Introduction to Networking: How the Internet Works

Description

This book demystifies the amazing architecture and protocols of computers as they communicate over the Internet. While very complex, the Internet operates on a few relatively simple concepts that anyone can understand. Networks and networked applications are embedded in our lives. Understanding how these technologies work is invaluable. This book was written for everyone - no technical knowledge is required!While this book is not specifically about the Network+ or CCNA certifications, it as a way to give students interested in these certifications a starting point. Introduction Communicating at a Distance Computers Communicate Differently Early Wide Area Store-and-Forward Networks Packets and Routers Addressing and Packets Putting It All Together Glossary Questions Network Architecture The Link Layer The Internetwork Layer (IP) The Transport Layer (TCP) The Application Layer Stacking the Layers Glossary Questions Link Layer Sharing the Air Courtesy and Coordination Coordination in Other Link Layers Summary Glossary Questions Internetworking Layer (IP) Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses How Routers Determine the Routes When Things Get Worse and Better Determining Your Route Getting an IP Address A Different Kind of Address Reuse Global IP Address Allocation Summary Glossary Questions The Domain Name System Allocating Domain Names Reading Domain Names Summary Glossary Questions Transport Layer Packet Headers Packet Reassembly and Retransmission The Transport Layer In Operation Application Clients and Servers Server Applications and Ports Summary Glossary Questions Application Layer Client and Server Applications Application Layer Protocols Exploring the HTTP Protocol The IMAP Protocol for Retrieving Mail Flow Control Writing Networked Applications Summary Glossary Questions Secure Transport Layer Encrypting and Decrypting Data Two Kinds of Secrets Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encrypting Web Browser Traffic Certificates and Certificate Authorities Summary Glossary Questions The OSI Model Physical (Layer 1) Data Link (Layer 2) Network (Layer 3) Transport (Layer 4) Session (Layer 5) Presentation (Layer 6) Application (Layer 7) Comparing the OSI and TCP/IP Models Link Layer (TCP/IP) Internetwork Layer (TCP/IP) Transport Layer (TCP/IP) Application Layer (TCP/IP) Conclusion Glossary Questions Wrap Up