What is Computer Networking?

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What Is Cisco Networking?

Computer networking refers to connected computing devices (such as laptops, desktops, servers, smartphones, and tablets) and an ever-expanding array of IoT devices (such as cameras, door locks, doorbells, refrigerators, audio/visual systems, thermostats, and various sensors) that communicate with one another.

How does a computer network work

Specialized devices such as switches, routers, and access points form the foundation of computer networks.

Switches connect and help to internally secure computers, printers, servers, and other devices to networks in homes or organizations. Access points are switches that connect devices to networks without the use of cables.

Routers connect networks to other networks and act as dispatchers. They analyze data to be sent across a network, choose the best routes for it, and send it on its way. Routers connect your home and business to the world and help protect information from outside security threats.

While switches and routers differ in several ways, one key difference is how they identify end devices. A Layer 2 switch uniquely identifies a device by its “burned-in” MAC address. A Layer 3 router uniquely identifies a device’s network connection with a network-assigned IP address.

Today, most switches include some level of routing functionality.

MAC and IP addresses uniquely define devices and network connections, respectively, in a network. A MAC address is a number assigned to a network interface card (NIC) by a device’s manufacturer. An IP address is a number assigned to a network connection.

How is computer networking evolving?

Modern-day networks deliver more than connectivity. Organizations are embarking on transforming themselves digitally. Their networks are critical to this transformation and to their success. The types of network architectures that are evolving to meet these needs are as follows:

  • Software-defined  (SDN): In response to new requirements in the “digital” age, network architecture is becoming more programmable, automated, and open. In software-defined networks, routing of traffic is controlled centrally through software-based mechanisms. This helps the network to react quickly to changing conditions.
  • Intent-based: Building on SDN principles, intent-based networking (IBN) not only introduces agility but also sets up a network to achieve desired objectives by automating operations extensively, analyzing its performance, pinpointing problematic areas, providing all-around security, and integrating with business processes.
  • Virtualized: The underlying physical network infrastructure can be partitioned logically, to create multiple “overlay” networks. Each of these logical networks can be tuned to meet specific security, quality-of-service (QoS), and other requirements.
  • Controller-based: Network controllers are crucial to scaling and securing networks. Controllers automate networking functions by translating business intent to device configurations, and they monitor devices continuously to help ensure performance and security. Controllers simplify operations and help organizations respond to changing business requirements.
  • Multidomain integrations: Larger enterprises may construct separate networks, also called networking domains, for their offices, WANs, and data centers. These networks communicate with one another through their controllers. Such cross-network, or multidomain, integrations generally involve exchanging relevant operating parameters to help ensure that desired business outcomes that span network domains are achieved.

Only Cisco offers a complete portfolio of modern network architectures for access, WANs, data centers, and cloud.

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Types of computer networks

While similar in their overall objectives, various types of networks fulfill different purposes. Networks today are classified in the broad categories below.

A LAN is a collection of connected devices in one physical location, such as a home or an office. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to a large enterprise network with thousands of users and devices. A LAN may include both wired and wireless devices.

Regardless of size, a LAN’s particular characteristic is that it connects devices that are in a single, limited area.


A WAN extends over a large geographical area and connects individual users or multiple LANs. The Internet can be considered a WAN. Large organizations use WANs to connect their various sites, remote employees, suppliers, and data centers so they can run applications and access necessary data.

Physical connectivity in WANs can be achieved by leased lines, cellular connections, satellite links, and other means.


A network built for a large organization, typically called an enterprise, needs to fulfill exacting requirements. Since networking is crucial for any modern enterprise to function, enterprise networks must be highly available, scalable, and robust. These networks have tools that enable network engineers and operators to design, deploy, debug, and remediate them.

An enterprise may use both LANs and WANs across its campus, branches, and data centers.


Service providers operate WANs to provide connectivity to individual users or organizations. They may offer simple connectivity, in the form of leased lines, or more-advanced, managed services to enterprises. Service providers also supply Internet and cellular connectivity to their customers.

Online CompTIA Security+ Courses

Online CompTIA-Security

These free online CompTIA Security+ courses will teach you how to get certified by one of the IT industry’s top trade associations. The Computing Technology Industry Association is a non-profit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology industry. Getting certified will validate your baseline skills to help you succeed in an IT security career.

What is a compTIA security +

is a global certification that validates the baseline skills you need to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. Successful candidates will have the following skills:

  • Detect various types of compromise and understand penetration testing and vulnerability scanning concepts
  • Install, configure, and deploy network components while assessing and troubleshooting issues to support organizational security
  • Implement secure network architecture concepts and systems design
  • Install and configure identity and access services, as well as management controls
  • Implement and summarize risk management best practices and the business impact
  • Install and configure wireless security settings and implement public key infrastructure

Main Reason Why You Need Security+ Certification?

Now that you know all the major details for SY0-501 test, let us dwell on one main advantage that the Security+ can get you. Obviously, SY0-501 is the best-known exam for measuring candidates’ baseline IT security skills. Author: Vincent V In particular, this assessment prepares and equips IT security specialists with practical problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting ones so that these specialists could take up jobs as junior IT auditors, penetration testers, security administrators, or systems and network administrators. It will be a piece of cake for you to be accepted to these positions as most organizations prefer hiring security specialists with the CompTIA Security+ certification for the DoD 8570 compliance that this credential has.

What students will do.

Students will learn the best real-world troubleshooting practices for identifying and handling cybersecurity incidents. It is recommended that students complete CompTIA A+ training and CompTIA Network+ Training before beginning this course. You will learn how to explain threat actors and threat intelligence, security controls, in order to identify social engineering attacks.