IP Compass

Network Basics

Understanding internet connectivity and network fundamentals

Internet Protocols

TCP/IP

The foundation of internet communication, TCP/IP ensures reliable data transmission between devices. It breaks data into packets and ensures they arrive correctly.

HTTP/HTTPS

Protocols for web browsing. HTTPS adds encryption for secure data transfer, protecting sensitive information like passwords and payment details.

DNS

The Domain Name System translates human-readable website names into IP addresses, making the internet easier to navigate.

Wi-Fi Standards

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

The latest standard offering speeds up to 9.6 Gbps, better performance in crowded areas, and improved battery life for connected devices.

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)

Supports speeds up to 3.5 Gbps and operates on the 5GHz band, reducing interference but with shorter range.

Older Standards

Previous versions like 802.11n and 802.11g are still common but offer lower speeds and less efficient connectivity.

Types of Networks

LAN (Local Area Network)

  • Connected devices in a small area
  • Typically within a home or office
  • Fast data transfer speeds
  • Shared resources like printers

WAN (Wide Area Network)

  • Connects multiple LANs
  • Spans large geographical areas
  • Internet is the largest WAN
  • Used by large organizations

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

  • Covers a city or campus
  • Connects multiple buildings
  • Higher speeds than WAN
  • Used by universities, governments

Network Security

Encryption

Modern networks use WPA3 encryption for wireless security and SSL/TLS for secure data transmission over the internet.

Firewalls

Network firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules to prevent unauthorized access.

Authentication

Secure networks require proper authentication methods like passwords, certificates, or biometrics to prevent unauthorized access.

Network Hardware

Routers

Direct traffic between networks and provide wireless connectivity for homes and offices. Modern routers support multiple bands and advanced features.

Switches

Connect multiple devices within a network and intelligently direct traffic only to the intended recipients, improving network efficiency.

Network Cards

Enable devices to connect to networks through wireless or wired connections, supporting various speeds and protocols.

Network Performance Factors

Physical Factors

  • Distance

    Signal strength decreases with distance from the router

  • Obstacles

    Walls, floors, and other materials can weaken signals

  • Interference

    Other electronic devices can cause signal interference

Technical Factors

  • Bandwidth

    Available data transfer capacity of your connection

  • Network Congestion

    Multiple users sharing the same network resources

  • Hardware Limitations

    Older devices may not support newer, faster standards