Summary
Highlights
A network connects multiple components. In computing, this includes PCs, printers, servers, phones, and various other devices. The video will delve into these components throughout the course.
Essential components in an enterprise network include termination devices (end-of-chain elements), interconnections like RJ45 cables, fiber optics, or Wi-Fi, and switches (also called commutators) which connect most end-devices. Older hubs are less used now due to switches' affordability and better performance.
Routers connect different networks, intelligently choosing the best path for traffic, such as connecting a home network to the internet (e.g., Free, SFR, Bouygues boxes). Wi-Fi networks allow wireless devices like phones and tablets to connect via an access point. Firewalls act as security systems, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic based on configured rules, forming a barrier between internal and external networks like the internet.
Most home internet boxes combine three functions: a switch (for connecting PCs via network ports), a Wi-Fi access point (for connecting phones and tablets), and a router (for connecting the local network to the internet).
Just like PCs have technical specifications, networks have characteristics defining their performance and structure. Understanding these helps in designing and estimating network performance. Key characteristics include topology (physical arrangement and logical data flow), speed (data transfer rate in bits per second, e.g., 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps), cost (expenditure for components, installation, and maintenance), and security (how the network is protected, requiring constant review).
Availability measures how long a network is operational, crucial for 24/7 systems. Scalability ensures the network can be easily expanded without excessive costs. Reliability means network components are dependable to minimize outages. These characteristics are essential for comparing different network solutions.