At its core, networking is simply how devices (computers, phones, servers) communicate and share information. When you open a website, send a message, or stream a video, networking protocols are working behind the scenes to make that happen.
Table of Contents
Key Components of a Network
Here are the basic building blocks:
- Host: Any device connected to a network(phone, tablet, network).
- Router: Connects different networks together and routes traffic.
- Switch: Connects devices within the same network.
- Firewall: Physical or virtual device that controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules.
- Access Point: Allows wireless devices to join a wired network.
Essential Concepts
- IP Address: Unique address assigned to each device on a network (like
192.168.1.1). It serves as a device’s globally unique identifier. - MAC Address: Media Access Control Address is a12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device on a network (e.g.,
00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). It serves as a device’s unique identifier on the local area network. - Ports: Virtual doors on a device that allow different types of traffic (e.g., Port 80 allows http web traffic).
- DNS: Converts human-friendly domain names like
example.cominto IP addresses.
Critical Networking Protocols
- TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Provides reliable delivery of data.
- UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Faster but less reliable; used for streaming and games.
- IP (Internet Protocol): Handles addressing and routing.
- HTTP/HTTPS: Protocols for accessing websites.
- FTP/SFTP: File transfer protocols.
- SSH: Secure remote login.
- SMTP/POP3/IMAP: Email protocols.
The TCP/IP Model: How Data Moves Across Web
The TCP/IP model consists of 4 layers as follows:
- Application – Where the user interacts (e.g., web browsers, email clients)
- Transport – Manages reliable delivery (TCP or UDP)
- Internet – Handles IP addressing and routing
- Network Access – Deals with physical hardware (Ethernet, Wi-Fi)