Networking Essentials: Protocols, Addressing, and Cabling
Networking Essentials
Datagram Structure
Datagram structure: version, header length, server type, total length, identification flags, fragmentation offset, lifespan, protocol, header checksum, IP address (source and destination), and data.
OSI Layer 6: Presentation Layer
The presentation layer is responsible for data display so the receiver can understand it. It receives information from the application layer, performs its functions, and prepares data for the session layer.
ICANN
ICANN ensures that internet addresses are unique and is the highest authority for registered companies.
UDP Protocol
The UDP protocol operates at the transport layer without a connection. It is faster because the network is not congested. It does not perform error detection or correction and lacks transmission flow control.
ARP Protocol
The ARP protocol (Address Resolution Protocol) is used to convert IP addresses to hardware addresses (MAC addresses).
RJ45 Connector
The RJ45 connector is used for twisted pair cables.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
IPv4 addresses are 32 bits long, divided into 4 groups of 8 bits, expressed in decimal format. IPv6 is a solution to IPv4 limitations, offering a larger address space (128 bits) and improved routing.
Structured Cabling
Structured cabling defines how wires are organized in a local area network within a building.
RJ45 Mounting Methods
Methods for mounting an RJ45 jack include surface mount and recessed mounting.
Patch Panel
A patch panel is a device with interconnections through which horizontal cabling can be connected to other network devices.
MDF (Main Distribution Frame)
The MDF is a room where servers, hubs, routers, and linking devices are located.
IP Address
Each datagram includes the IP address of the destination node. This address is assigned to the node.
Connection-Oriented Service
A connection-oriented service occurs when a link is established between the sender and receiver nodes. Data transmission continues until completion.
Special IP Addresses
0.0.0.0 represents the network itself, 127.0.0.1 is the loopback address, and 255.255.255.255 refers to all computers on the network (broadcast address).
Application Layer
The application layer interacts with network-related applications, synchronizes applications, identifies and establishes the availability of elements, and controls data integrity.
DHCP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used to dynamically assign IP addresses to nodes.
TCP Protocol
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol that provides full-duplex data transmission, detects, and corrects errors.
Dynamic IP Address Assignment
A DHCP server assigns an IP address to a node temporarily, issuing a new IP address as needed.
OSI Layer 5: Session Layer
The session layer minimizes failures during information transmission, establishes and manages sessions, controls the flow of information, and determines the direction of data travel.
TDR (Time-Domain Reflectometer)
A TDR is a network signal meter that measures signal intensity and data flow.
Network Type and Capacity Factors
Aspects to determine the type and capacity of a network include the number of users and nodes, the distance between nodes, and the applications in use.
UDP-Based Applications
Examples of UDP-based applications include video and audio streaming.
Cable Ties
Cable ties identify the beginning and end of a cable.
Backbone Cabling (Vertical Wiring)
Backbone cabling interconnects the various distribution cabinets used in horizontal cabling.
Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing involves IP assignment randomly.
RIP (Routing Information Protocol)
RIP is a popular interior gateway protocol for TCP/IP. There are three versions: RIP version 1 and 2 for IPv4, and RIPng for IPv6. It uses a distance-vector algorithm.
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
OSPF is a TCP/IP protocol that offers dynamic route selection based on the current network state and supports hierarchical topology.
IGRP (Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
IGRP is a system developed by Cisco that uses a distance-vector algorithm. The router periodically sends a copy of its routing table.
EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
EIGRP is a technology that calculates routes more efficiently using the DUAL algorithm.
API Protocol
The API protocol provides services that allow programmers to develop network applications without dealing with low-level details.
Data Encapsulation
Data encapsulation involves adding headers and trailers as data passes through the OSI model layers, facilitating information transmission. This includes frames and datagrams.
NetBIOS
NetBIOS is an application program used by Ethernet and token ring networks and can run on any protocol that supports it.
Character Encoding
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a standard code for information exchange. Extended ASCII adds values 128 to 255. EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) uses 8 bits. Unicode is a character encoding standard supporting a wide range of characters, using variable number of bits.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
HTTP is used to access web pages.