Explain Networking.

Networking refers to the practice of connecting computers, devices, or systems together to facilitate communication and resource sharing. In a networked environment, devices can exchange data and information, share resources such as printers or storage devices, and collaborate on tasks. Networking enables individuals, organizations, and systems to interact efficiently and effectively, both locally and globally. Here are some key aspects of networking:

Types of Networks:

Networks can be classified into various types based on their geographic scope, topology, and administration. Here are some common types of networks:

1.Local Area Network (LAN):-

• A LAN is a network that covers a relatively small geographic area, such as a single building, office, or campus.

• LANs typically use Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology to connect devices within the same physical location.

• LANs are commonly used in homes, schools, offices, and small businesses to facilitate local communication and resource sharing.

2.Wide Area Network (WAN):-

• A WAN spans a larger geographic area, often connecting multiple LANs across cities, countries, or continents.

• WANs use long-distance communication technologies such as leased lines, fiber-optic cables, or satellite links to connect distant locations.

• The Internet is the largest and most well-known example of a WAN, connecting networks and devices worldwide.

3.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):-

• A MAN is a network that covers a larger geographic area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically spanning a city or metropolitan area.

• MANs are used to connect multiple LANs within the same geographical region, providing high-speed connectivity for businesses, universities, and government agencies.

4.Wireless Network:-

• Wireless networks use radio waves instead of physical cables to connect devices within a network.

• Wi-Fi networks are a common type of wireless LAN (WLAN) that allows devices to connect to a network without the need for wired connections.

• Wireless technology enables greater mobility and flexibility, making it suitable for environments such as homes, offices, airports, and public spaces.

5.Personal Area Network (PAN):-

• A PAN is a network used for connecting devices within the immediate vicinity of an individual, typically within a range of a few meters.

• Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC) are examples of technologies used for creating PANs, allowing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices to communicate with each other.

6.Virtual Private Network (VPN):-

• A VPN extends a private network across a public network (such as the Internet), enabling secure remote access to resources and data.

• VPNs use encryption and tunneling protocols to create a secure and private connection between remote users and the corporate network or another trusted network.

7.Peer-to-Peer Network (P2P):-

• In a peer-to-peer network, individual devices, called peers, communicate directly with each other without the need for a central server.

• P2P networks are commonly used for file sharing, collaborative computing, and decentralized communication.

What is IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves two main purposes:

1. Identification

2. Location Addressing

Types of IP Address:-

1. Public IP Address:-

A public IP address is assigned to devices that directly connect to the internet.

It uniquely identifies a device or network on the global internet.

Public IP addresses are routable and can be accessed from anywhere on the internet.

They are typically provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are leased to subscribers.

Public IP addresses are used for servers, routers, and other devices that require direct internet connectivity.

2.Private IP Address:-

A private IP address is assigned to devices within a private network, such as a home or business network.

It is used for internal communication between devices within the same network.

Private IP addresses are not routable on the public internet and are meant for use within a local network only.

They are defined by RFC 1918 and fall within specific ranges reserved for private networks:

Class A: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255

Class B: 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255

Class C: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Private IP addresses can be reused across different private networks, as they are not globally unique.

3.Static IP Address:-

A static IP address is manually configured for a device and remains fixed.

It does not change unless it is reconfigured by a network administrator.

Static IP addresses are often used for servers, network devices, or devices that require permanent identification on the network.

They are particularly useful for services that need to be accessed consistently, such as web servers or email servers.

4.Dynamic IP Address:-

A dynamic IP address is assigned to a device temporarily from a pool of addresses maintained by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.

These addresses can change over time as devices connect and disconnect from the network.

Dynamic IP addressing is commonly used in residential and small business networks to efficiently manage available IP addresses.

It reduces the need for manual configuration and ensures efficient use of IP address resources.

5.Reserved IP Address:-

Reserved IP addresses are set aside for special purposes or specific uses.

Examples include loopback addresses (127.0.0.0/8) used for internal testing and communication with the local host, and broadcast addresses used for network communications.

Certain IP address ranges are also reserved for multicast and experimental purposes.