Category: computer network
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Web 3.0
Web 3.0, also known as the semantic web or the decentralized web, represents the next evolutionary stage of the internet. Unlike its predecessors, Web 3.0 focuses on decentralization, intelligent data processing, and enhanced user control. It is powered by technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), promising a more…
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ARPNET
The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) was a groundbreaking computer network developed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense in 1969. It laid the foundation for the modern internet by pioneering concepts such as packet switching and decentralized communication. ARPANET’s legacy is not just its technical innovation but also its profound societal…
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Topologies: Ring Network
In networking, the ring topology represents a structure where nodes are connected in a closed-loop or circular arrangement. Each node is connected to exactly two neighboring nodes, forming a ring-like structure. Data travels in one or both directions around the ring until it reaches its intended destination. This topology is particularly known for its simplicity…
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Topologies : Bus Network
Bus topology is one of the simplest forms of network architecture, where all devices (nodes) are connected to a single central communication line known as the “bus” or backbone. This linear structure is often used in smaller networks due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Data travels along the bus, and each node checks whether the…
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Topologies: Mesh Network
Mesh network topology is a robust and decentralized network design where each device (or node) is interconnected with one or more other nodes. This architecture ensures multiple paths for data transmission, promoting reliability, redundancy, and efficiency. Mesh networks are commonly used in critical systems such as wireless networks, IoT applications, and military communications due to…
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Topologies : Star Network
Star network topology is one of the most commonly used architectures in modern networking. In this design, all devices (nodes) are connected to a central hub or switch, which acts as the primary point for communication. This centralized structure simplifies management, improves performance, and ensures efficient data routing, making star topology ideal for both small-scale…
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MAN use cases
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a high-speed network spanning a city or a large campus, designed to interconnect local area networks (LANs) over a relatively large geographical area. MANs utilize technologies like Ethernet, fiber optics, and wireless communication. Below are key use cases of MAN: 1. Smart Cities and Urban Connectivity MANs form the…
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Medium Access Control (MAC)
Medium Access Control (MAC) is a sublayer of the Data Link Layer in the OSI model. It plays a critical role in managing how devices in a shared network environment access the communication medium. The MAC sublayer ensures efficient and collision-free transmission of data over both wired and wireless networks. Functions of the MAC Sublayer…
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Virtual Circuit Switching in Computer Networks
Virtual Circuit Switching (VCS) is a communication method used in packet-switched networks to establish a predefined logical path between source and destination nodes before data transfer begins. Unlike circuit switching, where a dedicated physical path is maintained, VCS provides a logical connection, ensuring efficient utilization of network resources. Key Characteristics of Virtual Circuit Switching 1.…
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Fragmentation in Computer Networks
Fragmentation in computer networks is a process where large packets of data are divided into smaller pieces to fit the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) of a network path. It occurs at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and ensures efficient and reliable transmission of data across heterogeneous networks with varying MTU sizes.…
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Routing Protocols: Shortest Path in Computer Networks
Routing protocols are essential for determining the best path for data packets to travel across a network. Among the various types of routing protocols, Shortest Path Routing is one of the most widely used. It ensures that data packets take the most efficient path from the source to the destination, minimizing delay and network congestion.…
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Link State Routing in Computer Networks
Link State Routing (LSR) is a dynamic routing protocol used in computer networks to determine the most efficient path for data packets between nodes. Unlike distance-vector protocols, LSR relies on the global knowledge of the network topology. Routers using this protocol share information about their direct connections (links), enabling the creation of a complete map…
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CIDR Notation in Computer Networks
Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation is a method for specifying IP addresses and their associated subnet masks in a concise format. Introduced in 1993 as an alternative to traditional class-based IP addressing, CIDR optimizes IP address allocation and routing efficiency. It is an integral part of modern networking, allowing for better resource utilization and reduced…
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Basics of the Packet in Computer Networks
In computer networks, a packet is the fundamental unit of data transmission. Packets enable efficient, organized communication by breaking down large amounts of data into manageable pieces for transfer across networks. Each packet contains not just data but also control information, allowing it to be routed and delivered correctly to its destination. Structure of a…
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Flow Control and Congestion Control in Computer Networks
Efficient data communication in networks relies heavily on managing the rate and volume of data transfer. Flow control and congestion control are two essential mechanisms that ensure optimal performance and reliability in a network. Though often interrelated, these techniques address different aspects of network traffic management. Flow Control Flow control regulates the rate of data…
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Routing Protocols: Shortest Path in Computer Networks
Routing protocols are essential for determining the best path for data packets to travel across a network. Among the various types of routing protocols, Shortest Path Routing is one of the most widely used. It ensures that data packets take the most efficient path from the source to the destination, minimizing delay and network congestion.…
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Fragmentation in Computer Networks
Fragmentation is a crucial process in computer networks that involves breaking down large packets of data into smaller fragments to ensure efficient and reliable transmission across networks with varying Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) sizes. This process takes place at the network layer of the OSI model and is particularly essential for accommodating the MTU limitations…
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Ethernet Bridging in Computer Networks
Ethernet bridging is a technique used to connect multiple network segments at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. A bridge, or Layer 2 switch, enables seamless communication between devices in different network segments by forwarding Ethernet frames based on their MAC addresses. It ensures improved network efficiency, scalability, and reduced collision…
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TCP / IP Model
The TCP/IP model (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the backbone of internet and network communication. It outlines how data is transferred between devices over a network in a four-layered structure: 1. Link Layer (Network Access Layer): This layer includes protocols that deal with the physical aspects of data transfer, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and hardware addressing.…
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DNAT (Destination Network Address Translation)
Destination Network Address Translation (DNAT) is a network protocol technique within NAT, designed to remap destination IP addresses on packets as they traverse routers or firewalls. Primarily used to expose private network services to the internet, DNAT modifies the packet’s destination address so that external clients can interact with an internal server through a public…
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Typical HTTP request/ response cycle
The HTTP request-response cycle is a fundamental mechanism in web communication, facilitating client-server interactions. Below is an advanced explanation of its components and flow: Request-Response Architecture Overview HTTP operates as a stateless protocol where the client sends requests, and the server processes and responds. Key components include: 1. HTTP Request: Generated by a client (usually…
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TLS 1.2 vs TLS 1.3: A Comparative Analysis
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol ensuring secure communication. TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 represent two pivotal milestones in internet security. TLS 1.3, finalized in 2018, improves upon its predecessor with enhanced performance, robust security, and streamlined cryptographic mechanisms. Key Differences 1. Handshake Protocol TLS 1.2:Utilizes multiple round trips between the client and…
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QUIC (Faster version of TCP)
QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections) is a modern transport layer protocol designed to improve the performance of internet communication. Initially developed by Google and later standardized by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), QUIC aims to enhance web performance, reduce latency, and increase security by combining the best features of existing protocols like TCP, TLS,…
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SNAT (Source Network Address Translation)
Source Network Address Translation (SNAT) is a type of NAT that enables internal devices to communicate with external networks by translating private, non-routable IP addresses to a public IP address, typically at the gateway or firewall. SNAT is used for outbound connections where internal IPs are masked behind a single public IP, which is crucial…
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TCP Protocol
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a foundational communication protocol within the Internet Protocol (IP) suite, responsible for ensuring reliable, ordered, and error-checked data transmission between devices over a network. TCP operates as a connection-oriented protocol, meaning it establishes a dedicated connection between sender and receiver, providing a reliable framework that guarantees data delivery, accuracy, and…
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UDP Protocol (Layer 4 OSI)
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communication protocol used for data transmission in networked systems. Part of the Internet Protocol (IP) suite, UDP enables quick data transfers by minimizing overhead, making it well-suited for applications where speed is more critical than reliability. Unlike Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which focuses on ensuring data integrity, UDP prioritizes…
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HTTP/2 vs HTTP/3: Web Protocol Evolution
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) has undergone significant transformations since its inception, with HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 representing major milestones in its evolution. These successive iterations have substantially enhanced web performance, security, and reliability. HTTP/2: The Multiplexing Pioneer Introduced in 2015, HTTP/2 (RFC 7540) revolutionized web communication by introducing: HTTP/3: The QUIC-Enabled Speedster Released in 2020,…