Introduction to Networking

Professor Messer | Jan 24, 2009 | Comments 5


In today’s computing environments, it’s almost assumed that your computer will connect to a network of some kind. In this video, we’ll give you an overview of networking technologies and introduce you to the concepts of topologies, cabling, bandwidth, duplex, addressing and protocols.


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  • Jared Carson

    During the TCP/IP Addressing section:

    When explaining the [0-255], the last part of the address is listed as [0.255]. I am sure it was just a typo, but I thought it may help.

    I am finally to networking. I expect this section and security to move along very fast. Network + to follow later this week. Thank you again for your time and effort into these videos.

    M. Jared Carson

  • Lolo

    I learned a little about networking a few years ago and it was daunting then, I’m glad your modules are simple and easy to digest.

  • Claudio

    I would compare half duuplex to a walkie talkie (you are not able to talk until I release the button) and full duplex to a telephone call since you are able to talk and listen at the same time

    • http://www.ProfessorMesser.com Professor Messer

      In wired networking, the problem with comparing half-duplex communication to a walkie-talkie is that it’s not an accurate representation of what’s really happening. On a half-duplex wired network, the network adapter doesn’t turn its receiver off when transmitting. Half-duplex devices must be aware of someone else “on the wire,” which is different than the blind transmissions that occur with a walkie-talkie. If the sending workstation detects a change in the signal when someone else transmits, it can then back off and wait before trying again.

      A telephone call is actually a good representation of a wired half-duplex communication, because our human brains can’t understand what someone is saying if we’re talking at the same time. If someone starts communicating to us, we can stop our transmission and receive the incoming signal. You can’t do that with a walkie-talkie. :)

  • http://- Lee

    Protocols = language. Very nicely explained.