Key Networking Concepts

IP Addressing (Internet Protocol)

What is an IP Address?

Definition: An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network, allowing it to be recognized and communicate with other devices.

Example: Think of it like a home address for your device; just like a letter needs an address to be delivered, data needs an IP address to reach the correct device.

Types of IP addresses:

• IPv4: A 32-bit address written as four numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1). This is the most common format.
• IPv6: A 128-bit address used to accommodate the growing number of connected devices (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).

Visual: (An image of an IP address breakdown: 192.168.0.1, highlighting the four octets and what each part represents.)

Subnets

What is a Subnet?

Definition: A subnet is a smaller network within a larger network. Subnetting is used to divide a large network into smaller, more manageable sections.

Example: If you have a large office building with multiple floors, you might create subnets for each floor so the traffic stays within each section for efficiency.

Visual: (An image showing a large network divided into smaller subnets.)

Routers

What is a Router?

Definition: A router is a device that forwards data between networks. It connects your home or office network to the internet or between multiple local networks.

Example: Think of a router like a traffic officer directing data to the right path to ensure it reaches its destination.

Visual: (A diagram showing a router connected to different devices, including a connection to the internet.)

Switches

What is a Switch?

Definition: A switch is a device that connects devices within a single network, like computers and printers, allowing them to communicate with each other.

Example: Think of a switch like a phone operator, connecting calls between devices within the same building or network.