Computer networks make up a considerable part of our global world and play an essential role in most people’s lives. All people need to understand how they work and the underlying technologies behind them. A rudimentary understanding of networking basics may help you find career opportunities.
Basics of Networking
The Internet is an extensive network that connects computers, printers, and other devices. Computer networks are essential for businesses, schools, and other organizations because they allow people to share data and resources, such as files, programs, and printers. So, what is network access? It’s essential to understand how networks work to manage them properly.
Knowing the basic terminology and concepts of networking is essential for IT professionals like system administrators and network engineers. This knowledge can help you better understand the industry and how it works, which can be beneficial when looking for a job or determining whether or not IT is a career you want to pursue.
There are different types of networks, including home and office networks. These networks use the same networking technologies, protocols, and services as the Internet and more extensive corporate networks. This is because networks comprise the same essential components, such as switches, routers, and wireless access points.
Understanding how these components work together is essential for understanding the basics of computer networking. For example, a switch is a networking device that allows you to connect multiple devices to the Internet. A router is a networking component that analyzes data traveling across the network and determines the best route to send it. It also helps you save money on bandwidth by allowing you to share a single Internet connection between several devices on the same network.
Wireless Networking
Wireless networks allow computers and other network devices to connect without physical wires. This type of network can be built at home, in businesses, or telecommunications networks. It is becoming increasingly popular because it provides a flexible alternative to installing traditional wired networks. It also allows more effortless movement around the workspace without worrying about tripping over cords.
Computers connected to a wireless network communicate using radio waves instead of wired connections. This technology is used in various networking products, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and universal remotes.
There are four types of wireless networks:
- A wireless local area network (WLAN)
- A wireless metropolitan-area network (WMAN)
- A wireless wide-area network
- A personal area network
LANs connect computers within a single building or small geographic area and are the most common type of network in homes.
MANs connect several LANs in a metropolitan area and can support thousands of network devices. WANs connect multiple MANs and LANs over long distances, including across cities or states. Personal area networks connect portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and digital cameras, to each other and a home or business network. These networks range from straightforward systems that connect two devices to complex systems that allow several devices to communicate with each other.
Network Security
Network security is a complex hardware and software system that protects networks from threats. This includes everything from unauthorized access to the data stored within a network to malware that could destroy a company’s IT infrastructure. Network security aims to keep your important information safe and accessible only by the people you authorize.
In addition to protecting data, network security includes preventing data breaches that can compromise your clients’ privacy and financial stability. It’s an essential skill to have, and it can lead to a lucrative career as a cybersecurity specialist.
The first step in network security is to create a list of all authorized users and their permitted access levels. This will allow you to monitor all activity on your network and quickly identify any potential threats. Next, you must establish rules to prevent unauthorized users from entering the network. This will be achieved through various methods like user authentication and education.
The expansion of remote working, BYOD, and third-party collaborations make it challenging for network managers to map all devices and control their access. However, NAC solutions can help by allowing pre-admission endpoint security policy checks and access controls based on users or devices.
Network Maintenance
Network maintenance is managing and repairing network hardware and software, troubleshooting problems, improving security, and planning for network growth. It is essential to learn about network maintenance because it helps you keep your networks running smoothly and efficiently. With proper network maintenance, your business may experience downtime, leading to lost revenue and customer satisfaction.
A typical network maintenance plan includes the following:
- Installing necessary updates.
- Ensuring devices are installed correctly.
- Performing audits to detect potential errors.
Network maintenance also includes upgrading firmware on network hardware to address new features and fix security holes. Firmware upgrades are critical to network maintenance because they can fix security vulnerabilities affecting the devices and those connected.
Another critical aspect of network maintenance is ensuring the infrastructure complies with the company’s policies and industry regulations. This can include everything from enforcing password standards to limiting how many users are allowed on each device. Maintaining compliance is vital, as it protects the privacy of your customers and keeps you in compliance with all relevant laws.
Keeping track of network documentation and ensuring it is always up-to-date is also essential. For example, if you’ve fixed a network issue, it’s necessary to record the date and time of the fix and who made it. It’s also good practice to record a description of the problem and the reason for the spot. This will help you troubleshoot issues in the future if they happen again.
