#citrt #RefreshCache Networking Basics Foundational Concepts Elliott Wood - Solerant

Basic Network Overview

7 Layers of a Network

Switches Switches direct traffic to MAC Addresses MAC Addresses (0E:12:45:AB:23:C9) Every Network Device Has a UNIQUE MAC Address A MAC address is permanently assigned to the device from the factory. A MAC address is not routable.

Layer 2 Provides VLAN Capability Separates traffic onto discreet logical networks Improves troubleshooting ability Provides Quality of Service options

Layer 3 – Routers/Layer 3 Switches Provide means to connect to other networks. Wide Area Network vs Local Area Network Routers are the intersections of the internet. Lots of traffic consolidated via one router.

What is an IP Address? A unique numeric address assigned to a computer (or device) on a network An IP address is mapped to the MAC address of a particular device.

What is an IP Address? An IP address identifies the network and the host (device) The subnet mask determines what part of the address is the network address and what part is the host address.

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WIFI Router Home All In One Device WIFI AP Like a switch for WIFI WIFI Bridge Connects Wirelessly to another WIFI Bridge WIFI Controller Control Multiple AP’s and Bridges

Home WIFI Low Cost Very little capacity Not supported for office use

Enterprise-ish Low Cost Basic enterprise features More capacity than home Low support

Enterprise Higher Cost Enterprise features Handle Capacity Well Enterprise Support

VLAN’s What is a VLAN? – Use to divide a switch into multiple networks – Uses a common physical network (cabling, switches, etc.)

Simple VLAN

Real World Example