Networking Basics: Part 1 - Introduction to Networks
Tags: networking, network, computerscience, webdev
Published: 2023-10-30 11:30:00

Have you every played a online shooting game, I'm pretty sure you have. Do you know the bullet you fire in the video game goes through first air as a signal where your wifi catches it and then it goes to modem then to your fibre connection box then to the internet, but thats not it after going to the internet it finds the server of game then that server of the game sends that bullet to your friends fibre connection box then to his modem then to his wifi then a through a signal he receives the bullet in his screen. JUST WOW, if thats not your reaction then i'm sorry but this series is not for you. Just joking if this is not your reaction now then i'm sure this will be when we complete this journey, in this journey i will explain each and every part of networking. So lets start with what is CCNA, so basically CCNA stands for `Cisco Certified Network Associate` this is a course provided by Cisco and this is a must for every person who want to be a network engineer. But obv its a pretty expensive course, but no worries i'm here to help you guys out and explain each and every concept which is there in the CCNA. So without further ado lets get started!!!!!!

# Introduction

Welcome to the first part of my comprehensive series on CCNA! In this series, we will delve into the fundamentals of computer networking, starting from the bare basics. Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to refresh your networking knowledge, this series will guide you through the essentials you need to know. So, let's get ready to explore the fascinating world of networks!

# What is a Network?

Let see how it all started, Lets say you and your friends want to connect your computers and that problem was solved by Ethernet cables which basically connects two computers with cables. Now think a third friend comes and he wants to connect too but with one cable only two computers can be connected and thats how switches were born, A switch basically lets you connect multiple devices together at the same time. 

Now assume that you get lets say 5 computers connected through switch and you want to connect more but your switch is no longer capable of it because its just becoming too much difficult for it to manage all such connections, so now what you can do is connect another 5 persons through a different switch but how these two groups can be connected and thats how routers were born. A router basically lets to connected to different group of small networks. 

For example lets say computer A, which is in group-1 wants to connect to lets say computer Z, which is in group-10 now what will Computer A do is he will first ask in his local network that is there any Computer Z in here and if no positive response comes then it asks the router and router tells him the location to Computer Z and thats how Computer A and Computer Z can communicate even though they are not in same network.

(This is a very high level explanation we will deep dive into each and every concept as we go further!)

In simple terms, a network is a collection of interconnected devices that can communicate and share resources with each other. These devices can include computers, servers, routers, switches, and more. By connecting these devices, we can establish a network that enables data and information to flow seamlessly.

# Types of Networks

**Local Area Network (LAN)**: A LAN is a network that spans a small geographical area, such as a home, office, or school. It allows devices within the network to communicate directly with each other, facilitating tasks like file sharing and printer access.

**Wide Area Network (WAN)**: A WAN covers a larger geographical area and connects multiple LANs together. The internet is the most prominent example of a WAN, which allows devices from different locations to communicate and access resources globally.

# Components of a Network

To understand how a network functions, it's important to familiarize yourself with its key components:

**Nodes**: Nodes are the individual devices connected within a network. They can be computers, laptops, servers, switches, or routers.

**Links**: Links refer to the physical or virtual connections that allow communication between nodes. Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi connections, and optical fibers are examples of physical links, while virtual links are established through software-defined networking (SDN) techniques.

**Protocols**: Protocols are sets of rules that govern how devices communicate and exchange data in a network. They ensure standardized and reliable communication. Common protocols include IP (Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

**Network Devices**: Network devices enable the interconnection of nodes and facilitate data transfer. Here are a few essential network devices:

**Switches**: These devices connect multiple devices within a LAN, allowing them to communicate with each other.

**Routers**: Routers connect multiple networks together, allowing data to traverse between them.

**Modems**: Modems connect a network to an external network, such as the internet, typically through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

_**These are just some terminologies for making things easy for you, Don't worry we will understand each and everything in detail.**_

# Benefits of Networking

Networking offers several advantages, including:

1. **Resource Sharing**: Networks allow devices to share resources like printers, files, and databases, reducing the need for duplicate devices and saving costs.

2. **Communication and Collaboration**: Networks enable seamless communication and collaboration between individuals or teams, regardless of their physical location.

3. **Centralized Data Management**: Networks provide a centralized platform for effective data management, backup, and security.

# Conclusion

In this first part of our CCNA series, we explored the basics of networks. We defined what a network is, discussed different types of networks, and examined key components and devices involved. Understanding the fundamentals of networks is crucial as we dive deeper into the world of CCNA. Stay tuned for the upcoming parts of this series, where we will unravel more networking concepts and their applications.

I know most of you know these concepts already but i want to make this series beginner friendly so please bare with me till we get to the advanced topics like subnetting, IPs, OSI Model and much much more.

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of computer networks! 🌐✨