage.
• Protocols: Protocols are the rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted and received in a network. The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the most fundamental protocol suite. TCP provides reliable, connection – oriented communication, ensuring that data packets are delivered in the correct order and without errors. IP is responsible for addressing and routing packets across different networks. Other protocols like the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a simpler, connection – less protocol used for applications that require quick transmission of data, such as real – time video or audio streaming, where a small amount of data loss can be tolerated.
• Network Topologies: Network topologies describe the physical or logical layout of a network. Common topologies include the star topology, where all devices are connected to a central device like a switch; the bus topology, in which all devices are connected to a single cable called a bus; and the ring topology, where devices are connected in a circular fashion. Each topology has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Computer Networking Equipment

Network Cards

• Function: A network card, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is a hardware component that enables a computer to connect to a network. It acts as an interface between the computer’s internal components and the external network. The NIC converts the digital signals from the computer into a format suitable for transmission over the network, and vice – versa.
• Types: There are different types of network cards. Ethernet cards are the most common and support various Ethernet standards such as 10BASE – T, 100BASE – T, and 1000BASE – T (which refers to speeds of 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1Gbps respectively). Wireless network cards, on the other hand, use radio frequencies to connect to a wireless network. They support different wireless standards like IEEE 802.11a, 8.11b, 8.11g, 8.11n, and 8.11ac (with different speeds and frequencies).
• Advanced Features: Some modern network cards come with advanced features. For example, they may have support for virtual LANs (VLANs), which allow network administrators to segment a physical network into multiple logical networks. They can also have Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, which prioritize certain types of network traffic (such as voice or video traffic) over others to ensure a better user experience.

Routers

• Function: Routers are crucial networking devices that connect multiple networks together and route data packets between them. They operate at the network layer of the OSI model. Routers use routing tables to determine the best path for a packet to take from the source to the destination network. For example, in a home network, a router connects the local area network (LAN) of the home to the Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) network.
• Routing Protocols: Routers use different routing protocols to build and update their routing tables. Some common routing protocols include the Routing Information Protocol (RIP), which is a relatively simple distance – vector protocol; the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol, which is a more complex link – state protocol; and the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which is used in large – scale Internet routing. Each protocol has its own characteristics in terms of convergence speed, scalability, and accuracy of routing decisions.
• Wireless Routers: Wireless routers are a popular type of router that combines the functions of a traditional router with a wireless access point. They allow wireless – enabled devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets to connect to the network. Wireless routers also have security features such as Wi – Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 to protect the wireless network from unauthorized access.

Switches

• Function: Switches are networking devices that operate at the data link layer of the OSI model. They are used to connect multiple devices within a network and forward data packets between them. Switches use the Media Access Control (MAC) addresses of devices to determine where to send the packets. For example, in a corporate LAN, a switch can connect multiple computers, printers, and servers, and ensure that data is efficiently delivered between them.
• Types: There are different types of switches. Unmanaged switches are the simplest type and are usually used in small networks. They work out – of – the – box without much configuration. Managed switches, on the other hand, offer more advanced features. Network administrators can configure settings such as VLANs, port mirroring, and Quality of Service (QoS) on managed switches. There are also Layer 3 switches, which have some of the functionality of routers and can make routing decisions based on IP addresses in addition to MAC addresses.
• Benefits: Switches offer several benefits. They increase network performance by reducing collisions and congestion. When a device sends data to another device through a switch, the switch creates a dedicated connection between the two, rather than broadcasting the data to all devices like in a hub. This leads to more efficient use of network bandwidth and faster data transfer.