What is Networking ??
Networking, also
known as computer networking, is the practice of transporting and exchanging
data between nodes over a shared medium in an information system.
Networking comprises not only the design, construction and use of a network,
but also the management, maintenance and operation of the network
infrastructure, software and policies.
A network connects
computers, mobile phones, peripherals, and even IoT devices. Switches, routers,
and wireless access points are the essential networking basics. Through them,
devices connected to your network can communicate with one another and with other
networks, like the Internet.
Computer networking enables devices and endpoints to be
connected to each other on a local area network (LAN) or to a larger network,
such as the internet or a private wide area network (WAN). This is an essential
function for service providers, businesses and consumers worldwide to share
resources, use or offer services, and communicate. Networking facilitates
everything from telephone calls to text messaging to streaming video to the
internet of things.
The
level of skill required to operate a network directly correlates to the
complexity of a given network. For example, a large enterprise may have
thousands of nodes and rigorous security requirements, such as end-to-end
encryption, requiring specialized network administrators to oversee the
network.
At
the other end of the spectrum, a layperson may set up and perform basic
troubleshooting for a home Wi-Fi network with a short instruction manual. Both
examples constitute computer networking.
Types of networking : -
There
are two primary types of computer networking: wired networking and wireless
networking.
1 ) wired networking
Wired
networking requires the use of a physical medium for transport between nodes.
Copper-based Ethernet cabling, popular due to its low cost and durability, is
commonly used for digital communications in businesses and homes.
Alternatively, optical fiber is used to transport data over greater
distances and at faster speeds, but it has several tradeoffs, including higher
costs and more fragile components.
2) Wireless networking
Wireless
networking uses radio waves to transport data over the air, enabling devices to
be connected to a network without any cabling. Wireless LANs are the
most well-known and widely deployed form of wireless networking. Alternatives
include microwave, satellite, cellular and Bluetooth, among others.
As a
general rule, wired networking offers greater speed, reliability and security
compared to wireless networks; wireless networking tends to provide more
flexibility, mobility and scalability.
It
should be noted that these types of networking concern the physical layer of
the network. Networking can also be classified according to how it's built and
designed, encompassing approaches that include software-defined networking (SDN)
or overlay networks. Networking can also be categorized by environment and
scale, such as LAN, campus, WAN, data center networks or storage area networks.
Wireless networking
To create your wireless network, you can choose between four types of deployment. Each deployment has attributes that will work better for different solutions.
Mobility Express
Mobility Express is a simple, high-performance wireless solution for small or medium-sized organizations. It has the full complement of advanced Cisco features, which are preconfigured with Cisco best practices. The defaults allow for a quick and effortless Wi-Fi deployment that can be operational in minutes. It's perfect for small businesses' basic networking.
Centralized deployment
The most common type of wireless network system, centralized deployments are traditionally used in campuses where buildings and networks are in close proximity. This deployment consolidates the wireless network, which makes upgrades easier and facilitates advanced wireless functionality. Controllers are based on-premises and are installed in a centralized location.
Converged deployment
For small campuses or branch offices, converged deployments offer consistency in wireless and wired connections. This deployment converges wired and wireless on one network device--an access switch--and performs the dual role of both switch and wireless controller.
Cloud-based deployment
This system uses the cloud to manage network devices deployed on-premises at different locations. The solution requires Cisco Meraki cloud-managed devices, which provide full visibility of the network through their dashboards.
Switches, routers, and wireless access points
Switches,
routers, and wireless access points perform very different functions in a
network.
Switches
Switches are the foundation of most
business networks. A switch acts as a controller, connecting computers,
printers, and servers to a network in a building or a campus.
Online shop this product :- https://amzn.to/2Cn9VK4
Switches allow devices on your
network to communicate with each other, as well as with other networks,
creating a network of shared resources. Through information sharing and
resource allocation, switches save money and increase productivity.
There are two basic types of switches
to choose from as part of your networking basics: managed and unmanaged.
·
An unmanaged switch works out of the box but can't be
configured. Home-networking equipment typically offers unmanaged switches.
·
A managed switch can be configured. You can monitor and
adjust a managed switch locally or remotely, giving you greater control over
network traffic and access.
Routers
Routers connect multiple networks
together. They also connect computers on those networks to the Internet.
Routers enable all networked computers to share a single Internet connection,
which saves money.
A router acts a dispatcher. It
analyzes data being sent across a network, chooses the best route for data to
travel, and sends it on its way.
Routers connect your business to the
world, protect information from security threats, and can even decide which
computers receive priority over others.
Beyond
those basic networking functions, routers come with additional features to make
networking easier or more secure. Depending on your needs, for example, you can
choose a router with a firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), or an
Internet Protocol (IP) communications system.
Access points
An access point allows devices to
connect to the wireless network without cables. A wireless network makes it
easy to bring new devices online and provides flexible support to mobile
workers.
An access point acts like an
amplifier for your network. While a router provides the bandwidth, an access
point extends that bandwidth so that the network can support many devices, and
those devices can access the network from farther away.
But an access point does more than
simply extend Wi-Fi. It can also give useful data about the devices on the
network, provide proactive security, and serve many other practical purposes.
Access
points support different IEEE standards. Each standard is an amendment that was
ratified over time. The standards operate on varying frequencies, deliver
different bandwidth, and support different numbers of channels.
Posts
