Networking Fundamentals

Crystal Panek

• Publisher: Sybex
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781119650744
• eBook ISBN: 9781119650690
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Computer Networking
• Index: Computer Science

A clear and concise resource on Windows networking, perfect for IT beginners

Did you know that nearly 85% of IT support roles require a good understanding of networking concepts? If you are looking to advance your IT career, you will need a foundational understanding of Windows networking. Network Fundamentals covers everything you need to know about network infrastructures, hardware, protocols, and services. You will learn everything you need to gain the highly in-demand Networking Fundamentals MTA Certification. This entry-level credential could be your first step into a rewarding, stable and lucrative IT career.

This new Sybex guide covers the basics of networking starting from the "ground level, " so no previous IT knowledge is required. Each chapter features approachable discussion of the latest networking technologies and concepts, closing with a quiz so you can test your knowledge before moving to the next section. Even if you are brand new to computers, Network Fundamentals will guide you to confidence and mastery.

• Understand wired and wireless networks in every detail
• Learn everything you need to attain the Networking Fundamentals MTA Certification
• Test your knowledge with end-of-chapter quiz questions
• Understand internet protocol (IP) and categorize IPv4 addresses
• Work with networking services and area networks
• Define network infrastructures and network security, including intranets, extranets, and VPNs

Beginning and established IT professionals looking to understand more about networking will gain the knowledge to create a network diagram and confidently explain basic networking concepts. Thanks to the features in this book, you will be able to apply your new networking skills in real world situations and feel confident when taking the certification test.

Lesson 1
Understanding Local Area Networking

Objective Domain Matrix

Skills/Concepts	Objective Domain Description	Objective Domain Number
Examining Local Area Networks, Devices, and Data Transfer	Understand local area networks (LANs) Understand switches	1.2 2.1
Identifying Network Topologies and Standards	Understand network topologies and access methods	1.5

Key Terms

• broadcast
• centralized computing
• client/server
• Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)
• Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detected (CSMA/CD)
• Computer Telephony Integration
• CTI-based server
• data transfer rate
• database server
• demilitarized zone (DMZ)
• distributive computing
• Ethernet
• file server
• frames
• full-duplex
• half-duplex
• host
• hub
• IEEE 802.3
• IP address
• local area network (LAN)
• mesh topology
• messaging server
• multiport repeater
• network adapter
• network controller
• network documentation
• network operating systems (NOSs)
• network topology
• P2P
• peer-to-peer
• perimeter network
• print server
• ring topology
• RJ-45
• serial data transfer
• star topology
• switch
• transceive
• unicast
• virtual LAN (VLAN)
• web server
• Windows 10
• wireless access point (WAP)
• wireless local area network (WLAN)

Lesson 1 Case

Local area networks are used by just about every organization, and today many homes have them as well. This lesson refers to a fictitious company named Proseware, Inc., that wants to implement a new LAN in a brand-new office, which will serve approximately 20 users. The company requires an extremely quick network that can transfer many different types of data. They want the most cost-effective layout without losing speed or efficiency! The network engineer's job responsibilities include selecting the right equipment, making sure it is all compatible, and getting it installed on time. The network engineer should have a thorough understanding of technologies, such as Ethernet and switching, because she will be critical in designing and implementing the network. This lesson covers all of the concepts necessary so you can be confident installing the network that this company desires. As we progress through this book, we will build on this scenario and add lots more networking technologies to the infrastructure.

Examining Local Area Networks, Devices, and Data Transfer

Simply stated, a network is two or more computers that exchange data. A local area network (LAN) is a group of these computers that are confined to a small geographic area, usually one building. Setting up a LAN requires computers with network adapters, central connecting devices to connect those computers together, and a numbering scheme (such as IP addresses) to differentiate one computer from the next. It can also include servers, some type of protective device such as a firewall, and connections to perimeter networks that are adjacent to the LAN.

Defining the LAN

As mentioned, a LAN requires computers with network adapters, central connecting devices, and some type of medium to tie it altogether, be it cabled or wireless connections. These must be connected together in some way to facilitate the transfer of data. It is important to define how they are connected together, as well as how they actually transmit data.

Certification Ready

What is a local area network (LAN)? Objective 1.2

We mentioned that a network is used to exchange data. But what are the real reasons that an organization will desire (or need) a network? They can be organized into four categories:

Sharing The sharing of files, databases, and media

Communication The methods of communication, such as email, instant messaging, and faxing

Organization The ability to centralize data and make it more accessible and efficient

$$$ The ability for the network to provide cost savings and/or increase productivity

Some would place security in this list of categories, but, unfortunately, as you will find, many networks, devices, and operating systems are insecure when they are fresh out of the box. Just having a network doesn’t ensure security. In fact, many steps must be taken to implement a secure network.

To understand local area networks (LANs) better, it helps to write out the structure of the LAN—to document it. Network documentation is any information that helps describe, define, and otherwise explain how computers are connected in a physical and logical way. For example, the physical connection could be cables, and the logical connection could be the various IP addresses used by the devices on the network.

In the following exercises, you will:

• Examine typical LAN network documentation.
• View the type of network adapter in a computer, inspect the type of connection that the network adapter makes to the network, and view its Properties page.
• Define how information is sent across the LAN.
• Configure IP addresses on hosts.

The ability to document networks is an important skill for network administrators. The doc...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author
• Introduction
• Lesson 1 Understanding Local Area Networking
• Lesson 2 Defining Networks with the OSI Model
• Lesson 3 Understanding Wired and Wireless Networks
• Lesson 4 Understanding Internet Protocol
• Lesson 5 Implementing TCP/IP in the Command Line
• Lesson 6 Working with Networking Services
• Lesson 7 Understanding Wide Area Networks
• Lesson 8 Defining Network Infrastructures and Network Security
• Appendix Answer Key
• Index
• Advert
• End User License Agreement