# π What Is Networking? An Overview for Beginners
**Networking** is the backbone of modern communication. Whether it’s accessing a website, printing a document over Wi-Fi, or chatting on your phone, computer networking enables everything to talk to each other.
## π§© What Is a Network?
A **network** is a collection of devices (computers, servers, switches, routers) connected together to share resources and data.
### Types of Networks:
– **LAN (Local Area Network):** Covers small areas (home, office, school lab).
– **WAN (Wide Area Network):** Covers large distances (e.g., the Internet).
– **PAN (Personal Area Network):** Covers a few meters (e.g., Bluetooth).
## π’ IP Addressing & Devices
Every device in a network needs an **IP address** (like a phone number) to send and receive data.
– **IPv4:** 192.168.1.10 (most common)
– **IPv6:** Modern version, handles more addresses
Common device types in a network:
– **Client:** Your PC, phone, laptop
– **Server:** Hosts files, websites, databases
– **Router:** Directs traffic between networks
– **Switch:** Connects devices within a LAN
## π‘ Wired vs Wireless Networks
– **Wired:** Uses Ethernet cables (faster, more reliable)
– **Wireless:** Uses Wi-Fi (flexible, convenient)
Home setups often combine both. For instance, your router may use Wi-Fi for phones and Ethernet for a desktop.
## π The OSI Model (7 Layers)
The **OSI model** helps us understand how data flows in a network.
| Layer | Function |
|——-|—————————–|
| 7. Application | Interface for users (e.g., browsers) |
| 6. Presentation | Data format, encryption |
| 5. Session | Start/stop data sessions |
| 4. Transport | Reliable delivery (TCP/UDP) |
| 3. Network | Routing, IP addressing |
| 2. Data Link | MAC addresses, switches |
| 1. Physical | Cables, radio signals |
Most of us work mainly with layers 1β4.
## π¦ TCP/IP Stack (Practical Model)
The **TCP/IP model** is used in real-world networking. It’s simpler:
– **Application**
– **Transport (TCP/UDP)**
– **Internet (IP)**
– **Network Access (Ethernet/Wi-Fi)**
TCP handles reliable delivery. IP handles addressing. DNS, HTTP, FTP, SSH, and others all sit on top of this stack.
## π Basic Networking Tools
– `ping`: Check connectivity
– `ipconfig` / `ifconfig`: View IP address
– `tracert` / `traceroute`: View path to destination
– `netstat`: View active connections
– `nslookup`: Resolve domain names
## π§ Why Networking Matters
Everything in cybersecurity, cloud, DevOps, and system administration depends on networking. Whether youβre setting up a home lab or managing a datacenter, a solid grasp of networking concepts is a must.
## π What’s Next?
In the next articles, weβll explore:
– Home lab setup with a basic router/switch topology
– How firewalls and NAT work
– Introduction to DNS and DHCP