Computer Networking Index

Part 1: Introduction to Computer Networking This article provides a definition of computer networking and outlines its purposes. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of networking versus stand-alone computing and gives a brief description of how data is transmitted on a network.

Part 2: Computer Network Models This article describes the characteristics and lists some of the advantages and disadvantages of centralized, client/server, and peer- to-peer networking models.

Part 3: Types of Servers This article lists the most common types of network servers.

Part 4: Network Types by Size/Geographical Coverage This article gives the characteristics by size and geographical coverage of various types of computer networks, including LAN, WAN, MAN, Enterprise, Internetwork, Intranet, and Extranet.

Part 5: Network Topologies
This article gives a brief description and advantages and disadvantages of the three major network topologies: bus, star, and ring.

Part 6: Network Architecture This article describes and compares popular networking architectures, including Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, ARCNet, and ATM.

Part 7: Network Wiring This article discusses general characteristics of network cable, including bandwidth rating, max segment length, and interference susceptibility. It contrasts broadband transmission with baseband transmission, and compares the characteristics of the most common Ethernet media, including coax, UTP, STP, and fibre-optic. It also describes and compares the characteristics of various wireless technologies.

Part 8: Connecting PC's This article describes NICs, Hubs, and Repeaters and the roles they play in connecting PCs with a local area network.

Part 9: Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) Reference Model This article describes the hypothetical Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) reference model and presents several "real world" network models.

Part 10: Networking Protocols and APIs This article describes networking protocols and APIs, including NetBEUI, NETBios, TCP, IP, IPX, SPX, ARP, RARP, RIP, SNMP, DLC, IPX/SPX, NDIS, ODI, AND TDI.

Part 11: Segmenting Networks This article discusses the purpose of segmenting LANS and describes and compares and contrasts segmenting using bridges and switches.

Part 12: Connecting Networks to Networks This article describes hardware devices which are used to interconnect two or more local area networks into an internet. Devices covered are repeaters, bridges, routers, brouters, switches, and gateway.

Networking Notes Bibliography A bibliography of sources used in the preparation of Networking Notes.

Finding a Network Card's MAC Address This article lists the commands or methods to discover the MAC address of network cards under various operating systems.