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Computer Networks for Dummies

Buy this

Computer Networks for Dummies

$9.99+

Contents

Introduction. 8

Chapter 1: Welcome to the World of Networking. 9

What Is a Computer Network?. 9

Why Networks Matter in Everyday Life?. 9

What You’ll Learn in This Book. 10

Chapter 2: Networking Basics: The Building Blocks. 11

Nodes, Links, and Protocols: The Core of a Network. 11

Types of Networks: LAN, WAN, and More. 12

Diagram: A Simple LAN Topology. 13

Wired vs. Wireless Networks. 13

Your First Network: A Simple Example. 14

Visualizing It: Two Ways to Connect to Your ISP. 15

Scenario 1: Wired Network with Fiber Optic Cable. 15

Scenario 2: Wireless 4G/5G Connection to ISP Towers. 16

What’s Next?. 17

Chapter 3: The OSI Model: Networking’s Blueprint 18

What Is the OSI Model?. 18

The Seven Layers: A Postal Adventure. 18

Layer 7: Application Layer – Writing Your Letter. 18

Layer 6: Presentation Layer – Translating and Securing. 19

Layer 5: Session Layer – Managing the Conversation. 19

Layer 4: Transport Layer – Breaking It Down. 19

Layer 3: Network Layer – Finding the Route. 20

Layer 2: Data Link Layer – Local Delivery. 20

Layer 1: Physical Layer – The Physical Journey. 21

Diagram: The OSI Model Stack. 21

Why the OSI Model Matters. 22

Putting It All Together: A Real-World Example. 22

What’s Next?. 23

Chapter 4: TCP/IP: The Internet’s Language. 24

What Is TCP/IP?. 24

The Big Players: TCP and IP. 24

Breaking Down IP Addresses. 25

Ports and Sockets: The Apartment Numbers. 25

DHCP and DNS: Making Connections Easy. 26

Diagram: TCP/IP Packet Flow.. 27

Putting It Together: Sending an Email 28

Why TCP/IP Rocks. 28

What’s Next?. 28

Chapter 5: Network Hardware: The Physical Stuff. 29

What’s Network Hardware?. 29

Routers: The Traffic Cops. 29

Switches: The Local Connectors. 30

Hubs: The Old-School Broadcasters. 30

Cables and Connectors: The Roads. 31

Network Interface Cards (NICs): The Translators. 31

Diagram: A Home Network Setup. 32

Setting Up a Basic Network. 33

Why Hardware Matters. 34

What’s Next?. 34

Chapter 6: Wi-Fi and Wireless Networks. 35

How Wi-Fi Works. 35

Setting Up a Home Wi-Fi Network. 36

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Issues. 37

Wi-Fi Security Tips. 37

Diagram: Wi-Fi Signal Coverage. 38

Why Wi-Fi Rocks (and Sometimes Doesn’t) 39

What’s Next?. 39

Chapter 7: The Internet: A Global Network. 40

How the Internet Connects the World. 40

Browsers, Servers, and URLs: The Internet’s Front Door. 40

Cloud Computing Basics. 41

Diagram: The Internet’s Structure. 42

Putting It Together: Surfing the Web. 43

Why the Internet Is Awesome. 43

What’s Next?. 43

Chapter 8: Network Security for Beginners. 44

Common Network Threats. 44

Diagram: Firewall Protection. 49

Putting It Together: Securing Your Network. 50

Why Security Matters. 50

What’s Next?. 50

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Network Issues. 51

Why Networks Misbehave: The Basics. 51

Slow Wi-Fi: Speeding Things Up. 52

Step 1: Test Your Speed. 52

Step 2: Identify the Cause of Slow Wi-Fi 52

Dropped Connections: Keeping the Line Steady. 54

Step 1: Check the Basics. 54

Step 2: Identify the Cause of Dropped Connections. 54

Hardware Problems: Checking Your Gear. 55

Router Issues. 56

Cable Issues. 56

Network Card Issues. 57

Handy Tools: Ping and Tracert 57

Using Tracert/Traceroute. 58

Preventative Maintenance: Keeping Issues at Bay. 59

Troubleshooting Flowchart: Your Visual Guide. 60

Putting It Together: A Full Troubleshooting Scenario. 61

Why Troubleshooting Saves the Day (and Your Sanity) 62

Chapter 10: Advanced Networking Concepts. 63

Why Go Advanced? The Big Picture. 63

VPNs: Your Secret Tunnel for Safety. 63

What Exactly Does a VPN Do?. 64

Why Should You Use a VPN?. 64

How to Set Up a VPN.. 65

Troubleshooting VPN Issues. 66

VLANs: Organizing Your Network Like a Pro. 66

What Exactly Are VLANs?. 66

Why Should You Use VLANs?. 67

How to Set Up a VLAN.. 67

Troubleshooting VLAN Issues. 68

Network Monitoring: Keeping an Eye on Everything. 69

What Does Network Monitoring Do?. 69

Why Should You Monitor Your Network?. 69

How to Set Up Network Monitoring. 70

Troubleshooting Network Monitoring Issues. 71

Diagram: VPN Setup with Extras. 72

Putting It Together: Building a Powerhouse Network. 73

Why Advanced Concepts Are a Game-Changer. 73

What’s Next?. 74

Chapter 11: The Future of Networking. 75

Why Look to the Future? The Big Adventure Awaits. 75

5G: Lightning-Fast Connections That Change Everything. 75

What Is 5G, Anyway?. 75

Why 5G Is a Big Deal 76

How 5G Impacts Your Network. 76

Getting Started with 5G.. 77

Troubleshooting 5G Issues. 78

What Is IoT, Really?. 78

Why IoT Is a Game-Changer. 79

How IoT Affects Your Network. 79

Setting Up IoT Devices Safely. 79

Troubleshooting IoT Issues. 80

Smart Homes: Your Network’s New Brain. 80

What Makes a Smart Home?. 81

Why Smart Homes Are the Future. 81

How to Build Your Smart Home. 81

Troubleshooting Smart Home Issues. 82

Diagram: Detailed Smart Home Layout 83

Preparing Your Network for the Future. 84

Why the Future Matters (And How to Enjoy It) 84

What’s Next?. 84

Chapter 12: Your Networking Toolkit 85

Why You Need a Toolkit 85

Essential Tips to Keep Your Network Thriving. 85

Hardware Tools. 87

Software Tools. 88

Troubleshooting Cheatsheets. 89

Resource Guide: Where to Learn More. 90

Diagram: Networking Toolkit Checklist 91

Putting It All Together: Your Network Success Story. 92

Why Your Toolkit Makes You a Network Master. 92

Conclusion: Your Journey and the Future of Networking. 93

Looking Back on Your Adventure. 93

The Future of Networking: Bigger, Faster, Smarter. 93

Job Demand: Today and Tomorrow.. 94

AI and Networking: A Game-Changing Duo. 94

Is Being a Network Geek Right for You?. 95

Why It’s Awesome. 95

Things to Consider. 95

How to Start 95

Wrapping Up. 96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Introduction

Hey, do you wish to learn about networks and have no prior understanding? Computer Networks for Dummies is your perfect first step! This book sets no prerequisites and provides a comprehensive yet basic understanding. You will learn fundamental concepts of a network and how to set up a home Wi-Fi network, as well as troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning systems with ease. The knowledge gained from this book will help you build confidence.

If you're uncertain about pursuing networking as a career, this book assists you in making a decision regarding your chosen profession. With job opportunities available starting at $50,000, explore the various responsibilities entrusted to network engineers and consider future projects, from 5G technology to intelligent houses. This book offers knowledge enabling you to decide on further pursuing tech, or managing your network like an expert.

Chapter 1: Welcome to the World of Networking

What Is a Computer Network?

Imagine a bustling post office with letters going from one person to another based on addresses and being delivered by the mail carriers. A computer network is just like that post office, conveying data, emails, videos, web pages, and others between computers, phones, and devices instead of letters. A network is a group of devices called nodes linked together, generally by wires or cables or wireless signals to collaborate on sharing information. How these networks work, we’ll cover it all from the Wi-Fi in your house to the huge global network known as the Internet. You don’t have to be super tech-savvy to get it. We’ll be super easy and fun, and By the end, you’ll know enough to make up your mind if becoming a Network Engineer is what you want to do. Let us see what this is all about.

Why Networks Matter in Everyday Life?

Networks happen everywhere. Anytime you watch streaming content on Netflix, video-call a friend, or conduct an online banking transaction, a network is being used. This is why they matter so much:

Communication: E-mailing, photo-sharing, real-time chatting – all made possible because of networks.

Work and Play: Online jobs and online gaming – both owe their existence to networks.

• Information Sharing: It is the networks that power the Internet that put the world’s knowledge at your disposal.

Home: Smart thermostats, smart doorbells, smart fridges Without networks, our world of bits and bytes would cease to exist. This book will show you how they work and how to make them work for you.

A Brief History of Networking

Network did not happen overnight, here is a synopsis of events:

• In 1960, US department of Defense created a new mean of information called ARPANET, an early network that serves as the basis for the Internet.

• The 1980s saw the introduction of Local Area Networks (LANs) for personal computer connections in workplaces and educational institutions.

• 1990s: Wi-Fi starts to appear and the World Wide Web makes the Internet available to everyone.

• The 2000s and Beyond: Networks are a part of everyday life thanks to smartphones, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Networks are smarter, faster, and more important than ever in the modern world. We won't bore you with history lessons, but understanding the origins of networks makes it easier to see how powerful they are.

What You’ll Learn in This Book

Even if you've never handled a router, this book is your resource for learning about computer networks. What we will discuss is as follows:

• The Fundamentals: Describe networks, their architecture, and the hardware that powers them.

• Data movement: We will cover here OSI model and TCP/IP protocols.

• Internet and Wi-Fi: Creating a small network and will surf the internet.

• Staying Safe: Keep your information safe from prying eyes and hackers.

• Troubleshooting: Solving typical network issues.

• The Future: Learn about the upcoming developments in networking, such as 5G and smart cities.

By the end, you’ll be able to talk about networks with confidence, set up your own Wi-Fi, and maybe even impress your tech-savvy friends. Let’s dive in!

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