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Networking Concepts

Before diving into networking commands and tools, it's essential to understand the fundamental concepts that underpin all networking. These concepts provide the context for using tools effectively.

IP Addresses

  • IPv4: A 32-bit address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) used to identify devices on a network.
  • IPv6: A 128-bit address designed to replace IPv4, offering more unique addresses and better security.

Why It Matters

IP addresses are like the "home addresses" of devices on a network. They allow devices to find and communicate with each other.

Subnets

  • Subnets divide a network into smaller segments to improve performance and security.
  • Subnet Mask: Indicates which part of an IP address identifies the network vs. the host.

Why It Matters

Subnets optimize network traffic and enhance security by isolating sections of a network.

DNS (Domain Name System)

  • Translates human-readable domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses.

Why It Matters

Without DNS, you'd need to remember IP addresses for every website or service you want to access.

Ports

  • Ports are unique endpoints for specific types of network communication.
  • HTTP: Port 80
  • HTTPS: Port 443
  • SSH: Port 22

Why It Matters

Understanding ports helps you identify and troubleshoot issues related to specific services.

Protocols

  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Reliable, connection-based communication.
  • UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Faster, connectionless communication.
  • HTTP/HTTPS: Protocols for web traffic.

Why It Matters

Protocols define how data is transmitted and received, making them critical for troubleshooting communication issues.