A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that enables a device to connect to a network using wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) communication. Elaboration: Example: A laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter (wireless NIC) allows it to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a network and transmits data to all connected devices, regardless of the intended recipient. Elaboration: Example: An old Ethernet hub in a small office setup where all devices receive the same data simultaneously.
A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and efficiently forwards data to the correct destination using MAC addresses. Elaboration: Example: An Ethernet switch in an office connects multiple computers, ensuring fast and secure communication.
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between different networks based on IP addresses, using routing protocols to determine the most efficient path. Elaboration: A router connects multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks) and directs network traffic. It analyzes data packets, determines their destination, and forwards them accordingly.…
The Domain Name System (DNS) resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Elaboration: Example: Typing www.example.com in a browser triggers a DNS lookup, which translates it into an IP before connecting.
Subnetting divides a larger IP network into smaller sub-networks for efficient IP allocation and traffic management. Elaboration: Example Calculation: For 192.168.1.0/24, dividing into 4 subnets: nginxCopyEditSubnet 1: 192.168.1.0/26 (64 addresses) Subnet 2: 192.168.1.64/26 (64 addresses) Subnet 3: 192.168.1.128/26 (64 addresses) Subnet 4: 192.168.1.192/26 (64 addresses)
An IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a device in a network, enabling communication and location tracking. Elaboration: IP addresses help in routing and device identification across networks.
The TCP/IP Model is a four-layer communication framework used for internet and network communication. Elaboration: It is a simplified version of the OSI Model: Example: When you send an email, SMTP (Application), TCP (Transport), and IP (Internet) protocols work together to ensure delivery.
The OSI Model is a seven-layer conceptual framework that standardizes how different network devices communicate. Elaboration: Each layer handles a specific networking function: Example: A user loading a website (HTTP) involves multiple OSI layers working together for seamless communication.
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects multiple LANs within a city or metropolitan area, offering high-speed communication services. Elaboration: MANs are larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. They are typically maintained by government agencies, ISPs, or large corporations. Example: A city-wide broadband network that provides public Wi-Fi and internet access in urban areas.