What is Networking

🌐 1. What is Networking?

Networking is the connection of computers and devices so they can share data and resources.

• Examples: Internet, LAN in your home, Wi-Fi at office.

🖧 2. Key Network Components

1. Computer / Device – Laptop, phone, server
2. Router – Connects networks (like your home Wi-Fi to the Internet)
3. Switch – Connects devices within the same network (LAN)
4. Modem – Connects your network to your Internet Service Provider
5. Firewall – Security barrier between networks

🔢 3. IP Addressing

• Every device in a network has a unique IP address
• IPv4: 4 numbers (0-255) separated by dots, e.g., 192.168.1.1
• IPv6: Longer, hex-based, e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334

🔀 4. Types of Networks

1. LAN (Local Area Network) – Small area, e.g., home, office
2. WAN (Wide Area Network) – Large area, e.g., Internet
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – City-level network
4. PAN (Personal Area Network) – Personal devices, e.g., phone + laptop via Bluetooth

🌟 7. Basic Networking Concepts

• Subnetting – Dividing a network into smaller networks
• Default Gateway – Device that connects your network to outside networks
• MAC Address – Unique hardware address for a device

🖥️ 8. Simple Example: Home Network

1. Modem connects to ISP
2. Router connects to modem
3. Wi-Fi devices (laptop, phone) connect to router
4. LAN devices (PC, printer) connect via switch
5. Internet access is shared to all devices