Campus Network Design Fundamentals

Appendix B. Network Fundamentals

This appendix describes the fundamental concepts that relate to networks and includes the following sections:

• Introduction to Networks

• Protocols and the OSI Model

• LANs and WANs

• Network Devices

• Introduction to the TCP/IP Suite

• Routing

• Addressing

• Comprehensive Example

The goal of this appendix is to introduce some fundamental concepts and terminology that are the foundation for the other material in the book. After a brief introduction to networks in general, we delve into the communication protocols that are used by network devices; this necessarily includes a discussion of the infamous Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. LANs and WANs are described, as are the various devices found in a network. This is followed by ...