Computer Networking: The Complete Guide to Understanding Wireless Technology, Network Security, Computer Architecture and Communications Systems (Including Cisco, CCNA and CCENT)

By Michael B. White

Are you pursuing a field that requires at least some knowledge of computer networking? Do you wish to learn about the future of networking and how electronics function? If this is true, then this is the guide for you.

 

While other shorter books do not include ALL concepts, this book dives deep into the subject matter so that nothing is left out.

 

Beginners, intermediate learners and advanced users have all learned from this guide. The book is designed to be an easy read that simplifies concepts as much as possible. By the end of this book, you will have learned the basics, as well as many advanced concepts.

 

Topics:

Wireless Communication Technologies

Mobile Communication Systems

Wireless technology challenges

Network Protocols

Wireless Technology Security

Features of Secure Wireless Network Security

Security Issues in Wireless Networks

Wireless Network Computer Architecture

Cellular Wireless Networks

Communication Systems and Networks

Cisco Systems

Wireless Network Applications

Wired Network Components

Wireless Network Components

Network Security

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newstone Publishing
• Release date: Sep 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781989726433

Book preview

Computer Networking:

The Complete Guide to Understanding Wireless Technology, Network Security, Computer Architecture and Communications Systems (Including Cisco, CCNA and CCENT)

Copyright 2020 by Michael B. White - All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Wireless Technology

What is wireless technology?

What are wireless devices?

Examples of wireless devices

Chapter 2: Wireless Communication Technologies

Satellite Communication

How do satellites work?

What is the role of satellites in communication?

Features of satellite communications

Infrared Communication

Broadcast Radio

Microwave Communication

Wi-Fi

Mobile Communication Systems

Bluetooth Technology

ZigBee

Radio Frequency Identification

Lightwave Transmission

Chapter 3: Areas of Applications of Wireless Technologies

Remote Operated Domestic Appliances Control

Robotic Vehicle Movement

Phone Controlled Load Management System

Advantages of wireless communication

Disadvantages of wireless communication

Chapter 4: 5 Types of Wireless Technology for Internet of Things

ZigBee

Wi-Fi

BLE and Bluetooth

WiMax

Advantages of wireless technology

Disadvantages of wireless technology

Top wireless technology challenges

Chapter 5: Introduction to Computer Networking

What is computer networking?

Computer networking basics

Types of network bridges

Wireless bridging

Routers

Modems

Gateways

Interface cards

Key milestones in computer networking history

Chapter 6: Types of Computer Networking

Local Area Network (LAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wireless Local Area Network

Metropolitan Area Network

Enterprise Private Network

Personal Area Network

Benefits of computer networking

Disadvantages of computer networking

Chapter 7: Network Protocols

Internet Protocols

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

User Datagram Protocol

Hypertext Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol

Wireless Network Protocols

60 GHz Protocols

Network Routing Protocols

Network security protocols

Network management protocols

Types of network topologies

Types of network architecture

Chapter 8: Key Milestones in Computer Networking History

The Internet

Ethernet

The router

VLAN

The Firewall

Wi-Fi

Chapter 9: Wireless Technology Security

What is wireless network security?

Types of wireless network security

Top ways to secure your wireless network

Chapter 10: Features of Secure Wireless Network Security

Chapter 11: Security Issues in Wireless Networks

Wireless security protocols

Chapter 12: Wireless Network Computer Architecture

Wireless communication basics and architecture

Components of wireless communication

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

The WAP Model

WAP Architecture

Bluetooth Architecture

MOBITEX

CDPD

I-MODE

Chapter 13: How do Wireless Networks Work?

The basics of wireless network

The Wireless Technology Standards

Wireless range and speed

Wireless interference

Data security

Chapter 14: Wireless Networks and Communications Systems

Features of wireless communication

Types of wireless communication

Advantages of wireless communication

Technical challenges of wireless communication

Multiple Access Techniques

Frequency Division Multiple-Access (FDMA)

Time Division Multiple-Access (TDMA)

Code Division Multiple-Access (CDMA)

Space Division Multiple-Access (SDMA)

Spread Spectrum Multiple Access (SSMA)

Channel Characteristics

Types of paths

Characteristics of a wireless channel

Types of Diversity

Chapter 15: Cellular Wireless Networks

Features of cellular network systems

Shape of cells

Frequency Reuse

The Evolution of Cellular Networks

Cellular System Architecture

Chapter 16: Communication Systems and Networks

Fundamentals of Transmission Systems: Technologies and Applications

Components of a communication system

Voice Communications Systems

Messaging Systems: Electronic Mail and Voice Processing

Fundamentals of Data Communications

Public Switched Telephone Network

Chapter 17: Wireless Network Technology

What is Cisco Systems?

CISCO networking technologies

Entry (CCENT)

Associate (CCNA/CCDA)

Professional (CCNP/CCDP)

Expert (CCIE/CCDE)

CCAr

Cisco home networking

Cisco Packet Tracer

Chapter 18: What is a Home Network?

The components of a home network

Wireless settings

Chapter 19: Wireless Network Applications

Types of wireless networks and their applications

Medical applications of wireless networks

Network technologies in the medical industry

Chapter 20: What Are Wired Technologies?

Types of wired network

Advantages of wired network

Disadvantages of wired network

Chapter 21: Wired Network vs. Wireless Network

Chapter 22: Wired Network Components

Chapter 23: Wireless Network Components

Routers

Router protocols

Routing protocols

Chapter 24: Server-based vs. Dedicated Routers

Types of bridges

Bridge implementation

Switching methods

Cables connecting switches and hubs

Managed switches and hubs

Modem connection speeds

Types of network interface cards

Network card installation procedure

Wireless Access Point

Transceivers

Firewalls

ISDN Terminal Adapters

Chapter 25: Network Security

Common security threats

How do network viruses spread?

Symptoms of viral attacks

How to protect your network

Preventive measures against a virus attack

How do you get spyware?

Types of spyware

Zero-hour and zero-day attacks

How to stop zero-day threats

Hacker attacks

Distributed Denial of Service Attacks

Types of DDoS Attacks

Botnets

Chapter 26: How to Secure Your Network

Update your patches

Configure your exception handling processes

Conduct assurance processes

Use strong passwords

Secure your VPN

Implement Access Control

Data loss prevention

Use antimalware and antivirus software

Wireless security

Network Segmentation

Intrusion Prevention System

Email security

Web Security

Application Security

Behavioral Analytics

Consider physical network security

Wireless Network Security

Chapter 27: The Future of Wireless Technology

Chapter 28: The Future of Wireless Networks

Li-Fi

Car-to-Car Communication

The Internet of Things

Conclusion

Introduction

Tablets, smartphones, and laptops have recently taken over the world. They have successfully replaced wired devices such as desktop computers, land phones, and other devices that are driven by wired technologies. These technologies have distanced themselves from the wired technologies, which has given rise to the term wireless.

In this book, I will discuss wireless technologies extensively in order to help people who have little or no knowledge of this technology to have a better understanding of the technologies that are poised to change the world in the nearest future.

How popular are wireless technologies?

A report by Cisco estimated, By 2020, there will be 5.5 billion mobile users, representing 70 percent of the global population. Add the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, TV remote controls, and other wireless communication devices such as satellite, and you will have a perfect picture of how wireless technologies have positively impacted us.

The book covers some salient issues such as:

Introduction to wireless technologies

Areas of applications of wireless technologies

Introduction to computer networking

Network protocols

Security issues in wireless technology and how to fix them

Wireless technology and communications systems

Wired technologies

The future of wireless technologies

The topics listed above and a host of others are addressed in this book. When you finish the book, your appreciation of wireless technology will have deepened and you will be inclined to want to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by these technologies. As you open this book on your laptop or mobile device, you are already benefiting from these technologies. Open the book to the first chapter and get to know more about the technologies that are currently changing the world.

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Wireless Technology

You might have heard about wireless access points, wireless networking, and wireless computing. These are different terms that are all related to wireless technology. Of course, they are not the only wireless devices; there are a plethora of wireless devices and technologies in the modern era. However, what is wireless technology and what are wireless devices? These and several other related questions will be answered in this chapter. Firstly, let me briefly give you an insight into what wireless technology is.

What is wireless technology?

Daniel Fuchs, the Head of Innovation at Vodafone and IoT Evangelist, defined wireless technology as ...any technology that allows users to transmit any type of communication like voice, data, and message using the air as the ‘conductive’ way to transport it.

In the same vein, lifewire.com defines wireless technology as a broad term that encompasses all sorts of technologies and devices that transmit data over the air rather than over wires, including cellular communications, networking between computers with wireless adapters, and wireless computer accessories.

Thus, wireless technology refers to technology that is not powered by wires and physical cables. By implication, wireless technology covers the use of radio frequencies and signals for data transmission rather than the conventional mode of data transmission via cables and the likes. For instance, phone channels, the Internet, and communication use physical wires that are physically connected for data transmission. Thus, rather than follow the physical connection, wireless technologies make the connection of each node of a network to be done with radio waves, thus eliminating the use of cables and other devices used for physical connection.

Another transmission technique that falls in this category is light based-transmission. This is a new wireless technology where light is used as the channel of data transmission in opposition to the use of wires and cables. This technology doesn’t depend on the use of physical wires for connection and is thus regarded as a wireless technology.

It is true that wireless communication has been around for over a century; they have been in use since 1876. The astronomical increase in the areas of application of wireless technology today makes it absolutely important to discuss the technology in detail.

Wireless technology has a wide range of applications. It can be adapted for use in different areas of human endeavor, from insurance to education, business to entertainment, and other areas of application.

What are wireless devices?

A growing number of devices are also getting the wireless tag. The term, wireless devices covers a long list of devices that work without cords or cables. These devices can be used without any physical connection to an object or powered by a cable to be useful. Such devices are collectively taking advantage of the wireless technology concept for operation.

Examples of wireless devices

Wherever you turn in the world today, you see wireless devices at work. They can be found in different sectors and are available to perform different functions, ranging from domestic use to industrial use. Some typical examples of wireless devices are TV remote controls, cordless phones, GPS systems, radios, and other devices that will soon hit the shelves as wireless technology is taken to a new height by inventors. Other examples of these devices are wireless mice, PDAs, wireless routers, wireless keyboards, wireless network cards, and any other device that doesn’t depend on the use of physical wire to transmit information. Let me give you a list of some of the most important wireless devices and their functions. These are:

Wireless router

A wireless router is used for accepting incoming Internet connections. It also sends some data in form of radio frequency (RF) signals to some other wireless devices within the proximity of the router. Wireless routers have a wide range of applications. They are used in different devices for an array of uses, such as connecting wireless-enabled computers and other related devices to the Internet. Any network that is set up with a wireless computer is also known as a wireless local area network (WLAN). Many of these routers have some important built-in security features that offer the devices that are connected to the router maximum protection against computer viruses and other malicious attacks.

Wireless adapters

Wireless adapters are hardware devices that are installed in computers to create room for wireless connectivity. Without a wireless adapter, connecting to a router to enable connectivity to the Internet is impossible. Some modern computers come equipped with built-in adapters into their motherboards. You can also physically install wireless adapters to your computer to enable you to activate its wireless capability, especially if the computer doesn’t have a built-in adapter.

Wireless repeater

A wireless repeater is also a wireless networking device used for extending the range of reach of a router. When a repeater receives signals, it amplifies the signals and remits them. When you place a repeater between the computer that is connected to a router and the router, the signal strength will receive a major boost that will automatically result in increased connection speeds. This is a big plus for Internet users as they can enjoy the luxury of using the Internet at an impressive speed with outstanding benefits, such as judicious use of time and fast access to resources over the Internet.

Wireless phones

In the past, phones were connected with cables to enable the users to communicate over the phone. However, the wireless phones are gradually replacing wired phones. Unlike their predecessors, wireless phones use wireless technology for operation. In this category are cordless and cellular phones. These two are also built on wireless signals and are a deviation from the former phones that used wires for physical connection before they can be used. Cordless phones are known for their limited range of operation. On the other hand, cell phones boast a larger range than the readily available local wireless networks. The larger range is due to the fact that cell phone providers provide coverage to their subscribers through large telecommunication towers.

There are also satellite phones. These phones communicate through large signals that they receive from satellites, a principle similar to the one used by the Global Positioning System devices. I will write extensively about Global Positioning Systems later in the course of the book.

Wireless microphone

For years, microphones were built on wired technology such that a cord must connect the microphone to a sound system before it can be used. Well, that was in the past. In this era of wireless technology, wireless microphones are center stage. The last time you attended a concert or went to see your favorite artist play, you probably saw him or her use a wireless microphone. This has drastically increased the mobility of the artist on the stage while entertaining his or her audience. This is in stark difference to some decades ago when a wireless microphone was an unknown concept, a weird concept that had a say on the mobility of the user since a user can only go as far as the attached cord allows it to go. With each passing day, wireless microphone technology keeps advancing with more features added every so often.

Computer peripherals

Computers have played a very important role in the modern society. Wherever you turn — homes, schools, and business establishments — you see computer everywhere. Today, wireless technology has extended its reach to the computer industry. To improve the overall performance of a computer, many computer peripherals are created with different functions that can have a huge positive impact on what services a computer can offer its users. Many computer peripherals are now supported by wireless technology and can be used without being physically connected to the computer. Wireless mice, keyboards, printers, and other computer peripherals have contributed in a big way to the performance of a computer. Thus, you can print documents directly from your computer without connecting directly with the printer via a cable. You can also use your computer with other wireless peripherals according to your needs without having to spend extra money on wires and cables.

Household items

Making the list of wireless devices are some household items. In fact, this list will be incomplete without a mention of the several household items that are powered by wireless technology. In recent years, nearly everyone has a wireless household item or the other. For instance, if you have a television at home, it obviously has a remote control. The same can be said about a DVD player and a remote garage door opener. Recently, wireless baby monitors have also been introduced into homes. These monitors allow parents to monitor a baby’s activities in another room without being physically in the vicinity of the baby, which has a lot of benefits. Regardless of the distance between a parent and a baby, the security of the baby can be guaranteed since the parents are aware of the baby’s every move. Other wireless devices that can be found in the home include wireless routers, walkie-talkies, wireless adapters, and some video game consoles. All these devices are the product of wireless technology and have turned out to be a perfect alternative to their wireless counterparts.

Chapter 2: Wireless Communication Technologies

Before the advent of the wireless technology era, the existing communication technologies were primarily powered by wired technology. From the telephone to the fax machine, communication was not possible without a physical connection between the communication device and the source of the power of the device. For instance, there had to be a connection between a wired telephone and the dial board for communication to be possible. Just as with every other wired device, wireless communication has successfully displaced wired communication.

The term wireless communication came into existence in the 19th century. Over the years, wireless communication technology has taken a new dimension. It ranks among the best mediums of information transmission from one device to other devices. This is not unconnected to the ease with which it allows users to communicate with others even if they are operating from a remote area. There are tons of devices that have been adapted for wireless communications. They include GPS, cordless phones, satellite television, Wi-Fi, and some other wireless computer parts. Recently, both the 3 and 4G networks have been included in the list alongside Bluetooth.

In the wireless industry, there are top wireless carriers such as AT & T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. These carriers have significantly contributed to the growth of this sector by churning out high-performance communication technologies and devices that have proved invaluable to the growth and general acceptance of wireless communication. There are different types of wireless communication, such as satellite communication, IR wireless communication, microwave radio, and broadcast radio. I will discuss each of these wireless communication types extensively, starting with satellite communication.

Satellite Communication

Satellite communication is one of the most useful wireless communication types. It is the application of satellite technology in communications. The technology has gained widespread popularity around the world as it allows its users to have access to the Internet regardless of their geographical location in the world, even to locations where wireless communications can’t be effective.

For instance, when calling with a wired phone, you need a complete physical circuit between the sender and the receiver for communication to take place. The physical circuit is a network of wires and exchanges without which communication is impossible. For instance, if you want to communicate via a cellphone, your communication can only be done if there is access to a communication signal while both you and the receiver must be within the reach of the signal towers.

On the other hand, if you want to communicate with a satellite phone, you don’t need to bother yourself with a cellphone mast or not. It has completely eliminated the need for such physical connection. You can communicate from the Amazon jungle or somewhere on top of Mount Everest with someone in China, London, or the United States without being unnecessarily worried about the feasibility of such communication because satellite communication ensures that you are completely free from telecommunications’ physical infrastructure. As such, you don’t have geographic restrictions and have the ability to make instant communication from wherever you may be in the world.

Satellite communication contains two segments: ground segment and space segment. The space segment is the satellite in question while the ground segment is a combination of the mobile or fixed transmission, the receptions, as well as the ancillary equipment. When a signal, which is a beam of a modulated microwave, is transmitted near the satellite, it amplifies the transmitted signal and immediately forwards it to the antenna receiver. The receiver can be found on the earth’s surface and makes communication via the satellite communication possible.

A communication satellite comprises of the following:

A transponder

A transponder is a component of the communication satellite that is made up of a series of interconnected units that are connected to establish a communications channel between the transmitting and the receiving antennas. The primary use of the transponder in satellite communication is to transfer any received signals.

A transponder is mainly composed of the following:

A band-limiting device for input.

A low-noise amplifier for input. This is specifically designed for amplifying the signals the earth station sent to the satellite because the signal that reaches the satellite is very weak due to the large distance between the satellite and the source of the signal.

A frequency translator usually composed of a frequency mixer and an oscillator. The frequency translator is used for converting the frequency of any received signal to the appropriate frequency that the transmitted signal requires.

A power amplifier that can be a solid-state amplifier or a travelling-wave tube.

Most of the existing communication satellites are in orbit as radio relay stations. These satellites carry scores of transponders, and each of the transponders has tens of megahertz of bandwidth. Most of the transponders work on the bent pipe or u-bend principle. This implies that the transponder sends whatever goes into its conduit back to the earth. It only amplifies the signal and shifts from its normal uplink frequency to downlink frequency.

It should be noted that some of the modern satellites work on a different principle known as on-board processing where there is the demodulation, decoding, re-encoding, and modulating aboard the specific satellite. This transponder type is known as the regenerative transponder. This transponder has tons of advantages over the regular transponder but is extremely more complex as well. With the assistance of multiplexing and data compression, tons of video and audio channels may be transferred through a transponder on a wideband carrier.

Antenna

This is obviously the most visible part of the communication satellite system. It is responsible for transmitting and receiving the modulated carrier signal. The signal is usually at the electromagnetic spectrum’s radio frequency (RF) section.

For a satellite communication, the frequency of operation is between 0.3 GHz and 30 GHz, known as VHF and Ka-band respectively. These different frequencies stand for microwaves. The wavelengths of the microwaves can be from a meter to less than one centimeter.

The high frequencies and the small wavelengths of the microwaves allow antennas to be used for commercial purposes, especially those that have practical dimensions.

Types of antenna

For an effective communication to take place, satellite communications use a wide array of antenna types. These antennas have different features and offer the users an array of functions as well.

The common antenna types are:

Reflector/parabolic antennas: The reflector antennas are the most widely used of the antenna types. Parabolic antennas have the shape of a paraboloid of revolution and are narrow beam antennas. The parabolic antenna is also known as the high-gain reflector antenna that can be used in television, radio, radiolocation (RADAR), and data communications. They can also be used on the SHE and UHF portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, among other different uses in wireless communications.

Horn antennas: Whenever there is the need for a full earth coverage from a geostationary satellite, the best antenna that can provide the best result is the horn antenna. These antennas are used extensively for feeding reflector antennas. Horn antennas have some appealing attributes such as calculable aperture efficiency and broadband, while the back and side lobes are designed to minimize the amount of thermal energy picked up from the ground. This makes it the ideal radio telescope that guarantees an accurate measurement of weak background radiation.

Phased array antennas: Lastly, there are the phased array antennas. These antennas are defined as Antennas that are used for producing multiple beams. They are equally used for electronic steering as well. This type of antenna can be found on Globalstar, Iridium, and ICO satellites that are used for mobile telephony, as well as a host of other non-geostationary satellites.

Switching systems

In wireless communications, there are also switching systems. These systems are saddled with the responsibility of providing the channel of information transfer from one terminal to another without which wireless communication would only remain a mirage.

Communication payload

The communication payload is usually the business-end of the communication satellite. The payload consists of the following:

Transponder: The transponder is a combination of some components that work together to provide the link or communications channel between the uplink signal forwarded to the satellite by the uplink antenna and the downlink signal that is directly transmitted downward by the downlink antenna.

The transponder comes in two types. These are:

The frequency translation transponder: This is otherwise known as the bent pipe or non-regenerative repeater. It is responsible for receiving the uplink signal and amplifying it before it retransmits the data with nothing but a translation in carrier frequency.

In this transponder, both the downlinks and uplinks are codependent. This means that if any degradation is introduced on the uplink, it will immediately be transferred to the downlink and will affect the number of communications link.

The on-board processing transponder: The on-board processing transponder is also known as the smart satellite or the regenerative repeater demod/remod