Prologue
Consider the way your smartphone effortlessly accesses the Internet through wireless networks, enabling instant communication with friends and access to a wealth of information. As you read this introduction, data packets are traversing undersea fiber optic cables, seamlessly connecting continents and enabling global collaboration. These are just a few examples of the marvels of modern networking. Additionally, you will explore numerous networking technologies, from the wired Ethernet connections that power local area networks to the advanced routing protocols that steer data across the Internet’s complex web.
Whether you’re streaming a high-definition movie, video conferencing with colleagues around the world, or remotely controlling a robotic device, networking plays a pivotal role. Through the evolution of wireless standards leading to the emergence of 5G networks, you will gain practical insights into the challenges and opportunities that networking presents. As you progress through the chapters, you will acquire the skills to navigate the complex landscape of modern communication and contribute to the ongoing evolution of this dynamic field.
Convergence in networking refers to the integration of different types of data, including data, streaming media, and telephony/VoIP into a single, unified network, resulting in improved efficiency, reliability, and security.
“What Is Network Convergence? | VMware Glossary.” VMware, https://www.vmware.com/topics/glossary/content/network-convergence.html.
Units of information collected into one package for Internet Protocol (IPs) transmissions on the Internet. Any bit of data that needs to be sent from one system to another must first be broken into smaller pieces to facilitate efficient and reliable communication. Upon reaching the endpoint, these pieces are then reassembled.
Techslang. “What Is a Data Packet? — Definition by Techslang.” Techslang — Tech Explained in Simple Terms, 1 Apr. 2020, https://www.techslang.com/definition/what-is-a-data-packet/. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.
A type of cable that uses light rather than electricity to transmit information. This method offers better performance than its copper counterpart, allowing for greater coverage and less signal degradation.
Douglas. “Fiber Optic Cable Types: A Complete Guide.” cablematters, 15 Aug. 2023, www.cablematters.com/Blog/Networking/fiber-optic-cable-types-a-complete-guide. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.
Ethernet is a networking and communications technology that specifies the protocol, port, cable, and computer chip needed to plug a desktop or laptop into a local area network (LAN) for physical, or wired, data transmission via cables. While they are generally quite hardy, there is always a risk that Ethernet cables can be damaged, especially if you plug and unplug them often.
Hill, Simon. “Everything You Need to Know about Ethernet.” Wired, Conde Nast, 20 Apr. 2023, www.wired.com/story/what-is-ethernet/. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.
“What Is Ethernet? Definition, Types, and Uses.” Spiceworks, https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networking/articles/what-is-ethernet/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2023.
The 5th generation of cellular technology, providing a theoretical peak speed of 20 Gbps as opposed to the older 4G networks, which only provided 1 Gbps. Other improvements include lower latency and better performance.
Cisco. (2022, December 30). What is 5G? - how does 5G network technology work. Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/what-is-5g.html. Accessed 12 Sept.2023.