Networking Fundamentals Terminology
Posted on June 1, 2024 (Last modified on June 26, 2024) • 2 min read • 392 wordsLearn the essential networking terminology to understand and use networking concepts effectively.
Understanding networking terminology is crucial for mastering networking concepts. This guide explains essential terms used throughout the Networking Fundamentals Series.
An IP address is a unique identifier for a device on a network. It can be IPv4 or IPv6.
# Example: Displaying IP address
ifconfigAn IPv4 address consists of four octets separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.1). An IPv6 address consists of eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
A subnet is a segmented piece of a larger network. Subnets improve network performance and security.
# Example: Subnetting
192.168.1.0/24Subnetting involves dividing a network into smaller, more efficient sub-networks, each identified by a subnet mask.
A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing traffic on the Internet. Routers use routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for data to travel.
A switch is a networking device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. Switches operate at the data link layer and sometimes the network layer of the OSI model.
A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a subgroup within a network that combines a set of devices into a single domain. VLANs are used to segment network traffic for better performance and security.
A firewall is a network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls can be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both.
A protocol is a set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices. Common protocols include TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, and FTP.
Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer that captures and interactively browses traffic running on a computer network. It is widely used for network troubleshooting and analysis.
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the suite of communications protocols used to connect hosts on the Internet. TCP ensures reliable transmission of data, while IP handles addressing and routing.
The User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communications protocol that facilitates the exchange of messages between computing devices in a network. Unlike TCP, UDP is connectionless and does not guarantee message delivery, making it faster but less reliable.