Networking basics - CS academy

Computer networks Computer systems include many basic technological components, which are the basis for the technological formation of these computer systems, and among the most important of these technological components are computer networks, which include a number of computer devices that have a common connection in terms of resources and information, and the most important of these common resources is the global Internet, These joint communications between computer networks are carried out through a number of different means of communication, which are represented in communication cables, the most famous of which are Internet cables, and wireless means of communication, which are carried out through a group of radio waves. Network communication systems in computers are characterized as multi-tasking systems. It is one of the basics that includes many details and characteristics of importance in identifying and defining what are the basics of networks.[1] Internet Network Different computer networks participate in the exchange of many diverse resources, which include many information and common data, which is one of the basis for determining what are the basics of networks, Among the most important of these resources is what is known as the Internet, and the Internet is defined as a system Global communication, which specializes in the transfer of data and various information through a range of multiple technological media, and one of the most important elements of excellence that the Internet includes is that it is a global network for the exchange of information and data in many network areas such as private networks, public networks, or commercial and academic educational fields. [2] Where these network areas are connected through many wireless extension technologies or fiber optic technologies, and in terms of technical differences there is a fundamental difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web, as this difference includes that the Internet refers to global communication systems that include many of hardware and infrastructure, but the World Wide Web refers to one of the technological and technical services that are connected and provided through the main Internet. [2] What are the basics of networks? One of the conceptual foundations that are the main pillars of its systems and technical communications wa Technological, where these basics differ in terms of their concept and details, and here comes a breakdown of what are the basics of networks: [3] Open communication systems: Open communication systems are described as reference technical models through which the necessary standards for communication protocols and their various functions are determined. Protocols: Protocols are one of the most important basics of networks, as they include many technical rules and algorithms that determine the possible means for two devices to communicate over a single network. IP Address: This logical address is the basic heuristic by which devices on the World Wide Web can be accessed and identified. Media access control address: The media access control address refers to the physical address by which a host is identified on the network. Port: The port is one of the important basics of network systems, as it is a logical channel through which data related to the applications that make up the network host are sent and received.




Switches allow connected devices on your network to communicate with each other as well as with other networks and create a network of shared resources. By sharing information and allocating resources, switches save you money and increase productivity.


There are two main types of switches you can choose from as part of your networking essentials: on-premises and cloud-managed switches.


A managed switch on site allows you to configure your local area network allowing you more limited control over your network traffic.
Do you have a small IT team? A cloud managed switch can simplify your network management. You get a simple user interface, complete multisite management, and automatic updates delivered directly to the switch.
Routers
Routers are used to connect several networks together. It can also connect computers on these networks to the Internet. Routers enable all connected computers on a network to share a single Internet connection, which saves money.


The router acts as a transmitter. It analyzes the data sent over the network, chooses the best path for it to travel, and sends it on its way.


Routers connect your company to the outside world, protect information from security threats, and can even decide which computers get priority over others.


In addition to these basic networking functions, routers come with additional features to make networking easier and more secure. Depending on your security needs, for example, you can choose a router with a firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), or an Internet Protocol (IP) connection system.

Small business routers

Learn how to choose the right VPN router for your small business.
Explore routers
access points
An access point* allows devices to connect to a wireless network without cables. A wireless network makes it easy to connect new devices to the Internet and provides flexible support for mobile workers.

Access points for small businesses

Explore access points
The access point acts as a magnifier for your network. While the router provides wide bandwidth, the access point extends this bandwidth so that the network can support many devices and those devices can access the network from further away.


But an access point does more than just extend your Wi-Fi network. They can also provide useful data about devices on the network, provide proactive security, and serve many other practical purposes.


*Access points support various IEEE standards. Each standard represents an amendment that has been validated over time. Standards operate at different frequencies, offer different bandwidths, and support different numbers of channels.

Wireless networks

To build your wireless network, you can choose from three types of deployment: centralized deployment, converged deployment, and cloud-based deployment. Need help figuring out which types of publishing are best for your business? Consult an expert.

1. Central Publishing

It is the most common type of wireless network system, typically used in building complexes where buildings and networks are located in close proximity to each other. This deployment consolidates the wireless network, which makes upgrades easier and facilitates advanced wireless functionality. Controllers are site dependent and installed in a central location.

2. Convergent publishing

For campuses or small branch offices, converged deployment provides consistency in wireless and wired communications. This deployment combines wired and wireless networking on a single network device - an access switch - and performs the dual role of both switch and wireless controller.

3. Cloud-based publishing

This system uses the cloud to manage network devices that are deployed locally in different locations. The solution requires cloud-managed Cisco Meraki appliances, which have full network visibility via their dashboard.