Chapter 9: Basic Networking

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Overview

In This Chapter

In Chapter 8, you were introduced to some of the important cables and connectors that are used to link computers and peripherals; many of the topics discussed were intended to prepare you for basic networking. In Chapter 9, we will focus on the various types of networks-the communication methods computers use to talk to each other-and some of the important hardware used in various network typologies. We will also focus on troubleshooting network-related connectivity issues, as well as harmful threats that may come in the form of an uneducated user or a computer virus.

It is very important for anyone studying networking architecture and concepts to be familiar with the IEEE 802 specifications for networking components and the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) reference model, which provides a set of standards for computers to communicate with each other. These two topics are the foundation on which networks are based. However, it is unlikely that the A+ Core exam will tax you with detailed questions on these two topics. The IEEE 802 standards that you may need to know for the exam will be identified.

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