Network Transport Layer: Functions & Protocols Explained

Transport Layer Functions

The primary function of the transport layer is to facilitate reliable communication between communicating endpoints. This involves tracking errors and managing flow control (typically between the source and destination) to prevent data loss.
Beyond these core functions, the transport layer can multiplex multiple application-level connections into a single network connection. This reduces costs, for instance, when a service provider charges based on connection time and count.

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Local Network Setup & File Sharing for Windows PCs

Testing Network Connectivity with Ping

Once your computers are configured and connected via cable, you will test whether both computers can communicate with each other. Open a command console by going to Start, Run, then typing CMD. (For Windows 98 or Me, use COMMAND instead of CMD.)

Then, once the console is open on either computer, type ping followed by the other computer’s IP address. For example, if you are on the computer whose IP is 192.168.0.1, you would type ping 192.168.0.2.

If this command

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IP Address Fundamentals and Network Address Translation Explained

Understanding IP Addresses

An IP Address is a 32-bit numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. IP addresses are usually written as decimal numbers with dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Every IP address has at least two parts:

  • Network Portion: Identifies the network segment.
  • Host Portion: Identifies a specific device within that network segment.

Types of IP Addresses

Not all IP addresses are used for assigning to hosts. Some addresses

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Core Internet Protocols: DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, Email, TFTP, IP Addressing

DNS Fundamentals

DNS, or Domain Name System, is a fundamental component of the internet that facilitates human-friendly web addresses (like www.example.com) to be translated into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. In essence, DNS acts as the internet’s phone book, allowing users to access websites using easily recognizable domain names instead of having to remember complex numerical IP addresses.

How DNS Resolution Works

  1. User Enters a Domain Name: When a user types
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Understanding Active Directory and DHCP Configuration

Define Active Directory: Provides the ability to establish a single login and easier management of users.

What services must be in place prior to the installation of a RIS server? Having DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory.

Define Remote Desktop. It allows us to access a server remotely and perform administrative tasks from the terminal.

  • DNS Server: Domain Name System (DNS) can find the IP address of a PC’s name.
  • DNS Forwarder: Designated by other internal DNS servers for use in consultations to resolve
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Essential Network Security Concepts

Firewalls and Network Protection

Firewalls: Mechanisms designed for protection. Their purpose is to allow only authorized data transmission and reception. They isolate and control traffic between separate networks.

What Firewalls Do (and Cannot Do):

  • Control traffic flow based on rules.
  • Separate networks.

However, firewalls cannot protect against:

  • Connections that bypass the firewall.
  • Malicious internal users.
  • Completely new, unknown threats.
  • Network viruses (though they can block infected traffic).

Denial

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