1.0 Networking Fundamentals
1.2 Network Topologies and TypesMesh - Network objects connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other objects as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data.
Star/Hub-and-Spoke - Network objects connect directly to a centralized hub that controls and operates the network.
Bus - Network objects connect to a shared single half-duplex (data can go both directions, one direction at a time) link/cable.
Ring - Each network object connects to only two other network objects forming a single continuous path for each network object.
Hybrid - A network that uses two or more network topologies together.
Network types and characteristics
Peer-to-peer (P2P) - Distributed application architecture that partitions/divides workloads between peers, peers are equally privileged.
Client-Server - Distributed application architecture that partitions workloads between the providers of a resource or service (servers), and service requesters (clients).
Local Area Network (LAN) - A collection of devices connected together in a single location.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - A network spanning a city-sized geographic region.
Wide Area Network (WAN) - A network spanning a large geographic region, not tied to any single location.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) - Wireless connected network devices in single location.
Personal Area Network (PAN) - Network used to connect an individual’s devices located within their vicinity.
Campus Area Network (CAN) - An interconnection of LANs within a limited geographical area.
Storage Area Network (SAN) - A network which provides shared access to data, stored at a block level.
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) - Software defined network, Virtual WAN, automated programmatic approach to enterprise network management.
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) - A routing technique that uses labels instead of addresses to route data along pre-existing routes between endpoint objects.
Multipoint Generic Routing Encapsulation (mGRE) - Developed by Cisco, Tunneling protocol that can encapsulate a wide variety of network layer protocols.
Service-Related Entry Point
Demarcation Point - The point where a public network ends and a private network begins, used to separate and determine responsibility of network issues based on where they are happening on a network.
Smartjack - Can be a signal converter or repeater, also provides diagnostic capabilities.
Virtual Network Concepts
vSwitch - Virtual Switch, Allows communication between virtual machines.
Virtual Network Interface Card (vNIC) - Virtual Network Interface Card, software emulated NIC used within a virtual machine to allow connections.
Network Function Virtualization (NFV) - Software replacement solution for networking hardware, virtualization, cloud computing.
Hypervisor - Similar to an emulator, runs and manages one or more virtual machines.
Provider Links - Internet Service Providers (ISP)
Satellite - Internet link provided through use of satellites.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) - Internet link provided over old phone systems using a modem.
Cable - Internet link provided through traditional coaxial copper cabling.
Leased Line - Contracted private line, dedicated line.
Metro-Optical - Hybrid network that combines Ethernet and Fiber technologies to provide an Internet link for a metro area.