Networking Basics & LAN Flashcards
Host
Local Host
Remote Host
Host: Any computing device connected to a network.
Local Host: Your own computer/device.
Remote Host: Another computing device on the network or reachable beyond the network.
Web Server
+
2 Web Server Programs
Stores files that make up a website.
Uses server programs to store/share the data.
Programs:
Apache HTTP
IIS (Microsoft Internet Information Services)
File Server
A networked host that enables you to access a bunch of files/folders.
Mail Server
A networked host that allows access to email.
Resource
Anything one computer might share with another.
Legacy System
An old method, technology, computer system, or application that is outdated but still in use.
Embedded System
A computer system that has a dedicated function with a larger mechanical or electrical system.
NIC
Network Interface Controller (C used to be Card):
Define/label a machine on a network.
Breaks files into smaller data units to send across the network. Reassembles units it receives to whole files.
Frames
(Packets are included in frames)
+ 4 Parts
Discrete chunks of data that NICs move from one devices to another.
4 Parts:
MAC address of network card receiving data
MAC address of network card sending data
Data itself
Data check with algorithm (CRC = Cyclic Redundancy Check)
MAC Address
Media Access Control:
48-bit binary number (281 Trillion + in existence)
Total of 12 hexadecimal characters
Some NICs allow MAC addresses to be changed (rare)
Hexadecimal
One hex character represents a string of 1s and 0s.
C = 1100 2 = 0010 9= 1001
1 - 9 & A - F
Ethernet (General)
A series of standards that defines everything necessary to get data from one computer to another.
Mid 1970s by Intel, Xerox, Digital Equipment Corp
Hundreds of distinct improvements: “Flavors”
Ethernet Speed Categories (Main 3)
10BaseT = 10Mbps 100BaseT = 100Mbps 1000BaseT = 1000Mbps or 1Gbps (Gigabit)
Star Bus Topology
A central box (switch) that each individual host connects to.
“Star” comes from the idea of the switch being in the center and the wires to computers spreading out like a star.
Switch
Provides a common point of connection for network devices.
Wide variety of ports; each port is treated as a separate network.
“Smart Repeater”: Memorize MAC of all connected devices & only sends repeated signals to the correct host. (Unlike Hubs)
Hub
A basic “repeater”:
Anything sent in one port goes to all other ports.
Replaced by switches.
Segment
A connection between a computer & switch.
Ethernet segments = 100m max
Splitters wouldn’t work with segments (negative effect on signal quality).
Switch wouldn’t recognize which host is sending/receiving.
UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair:
Specified cabling for 10/100/1000BaseT
AWG 22-26 gauge wire twisted together into color-coded pairs.
Come in categories that define transfer speed.
UTP Categories
Established by ANSI/TIA
Cat 1: Telephone line Cat 3: 10Mbps Cat 5: 100Mbps Cat 5e: Enhanced to handle 1000Mbps Cat 6: Gigabit @ 100m (10Gbps = 55m) Cat 6a: 10Gbps @ 100m Cat 6e: nonstandard; means Cat 6 or Cat 6a Cat 7: 10Gbps @ 100m + shielding to reduce noise (^^^ NOT an ANSI/TIA standard ^^^)
Solid Core UTP
Uses a single solid wire.
Better conductor.
Stiff, can break if handled too often/roughly.
Horizontal cabling should always be solid core.
Stranded Core UTP
Each wire is a bundle of tiny wire strands.
More durable for handling.
Not as good of a conductor as solid core.
STP
Shielded Twisted Pair:
Twisted pairs of wires surrounded by a shielding to protect from EMI.
Useful in locations with excessive electronic noise.
Ethernet Types w/UTP Categories
10BaseT = Cat 3 at least; typically Cat 5 100BaseT = At least Cat 5 1000BaseT = Cat 5e or higher
RJ-45
Registered Jack 45
Standard for UTP connectors (4 pairs)
Wider than RJ-11 (telephone jack)