Computer Networking: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Learning the Basics of Network Security, Computer Architecture, Wireless Technology and Communications Systems (Including Cisco, CCENT, and CCNA)

Computer Networking

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Learning the Basics of Network Security, Computer Architecture, Wireless Technology and Communications Systems (Including Cisco, CCENT, and CCNA)

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Benjamin Walker

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Computer Networking Defined: The Whole Concept.

What is Computer Networking?

Components of Networking

Computer Networking Components Defined

Network bridges

Methods of Forwarding

Networking Topologies

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

Star Topology

Mesh Topology

Tree Topology

Hybrid Topology

Chapter 1: Types of Computer Networking

Local Area Network (LAN)

Nodes of a LAN

Types of a Local Area Network

Deploying a Wireless LAN

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Types of WAN connections – and how they work.

WAN Optimization

WAN Security

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Wide Area Network

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Factors that distinguish the Metropolitan Area Network

Chapter 2: Wired Network Technology

Wired Network technology

Types of Wired Network Media

Advantages of using a wired network

Disadvantages of the wired network

Chapter 3: Functionality of Wireless Network

What exactly is the wireless system?

Wireless Technology Standards

The various forms of the Wireless standards

Wireless Interference

Data Security

Types of Data Security explained

Compliance and Standards of Data Security

Firewalls defined

How does the firewall work?

Types of firewall

Chapter 4: Revolutionary Impact of the Wireless Technology and Breakthroughs of Computer Networking

VLAN – Virtual Local Area Network

Types of VLANs

How does VLAN work?

Advantages and Disadvantages of the VLAN

The Internet and how it has impacted our lives

Social Media on the Internet

New Media (Mass Communication)

Chapter 5: Wireless Network Computer Architecture

Components of Wireless Communication

Wireless Application Protocol

WAP Model

WAP Architecture

Bluetooth Architecture

Lower Stack Layers

Upper stack layer

MOBITEX

CDPD

Features of the CDPD technology

The CDPD architecture

Advantages and Disadvantages of CDPD

I-MODE

Chapter 6: Wireless Communication Technologies

Basic components of the wireless communication systems

Types of Wireless Communication Systems

Multiple Access Techniques

Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)

Time division multiple access (TDMA)

Code division multiple-access (CDMA)

Space division multiple access (SDMA)

Spread spectrum multiple access (SSMA)

Channel Characteristics

Types of Paths

Diversity and its types

Types of diversity

Chapter 7: Wireless Technology for Internet of Things

Zigbee Wireless Technology: Its Architecture and application

The Zigbee Architecture

Zigbee Operating Modes and its Topologies

Application of Zigbee Technology

WiMax

Advantages of WiMax

Disadvantages of WiMax

Advantages of Wireless Technology

Disadvantages of Wireless Technology

Top Wireless Technology Challenges

Chapter 8: Network Protocols

Internet Protocols

Types of internet protocols

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

What does the TCP do?

How TCP works

TCP Addressing

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

Requirements of UDP

What are the features of the UDP?

UDP Header

Applications of UDP

Wireless Network Protocols

LTE

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

60 GHz Protocols – WirelessHD and WiGig

Wireless Home Automation Protocols – Z – Wave and Zigbee

Network Routing Protocols

Classes of Routing Protocols

Distance Vector routing protocol

Link State Routing Protocols

Advanced distance vector routing protocol

Types of Network routing protocols

Routing information protocol

Interior gateway routing protocol

Open shortest path first

Exterior gateway protocol

Enhanced interior gateway routing protocol

Order Gateway Protocol

Intermediate system to intermediate system

Network Security Protocols

Network Management Protocols

Types of the Network Management Protocols

Chapter 9: Communication and Cellular Systems

Features of Cellular Network systems

Shape of Cells

Square

Hexagonal

Frequency Reuse

Evolution of cellular networks

1G

Features of 1G

2G – The Second Generation Communication System

Features of 2G

2.5G and 2.75G system

3G – Third Generation

Features of 3G

3.5G to 3.75 Systems

4G – Fourth Generation communication system

Features

5G – Fifth Generation Communication System

Features of the 5G

Cellular System Architecture

Mobile switching centers

Elements of a Communication System

Information source

Input transducer

Transmitter

Communication channel

Noise

Receiver

Output transducer

Destination

Messaging systems: Electronic Mail and Voice Processing

Electronic Mail

What can email be used for?

Short comings of the Email

Speech Processing

Techniques of Speech Processing

Fundamentals of data communication

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

Chapter 10: Wireless Network Technology and its Utilities

What is CISCO systems?

Cisco Routers for Home

Cisco Routers and the Internet

Cisco CSR – Carrier Routing Systems

Cisco ASR – Aggregation Service Routers

Cisco ISR – Integrated Services Routers

Cisco IOS – Internetwork Operating System

CISCO Network Certifications

Entry Level (CCENT & CCT)

Associate Level (CCNA & CCDA)

Cisco Professional Level Certifications (CCNP & CCDP)

Cisco’s Expert-Level Certifications (CCIE & CCDE)

Cisco’s Architect-Level Certifications

Job Opportunities for the various Certifications

Cisco Packet Tracers

Chapter 11: Differences Between Wired and Wireless Networks

Wired networks

Wireless networks

Table of Comparison

Chapter 12: Computer Network Security

Common Security Threats

Computer Virus

Rogue security software

Trojan horse

Phishing

DOS and DDOS attack

Rootkit

SQL Injection attack

Man-in-the-middle attacks

How do network viruses spread?

Signs of Viral Attacks on Computers

How to prevent your computer from viruses

Spywares

Types of spyware

How does spyware find its way to your computer?

Zero-hour and Zero-day attacks

How to protect your system from zero-day attacks

Hacker Attacks

Types of Cyber-attacks.

Botnet

How do they work?

Botnet infection features

Botnet structures

How to prevent your network from botnet attack

Chapter 13: Internet of Things.

What exactly is Internet of things?

How does it work?

Applications

Internet of things and homes

Internet of things and smart cities

Internet of things and artificial intelligence

Internet of things: Security and Privacy

What is the future of IoT?

Conclusion

Introduction

What do you know about Computers? What do you know about Computer Networking? There are so much going on in the world. Tech is evolving every day, and the interconnections in the computer field have left us with a giant web of systems and machines interacting with one another. What makes computer technology powerful is the interconnection it fosters. Right from your phone, you can interact with your desktop computer. This connection spans in so many different ways, all at the same time. Thanks to networking, the computer has become ubiquitous. It is the very core on which our 21st-century life is premised.  

The world has changed, it's either you stay on top of your game, or you end up in the dark. Staying in the loop of what is going on is the best you can do. Tech has transcended its role of revolutionizing our lives. It has become the very basis of life in the 21st century. It all started with a giant machine, numerous wires connected spanning different distances. Now, it’s all a matter of bandwidth and more advanced networks.

There is so much to understand in the computer world, the widest of which is the whole Computer Network. A computer network are sets of computers which are connected for resource sharing. 

This definition is as basic as it can get. However, don't be fooled; there are so many intricacies underlining this definition. Computer Networking is a whole world; it is easy to get blown away in this world. This book is culled from the immense knowledge of the author, on this subject, subjected to a grammatical breakdown which will foster an easy comprehension from you. 

This text spans the whole essential elements to be understood, to the various functionalities, the wireless systems, communication, and to the more advanced concepts. In spite of the technical frameworks and structure that embellishes the Computer Networking world, this text is poised to deliver a perfect understanding of the most straightforward combination of words.

By reading this book from start to finish, your knowledge of Computer Networking is bound to attain professionalism, irrespective of its starting point. This is bound to be a long but enjoyable ride. Come along.

Hello World!

Computer Networking Defined: The Whole Concept.

What is Computer Networking?

Computer Networking is simply the formation of a computer network. A computer network can be defined as the collection of computers, printers, and other equipment that are connected (wired or wireless), with the ultimate aim of fostering communications between the devices. The process of creating this connection of devices is known as Computer Networking.  

Technically, Computer Networking is referred to the process of transporting and exchanging data between points known as nodes, carried via a shared system, executed in an information system. The whole concept of Computer Networking does not consist only of the design, construction, and use of a network. It also involves the technical management, maintenance, and running of the involved infrastructure, software, and underlying policies.

In Computer Networking; systems, endpoints, and other devices can be connected, over a local area network (LAN), or a more extensive network. The larger networks, in this case, are the internet and the private Wide Area Network (WAN). 

Every stakeholder (service providers, businesses, and consumers) has a role to play in ensuring that resources are effectively shared. This system of stakeholders also provides the effective use and offering of services.

Once the system involves a system responding to controls and information from a remote location, it can only be facilitated by one form of Computer Networking. Right from the making and receiving of Telephone calls, to the streaming of movies on the internet, to the internet of things. A network of Computers facilitates all.

The level of complexity of a particular network decides the skill level required to operate and maintain it. For instance, if an enterprise has numerous nodes amidst other security checks (like end-to-end encryptions), it requires an advanced level of technical administration to oversee it effectively. This is unlike the Local Area Network being utilized in a school’s computer laboratory.

Components of Networking

Networking of Computers requires so many infrastructures for a seamless operation. The various types of network structures require different parts. These will be looked at extensively in the course of this book.

Physical network infrastructures are needed for a Computer Network, which includes but is not limited to; switches, routers, wireless access points, etc. There is also some underlying firmware which makes these infrastructures function correctly. Other than the physical systems, there is also the needed software deployed to monitor, manage, and secure the network.

For advanced networks, there is a need for standard protocols, which are designed to perform numerous discrete functions. These protocols are also used to communicate different data types, irrespective of the underlying hardware.

For instance, in the telephone system, a voice over IP (VoIP) can bring about the transportation of IP telephony traffic from one point to another, once these points support the protocol. This is also similar to what occurs in the browser, with the HTTP providing portals to accessing webpages. Also, over an IP based network, the IP protocols to transport data and services, since there is protocol compatibility.

Computer Networking Components Defined

As said earlier, hardware components need to be installed for the creation of a network. The fundamental elements are the Cables, Hubs, Switch, Network Interface Card (NIC), modem, and routers. In a wireless network, there is no need for cables; hence, it is eliminated.  

The essential components needed for a computer network are;

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Hub

Switches

Cables and Connectors

Router

Modem

Computer networks range from simple to complex. However, all make use of the same essential devices and rules

Network Interface card (NIC)

This is also known as the Network adapter. This is a device that enables communication between the computer and other devices involved in the network. This framework makes