BASIC NETWORKING TECHNIQUES

Knowing the Basics - Computer Networking

A computer network is a series of two or more connected computers. When computers are joined in an specific network, people can be able to share any files on different computers connected to the network. When networks at any locations were connected using services that are available from internet service providers, people can send private messages known widely as e-mails, share links to the global community and one may create video live streaming conferences with other users remotely.

Every network includes:
- at least two or more computers, a server and a client workstation.
- networking interface card
- a connection medium, such as a wire or cable, although wireless communication between network
   computers and peripherals were also possible.

There are several types of networks;

LAN (Local Area Networks)
        These are networks usually assigned to a certain area, such a single building or any institution. LAN's can be small, linking two or three computers and most often link by a several computers used by several users. The development of standard networking protocols and media had resulted in worldwide proliferation of LANs throughout businesses and educational institutions.

WAN (Wide Area Networks)
        These are networks which combined multiple LANs which are geographically separated. This can be accomplished by connecting different LANs using services such as dedicated leased phone lines, dial-ups, satellite links, and data packet carrier services. WANs can be as simple as a modem and remote access server for employees to dial into it, or it may be as complex as hundreds of branch offices globally linked using special routing protocols and filters to minimize the expense of sending data sent over vast distances.

Internet
         It is a system linked networks that are worldwide in scope and facilitate data communication services such as remote login, file transfer, electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and newsgroups. With the rise of demand for connectivity, the Internet has become a communications highway for millions of users around the world. Internet was initially restricted to military and academic institutions, but now it is a full-fledged conduit for any and all forms of information and commerce. Internet websites now provides personal, educational, political and economic resources to every corner of the planet.

Intranet
       With the advancement made in browser-based software for the Internet, many private organizations are implementing intranets. An intranet is a private network utilizing internet-type tools, but available only within that organization. For large organizations, intranet provides an easy access mode to corporate information for employees.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
       This type of network uses a technique as tunneling to transfer data securely on the internet to a remote access server on your workplace network. Using this network, helps you save money by using the public internet instead of making long-distance phone calls to connect securely with your private network. There are two ways to create a VPN connection, by dialing an internet service provider (ISP) or by connecting directly to internet.