Network Management:

• User Accounts: Individual profiles that control access to network resources and track activity.

Access Logs: Records of who accessed what resources, when, and from where, for security and troubleshooting purposes.

Networking Protocols (TCP/IP)

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The foundational protocol suite for the internet and most modern networks. It defines how data is divided, addressed, transmitted, routed, and reassembled.

Network Topology:

• Star: Devices connect to a central hub or switch, providing a fault-tolerant layout.

• Ring: Devices form a closed loop, with data passing through each device in sequence.

• Bus: Devices share a common cable, with data broadcast to all devices.

• Hybrid: A combination of different topologies, offering flexibility and scalability.

Network Devices:

• Modems: Convert digital signals to analog for transmission over phone lines or cable networks.

• Switches: Connect devices on a LAN, forwarding data packets to specific destinations.

• Routers: Connect networks and route data packets between them, enabling internetworking.

• Bridges: Connect two LAN segments, filtering traffic to reduce congestion.

• NICs (Network Interface Cards): Physical cards that connect devices to a network.

• Hubs: Connect multiple devices on a LAN, but broadcast data to all ports.

Transmission Media:

Wired:

1. Twisted Pair: Most common, inexpensive, used for phone lines and Ethernet.

2. Fibre Optics: High-speed, long-distance, immune to interference.

3. Coaxial: Thicker, less common, used for cable TV and older Ethernet.

Wireless:

• Satellite: Wide coverage, high latency, used for remote areas.

• Microwave: Line-of-sight, used for point-to-point links.

• Bluetooth: Short-range, personal area networks (PANs).

• Infrared: Very short-range, line-of-sight, used for remote controls.

• Wi-Fi: Popular wireless LAN technology.

• WiMAX: Wide-area wireless broadband technology.

Protocols:

• TCP/IP

Foundational internet protocol suite (see above).

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Transfers files between computers.

• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Foundation of the World Wide Web, used for web browsing.

• Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)

Converts voice to data packets, sending over broadband connection.

Whatsapp calls, Skype (any call over internet)

• Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)

A 7 layer blueprint for network communication, acts as a common language for devices to talk no matter the brand or OS.

1. Cost

Keeps company financially stable and ensures long term viability. High start up cost (hardware & secure software)

2. Security

Guards your data and devices, preventing loses, leaks and damage, preventing unauthorised access from internal and external users

3. Management

Maximises efficiency and productivity, preventing downtime. Making sure respective persons have access to necessary resources on the network

4. Expandability

Allows adaptation to growth and change avoiding costly renovations

5. Interconnectivity

Allows for communication across devices and networks

6. Wired vs wireless

Wired Wireless

Faster Speed Freedom to roam

Less vulnerable to hacking Easy to add devices

No signal issues Less wiring

• Wired:

1. Twisted Pair: Most common, inexpensive, used for phone lines and Ethernet.

2. Fibre Optics: High-speed, long-distance, immune to interference.

3. Coaxial: Thicker, less common, used for cable TV and older Ethernet.

Wireless:

• Satellite: Wide coverage, high latency, used for remote areas.

• Microwave: Line-of-sight, used for point-to-point links.

• Bluetooth: Short-range, personal area networks (PANs).

• Infrared: Very short-range, line-of-sight, used for remote controls.

• Wi-Fi: Popular wireless LAN technology.

• WiMAX: Wide-area wireless broadband technology.

1. Multiuser

Many users sharing the same resources, connected to one mainframe, allowing for 100's of users simultaneously

2. Client Server

Clients request access to services or resources from servers which fulfil them and send a response to the clients

3. Peer to Peer

Devices directly communicate with each other without a central server

4. Centralised vs Distributed System

Centralised Distributed System

All resources on one server All resources set across multiple servers

Control network traffic in and out of the network, protecting devices from unauthorised access. (Software & Hardware)