Subnetting

Networking Fundamentals for Problem Solvers Networks connect people and systems, and good problem solving starts with a simple map of how data travels. Think in layers: devices talk to each other, packets move through links, and rules govern the flow. When you can describe the path a message should take, you can spot where it goes wrong. Understanding the basics Networks are built from three parts: devices, links, and rules. A router moves packets toward their destination, while a switch keeps local traffic fast inside a network. Important ideas include IP addresses (IPv4 or IPv6), subnet masks, and a default gateway. The Domain Name System converts friendly names to numbers, and DHCP can assign addresses automatically. ...

Networking Fundamentals for the Curious Technologist Networking basics are simpler than they look. At heart, a network lets devices share information, access services, and work together. In homes and small offices, you mostly deal with addresses, paths, and simple rules that decide how data travels. Think of the OSI model as a seven-layer map. The lower layers handle physical bits and wireless signals. The middle layers manage addressing and routing. The top layers support applications and user access. For most learners, it’s enough to remember that data travels from one device to another through a sequence of decisions, not a single leap. ...

Networking Protocols Demystified: TCP/IP and Beyond Think of the internet as a big postal system. TCP/IP is the set of rules that lets messages travel as data packets, reach the right addresses, and arrive in good shape. Understanding these rules helps you fix slow links, choose better tools, and explain tech to others without jargon. TCP/IP: four simple layers Application: where programs talk to each other. Examples include HTTP for web pages or SMTP for mail. Transport: decides how to move data. TCP provides a reliable stream, while UDP is faster but does not guarantee delivery. Internet: handles addressing and routing. IP gives each device a unique address and decides how to reach it. Link: the local network detail, such as Ethernet or Wi‑Fi, that carries packets to and from devices. This layered view keeps complex networks manageable. Each layer does its part and hands off to the next. ...

TCP/IP in the Real World: Practical Insights TCP/IP is the backbone of most networks, from home Wi‑Fi to corporate data centers. In the real world, the goal is not to memorize every protocol, but to keep devices talking smoothly. This guide shares practical, plain‑language tips that work for many setups. You will use everyday tools like ping, traceroute, and DNS lookups to verify connectivity and spot problems early. Start with a simple address plan. Most private networks use ranges like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x. A small network with 192.168.1.0/24 gives room for many devices while staying easy to manage. Subnetting breaks a big network into smaller parts, helping routers forward traffic correctly. Think of the network part as the city and the host part as the house. This helps you avoid conflicts when adding devices and keeps routing predictable. ...

Foundations of Computer Networking for Beginners Networks connect devices to share data, access resources, and reach the internet. A network is a group of devices (computers, phones, printers) that communicate using rules called protocols. Understanding the basics helps you plan, troubleshoot, and secure your connection. Core components: Hosts: the devices that send and receive data. Routers: devices that move traffic between different networks. Switches: devices that connect many devices on a local network. Links: cables or wireless links that carry signals. The OSI model in simple terms: ...

Networking Basics for Cloud Architects In cloud projects, networking is the backbone that connects services, people, and partners. A clear network design helps apps scale, keeps data safer, and makes troubleshooting easier. This article covers the core ideas every cloud architect should know, from how addresses are planned to how to connect networks securely. Key building blocks These are the main parts you will use in most cloud networks: Virtual networks (VPCs or VNets) Subnets and segmentation Route tables and gateways NAT and outbound access Firewall rules and security groups Load balancers and DNS IP addressing with CIDR Private connectivity (VPN, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect) Peering and shared networks Observability: logs and metrics A simple pattern A common pattern is three tiers: public web in a front subnet, private app in a middle subnet, and a private data subnet. The web server talks to the app, and the app talks to the database. The public subnet uses an Internet gateway; the private subnets stay hidden from the Internet. Outbound connections from private subnets go through a NAT device or NAT gateway so servers can reach external services without exposing themselves. ...

Networking Foundations for Modern IT Networks power almost every IT service today. From cloud apps to local printers, reliable connectivity keeps teams productive. This article outlines core concepts and practical steps to build and maintain solid networks, regardless of size or industry. Core concepts The OSI model helps us think about how data travels in seven stages, from physical wires to the apps we use. The TCP/IP family handles how devices address, send, and receive data over the internet and private networks. Private addresses, routing, and gateways keep traffic moving inside a building and toward the internet. Local networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and wireless access points all play a role in connecting devices. A practical example Imagine a small office or home setup: a modem from your provider, a router that creates the local network, a switch for wired devices, and Wi‑Fi for laptops and phones. Your devices get addresses like 192.168.1.x, with the router at 192.168.1.1. The router acts as the gateway to the outside world. ...

Networking Protocols You Should Know Networks run on rules called protocols. These rules tell devices how to address each other, how to open a conversation, how to send data, and how to confirm it arrived. Two common models help thinking about them: the OSI model and the more practical TCP/IP model. In real networks, TCP/IP is the main framework. It breaks communication into layers and uses packets to move information from one device to another. Some protocols ensure reliability; others focus on speed, discovery, or error reporting. Understanding a few basics makes everyday tech work much clearer. ...

Networking Basics Building Blocks of Connectivity Connectivity means devices can talk to each other, send files, and access services. At its core, a network is a path that moves data from sender to receiver. You do not need to be a tech pro to understand the basics; you only need the right building blocks. In most networks, two layers matter first: the physical layer and the addressing layer. The physical layer covers cables or wireless signals that carry data. The addressing layer handles how devices are found and how data is routed to the right place. Together, they let your computer reach a website, your printer, or a friend’s phone. ...

Networking Fundamentals: From LANs to the Internet Networks connect devices to share files, printers, and online services. A home network starts with a few pieces: a modem from your provider, a router, and devices like laptops or phones. Understanding how these parts fit together helps you troubleshoot, improve speed, and keep things secure. Two basic concepts are useful: LANs and WANs. A LAN covers a small area, such as a home or office, while a WAN links multiple LANs over longer distances. The Internet is the largest WAN, a global network of networks that carries traffic through many routes. ...