Fundamentals of Networking

Understanding the operation of networks at a basic level is essential for any server administrator or webmaster. It is necessary for configuring all the services on the network properly, detecting possible problems properly, and troubleshooting. Today, in the conditions of multiple annual increases in information flows, it is almost impossible to imagine the clear interaction of business firms, banking structures, state enterprises, and other organizations without the modern means of communications. On the one hand, networks are a special case of distributed computing systems in which a group of computers performs a set of interrelated tasks consistently, exchanging data in an automatic mode. On the other hand, computer networks can be regarded as a means of transmitting information over long distances by using the methods of encoding and multiplexing data, which have been developed in various telecommunication systems. A variety of concepts and protocols requires the detailed study of the peculiarities of these channels, and visual schemes may be useful. Thus, the forms of multiplexing access to channels and resources have become an integral part of modern life, and their different features are the subject of this study.

Research Findings

Fundamental networking concepts, components, and functionality.

Any network is a connection between two or more computers that allows them to share resources. Depending on the size of the geographical area that they cover, they are divided into several main types. All of these networks are actively used today within different terrains, and their differences are significant. The following types should be mentioned: local (LAN), metropolitan (MAN), wide (WAN), and personal (PAN).

Local networks (LAN) connect computers within a small physical space, for instance, one or more nearby buildings. They serve users located at a distance of tens and hundreds of meters from one another, and the number, as a rule, does not exceed several thousand people (Ellingwood, 2014). Metropolitan networks (MAN) utilize global technologies to unify LAN in a particular region, for example, in a city. They have much in common with the previous system, such as high transmission speed and low error rate in the communication channel (Ellingwood, 2014). Nevertheless, they should have the ability to transmit a wider range of information. Wide networks (WAN) cover the whole globe, and for this purpose, additional means of communication are used – satellites, antennas, and other devices. Finally, personal systems (PAN) are designed for individual use and are utilized in a small location. In the figure, it is possible to see the aforementioned types of networks (“Computer networking concepts,” 2018).

Computer networking concepts

Role of Each OSI Layer and the Role of Each TCP/IP Network Model

Each level of the OSI model performs a specific task in the process of transferring data over the network. The figure gives a brief description of all the existing levels (“Compare and contrast OSI and TCP/IP models,” 2018). Physical provides bit protocols for information transfer, the channel controls access to the environment, and the network is engaged in routing and converting network addresses into physical addresses. The transpose layer manages the transfer of data, the session layer supports the interaction between processes, the representative converts the data to a common format, and the application layer allows access to network services.

Compare and contrast OSI and TCP/IP models

TCP/IP is a set of network protocols on which the Internet is based. Since such a system does not provide a unified data transfer protocol, functions for determining the data type are transferred to the application. According to Ellingwood (2014), unlike the OSI reference model, TCP/IP is more focused on providing network interactions than on a rigid separation of functional levels. For this purpose, it recognizes the importance of the hierarchical structure of functions but provides sufficient protocol flexibility for protocol designers.

Addressing and Naming Schemes

Each network node should have a name and address, and if the number of computers is hundreds or thousands, choosing a good scheme for assigning these parameters is of great importance. As Ellingwood (2014) notes, correct data will help to avoid troubles when deleting, adding, or moving hosts and routers. On the Internet, a successful delegation strategy has been chosen, which allows assigning names and addresses to those who are responsible for the operation of all or part of an individual network. Also, with the help of this information, the logical structure of any organization can be reflected.

As an example of the method of addressing and naming, a hierarchical structure may be considered. Each organization has a high-level content name, and the naming scheme is chosen independently, as seen in the figure (“Domain naming hierarchy,” 2018). Moreover, the use of a hierarchical structure simplifies the verification of the computer name’s uniqueness since it is assigned to appropriate personnel. To ensure the worldwide uniqueness of the Internet names, a registration service is needed to control that each company and organization has a unique (different from others) address.

Domain naming hierarchy

Devices and Media Necessary for Network Communications

Network devices that are familiar to a large circle of users are called end ones. In the context of technological structure, end devices are called hosts (Han, Gopalakrishnan, Ji, & Lee, 2015). Such elements are either a source or receiver of a message transmitted over the network. To distinguish one host from another, each one is to be identified by an address. When a host initiates communication, it uses the destination host address to indicate where the message should be sent.

In addition to end devices that people are familiar with, networks also depend on intermediary systems that provide connectivity to the data stream. These objects connect individual hosts and can connect several networks, forming a separate complex, as shown in the figure (“LANs, WANs, and the Internet,” 2018). Examples of such devices are wireless access points, routers, firewalls, LAN and multilayer switches, and other components.

LANs, WANs, and the Internet

Basic Network Structure and the Flow of Communications

The basis of the network architecture is the multilevel principle of message transmission. The message is generated at the highest level of the OSI model. During transmission, it passes through all the levels of the system to the lowest one, as is shown in the figure (“Layers of OSI model,” n.d.). As each level of the system passes, the message is transformed into relatively short parts that are supplemented with additional headers that provide information to similar levels on the destination node. In this node, the message passes from the lower level to the upper one, taking off its headers. As a result, the recipient receives a particular file in its original form.

Layers of OSI model

In metropolitan networks, data exchange is controlled by the top-level protocols of the OSI model. Each of them has the means to identify any network workstation by name, network address, or both. The activation of information exchange among interacting nodes begins after the node of the destination is identified by the one initiating the data exchange. The protocol provides opportunities for receiving or sending messages by the recipient and the source. In this case, restrictions are usually imposed on the length of files.

Commonly Used Network Analysis Tools

Network management systems are centralized software platforms that collect data on the status of nodes and network communication devices, as well as data on circulating traffic. These systems not only monitor and analyze but also perform control actions in automatic or semi-automatic mode. They can enable and disable device ports, change the parameters of address tables of bridges, switches, and routers, and perform other important procedures. The figure shows the appearance of the NetFlow Traffic Analyzer program where all running processes are displayed, and the traffic consumption is indicated (“Network analyzer,” 2018).

Network analyzer

Methods for analyzing networks may be based not only on the work of popular online platforms. Cranmer, Leifeld, McClurg, and Rolfe (2017) argue that “many network analysis techniques are descriptive in nature” and propose their quadratic assignment procedure (p. 239). Its essence lies in the fact that it is not connected with statistical reports and “provides an unbiased test of association in spite of potential dependencies” (Cranmer et al., 2017, p. 239). This method of analysis is not the only one, but it may be used as a mechanism for monitoring network utilization.

Role of Cisco’s IOS, Commands, and the Classes of Devices

Devices running on Cisco IOS support many commands, and each of them has a specific format or syntax and can be executed in an appropriate mode. The general syntax is a command followed by any suitable keywords and arguments. Some commands include a subset of keywords and arguments that provide additional functionality. Commands are used to act, and keywords are utilized for identification. The Cisco Multifunctional Security Appliance software is the basic operating system that is introduced in all the devices of this network family. It integrates with other essential security technologies, which makes it possible to create multifunctional solutions that meet constantly changing requirements for protection against threats. The classes of protection devices can be low, medium, and high, and the latter ones are certainly the most advanced (Cranmer et al., 2017). The figure shows the role of such a network’s model and the examples of its use (“The role of CME in Cisco unified communications,” 2015).

The role of CME in Cisco unified communications

Network Topologies, Standards, and Protocols

All the computers in the local network are connected by communication lines, and their geometric location relative to the nodes of the network, taking into account their physical connection, is called the physical topology. Depending on this parameter, the networks of bus, ring, star, hierarchical, and arbitrary structure are distinguished. The figure shows the examples of contacts in these topologies in local networks (“Local area network topology,” 2018).

Local area network topology

As Ellingwood (2014) notes, “a protocol is a set of rules and standards that basically define a language that devices can use to communicate” (para. 14). For instance, the set of TCP/IP protocols is an open standard protocol approved in the field of network technologies, as well as by the standardization organization. The use of such data allows individuals, companies, and trade associations to analyze current networks and plan further work based on the ongoing monitoring of standards and protocols.

Compare and contrast OSI and TCP/IP models [Image]. (2018).

Computer networking concepts [Image]. (2018).

Cranmer, S. J., Leifeld, P., McClurg, S. D., & Rolfe, M. (2017). Navigating the range of statistical tools for inferential network analysis. American Journal of Political Science , 61 (1), 237-251. Web.

Domain naming hierarchy [Image]. (2018). Web.

Ellingwood, J. (2014). An introduction to networking terminology, interfaces, and protocols. DigitalOcean .

Han, B., Gopalakrishnan, V., Ji, L., & Lee, S. (2015). Network function virtualization: Challenges and opportunities for innovations. IEEE Communications Magazine , 53 (2), 90-97. Web.

LANs, WANs, and the Internet [Image]. (2013).

Layers of OSI model [Image]. (n.d.).

Local area network topology [Image]. (2018).

Network analyzer [Image]. (2018).

The role of CME in Cisco unified communications [Image]. (2015). Web.

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StudyCorgi. (2021, June 23). Fundamentals of Networking. Retrieved from https://studycorgi.com/fundamentals-of-networking/

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The Concept of Networking Essay

The concept of networking focuses on relationship building that is a critical skill, especially in the context of the contemporary ever-changing world, setting new challenges and opportunities in the field of communication. There is a wide range of networking forms that are, however, may be divided into tete-a-tete socialization and group networking. Depending on their own peculiarities, situation requirements, and other factors, people may change their approaches.

In my point of view, I tend to use the group approach more frequently rather than one-to-one communication. It is possible to note that my network consists of peers, people with business knowledge, experienced professional, social contacts, and so on. At the same time, I try to involve people with different background, gender, ethnicity, and cultural views as I support diversity and understand that it is rather important in today’s globalized world that tends to blur boundaries between different cultures. Interestingly, people having different perspectives and backgrounds benefit my experience as I learn the issues we discuss from different angles, considering them from various approaches. For example, recently, when we discussed the raise of organic cosmetics, some people argued that it should completely exchange traditional cosmetics, while others objected that there are some disadvantages such as the short period of storage that would not allow it prevail over non-organic products. A range of question was asked and answered while all the participants paid attention to each other’s attitudes, showing their respect and readiness to ponder over the opposite opinion. Thus, I learned that the mentioned issue has both positive and negative aspects that need to be considered in detail to understand the situation.

My networking is built on the use of different ways, including online and offline platforms. First of all, I prefer to participate in online meetings and conferences as it is easier to access them from any place at a given time. These events usually do not require additional costs. Using virtual contacts, one may access “sites that have a strong networking component, such as professional associations, alumni organizations, message boards, and on-line communities” (“Relationship-Building: Networking”). Along with the mentioned sites, my social networking involves Facebook, Linkedln, etc., the members of which may provide immediate feedback trough discussion groups, forums, and private chats. Second, I attend meetings on campus to communicate with my peers and also meet new people. However, I believe that my offline networking needs to be improved to become more productive.

In his article, Gullo pinpoints the scene from Sideways film, where Miles, one of the main characters explains the other one the value of Pinot: “It’s not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it’s neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention”. In fact, they discuss human relationships through this metaphor, symbolizing deep, honest, and open connections. Personally, I try to apply such relationships to my networking with different people, whom I want to express my opinion, provide perspective, or receive feedback and support from them. It seems that to built successful networking, it is essential to adhere to the emotional honesty, continuous learning, and the desire to understand people around. In general, I try to use networking in my professional life to gain knowledge and skills, thus becoming more proficient and aware of the recent trends based on appropriate human connections.

Speaking of my future plans regarding my networking utilization, I can state that it is important to improve continuous contacts and enlarge networking through establishing new relationships. This can be achieved by improving my networking skills, including communication, trust building, and open and friendly atmosphere creation as well as some other aspects related to the issue. For example, I find that the following recommendations provided by Entrepreneur are rather focused and beneficial: “Listen. Ask good questions. Repeat” (“5 Steps to Seriously Improve Your Networking Skills”). The following questions may be posed to people: how did they get into this sphere of business? what interesting experience do they have? what advice can they give to someone who is trying to enter this professional field? Indeed, it is highly appreciated when a partner listens carefully, asks proper questions to interpret the expressed ideas correctly, and paraphrases them so that an interlocutor understands that he or she accomplished the initial purpose of the conversation.

Furthermore, I plan to learn setting focused directions and adding value to my networking. In particular, it is necessary to identify the paramount target and divide its accomplishment into several stages, the completion of each of which would inevitably lead to the following successful achievements. My contemporary goal is to acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to become a competitive professional while my networking should contribute to it. In this connection, I plan to connect my goal with my networking and make such an approach an integral part of my life, where all the connections in one way or another would promote the completion of my short-term goals. The significant efforts and time would be essential to create the mentioned plan and then follow it in a long perspective.

Another potential development area is superconnecting people that means introduce people one knows to each other so that they may contribute to networking of the connector and also to their own relationships. Simmons claims that the power of convening may revolutionize networking as the example of Lewis Howes shows that “instead of facilitating hundreds of introductions, he could indirectly facilitate tens of thousands”. This is a prominent footballer, whose career was finished due to injury and who applied a new form of leadership and networking, connecting plenty of people with each other. From the mentioned example, it becomes evident that superconnecting allows growing relationships in an exponential manner that, in its turn, leads to the increase of efficiency.

In my opinion, superconnecting would add value to my networking by enriching my communication and relationship building competencies. Therefore, I plan to use it in the future primarily through social platforms as they present the most convenient and accessible way to contact people. At this point, it is of great importance to make genuine friends, valuing quality over quantity as it is good relationships that form the future success. Strategically, networking may be regarded as something between art and the science of building professional relationships, but only some experts do it naturally. There are many excellent reasons for networking, and, most importantly, the more people one contacts, the greater the circle of his or her acquaintances and the greater the chances of finding the best customers, partners, employers, and employees. It is useful to ask the existing friends to introduce to their friends by writing a personal letter or requesting the offline meeting.

Works Cited

“5 Steps to Seriously Improve Your Networking Skills.” Entrepreneur , 2015. Web.

Gullo, Frank. “10 Tips for Building Strong Professional Relationships.” Business Insider . 2012. Web.

“Relationship-Building: Networking.” Berkeley Human Resources . Web.

Simmons, Michael. “How to Grow Your Network like a Super Connector” , Forbes . 2013. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2023, November 3). The Concept of Networking. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-networking/

"The Concept of Networking." IvyPanda , 3 Nov. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-networking/.

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IvyPanda . 2023. "The Concept of Networking." November 3, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-networking/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Concept of Networking." November 3, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-networking/.

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IvyPanda . "The Concept of Networking." November 3, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-networking/.

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Home / Essay Samples / Education / Service Learning / Reflection On My Networking Experiences

Reflection On My Networking Experiences

  • Category: Life , Education , Sociology
  • Topic: Personal Experience , Service Learning , Social Networking

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