As the world moves towards a more connected future, the concept of Internetworking has become increasingly important. An internetwork is a collection of computer networks connected together, enabling communication and data exchange between them. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a basic understanding of the concept and functionality of internetworking.
Understanding the Basics:
Internetworking provides the connectivity that allows different networks to communicate with each other. Most networks are built with specific hardware, software, and protocols, which can be considered a closed system. Internetworking makes it possible to connect multiple closed systems and essentially create one large network.
When two or more networks connect, they form an internetwork that requires a network operating system to manage data exchange between the different networks. The data exchange process consists of various protocols that govern how data is transmitted from one network to another.
Protocols:
Protocols are rules that define how data is exchanged between different networks. There are several protocols used in internetworking such as TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP, to name a few.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the standard protocol used for internetworking. TCP/IP is the foundation of the internet and enables communication between networks through a series of rules that define how devices communicate with each other. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) enable web browsing and file sharing between networks. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used for sending and receiving email messages.
Routers:
A router is a device that connects two or more networks together and directs data packets to their appropriate destination. When data travels between networks, it is broken down into packets, which are then reassembled at the receiving end. Routers use protocols to direct the packets to their proper destination.
Firewalls:
Firewalls are used to provide security for internetworking. Firewalls act as a barrier between networks and control access to resources on the network. They are used to prevent unauthorized access to a network by monitoring and filtering traffic.
Switches:
Switches are devices used to direct traffic within a network. They are used to connect multiple devices on a network and direct traffic between them. Switches are different from routers in that they only direct traffic within a network, while routers direct traffic between networks.
Conclusion:
Internetworking has become critical in today’s world, and understanding its basic functionality and protocols is necessary for any IT professional. Internetworking is the key to connecting different networks to share resources and information. Understanding the protocols and devices used in internetworking helps manage traffic and provide security for networks.