Although, I have already completed the pre-security module in TryHackMe, which covered Networking as well as Windows and Linux, I am always happy to revise from the absolute basics as it refreshes my knowledge.

This video is a great explainer, in fact CertBros has been one of my favourite YouTube channels as they break down technical concepts into layman’s terms. I’ll be studying through this playlist to strengthen my knowledge and skillset.

What is a computer network?

A group of system of interconnected computers - a computer network is where more than one computer is connected to each other.

Typically, this would consist of a desktop computer, servers and printers. Nowadays, there are a number of smart devices (mobile phones, tablets) connected to a network

Examples of basic Networks

Example one - common home setup which contains: Switch,Router, Wireless Access Point, Desktop, Phone

This setup can also be described as a Local Area Network (LAN), the way I understand it, LANs are network clusters (i.e. homes) each with their own network.

However, two or more households could have the same internet provider, hence the wall socket that connects them to a Wide Area Network (WAN).

Example two - Business Networks

Businesses can also have their own WANs, which connect different office locations’ LANs.

In this setup, multiple desktop devices are plugged into a wall or floor socket. Each socket contains cables that run through the floor or ceiling back to a room called a wiring closet which looks like the below.

Example three - Wireless (Cloud?) Networks

Smartphones have internet access via 3,4, or 5G, provided by a Tower that provides internet access. The closer to the tower, the better the connection is.