Introduction
Networking is the practice of connecting devices or systems to enable the sharing of resources and the interchange of information. This includes connecting computers, servers, mobile devices and other devices over local area networks or the Internet.
Network connections
Network connections can be wired or wireless. Wired connections use cables such as Ethernet cables to connect devices. Wireless connections, on the other hand, use radio waves or infrared signals to transmit data without the use of physical wires.
Network protocols
Network protocols are a set of rules and conventions that govern how devices communicate and exchange data on a network. Some common network protocols include:
- Internet Protocol (IP): The IP protocol is used to route and send data packets over the Internet or a local area network.
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): The TCP protocol ensures a reliable connection between network devices. Ensures that data packets are delivered in the correct order and without errors.
- User Datagram Protocol (UDP): The UDP protocol is a connectionless delivery protocol. It does not guarantee reliability or packet order, but it is faster than TCP.
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): The HTTP protocol is used for transferring hypertext documents over the Internet. It is the main protocol used for communication between web browsers and web servers.
- Secure Shell (SSH): The SSH protocol allows you to securely access and manage a remote device over an encrypted connection.
Advanced solutions
There are many advanced solutions in the networking world, including:
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN allows you to connect to a private network via a public Internet connection, ensuring privacy and data security.
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN): SDN is a network architecture that separates network traffic control from the physical structure of the network. This allows you to centrally manage and control the network through software.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT refers to the network of physical devices connected to the Internet, which can communicate with each other and with other systems. These devices include sensors, wearables, connected home appliances, smart vehicles, etc.
- Blockchain: Blockchain is a distributed technology that allows you to create immutable records of transactions or encrypted data. It is used to ensure security and transparency in digital transactions.