ACIT 2620

Principles of Enterprise Networking

By: Yves Rene Shema

Objectives

• Course logistics
• Overview of networking concepts and terminologies
• Layered networking model
• Project introduction
• Packet capture

Course logistics

Software and equipment

• Software: Python 3, Virtualbox, Wireshark
• Equipment:
  • Windows 10 or higher, preferably Pro or Education editions
  • Limited support for Mac, especially the new Apple Silicon generation (i.e. you may need to get a different computer for this course. Older Macs are fine.)
  • Linux: I'll suppose you know what you're doing

Assessment

• Quizzes are in person. If you miss a quiz, it's gone; there are no makeovers!
• Late project submissions (more than 1 week after deadline) will not be graded.

Examples of networks

• Forget about computer networks for now

Attributes of networks

• What attributes or characteristics make something a network

What are computer networks made of

• Example:
  • The internet

Definitions

Network

• Collection of nodes connected by some type of transmission media or link, for the purpose of sharing services, devices or data (i.e. networked resources)

Node

• Any device that can communicate over the network and is identified by a unique identifying number, known as its network address.

Link

Media concurrency and direction

Resource Control

Client-server Networks

Peer-to-peer Networks

Types of Networks

• LAN
• WLAN
• PAN
• CAN
• MAN

• WAN
• SAN
• EPN
• VPN
• Learn more

Switching Methods

Circuit Switching

Packet Switching

Protocols

• Mutually agreed upon rules for communication
• Define the format, order of messages sent and received among network entities, and actions taken upon transmission, receipt, and timeout
• Govern all communication activity on the internet

Example Protocols

Layered networking model

Layered why?

• Managing complexity: explicit structure allows identification and makes explicit the relationship of complex system's pieces
• Modularization: changing of an implementation of a specific layer's service is hidden from the rest of the system

Encapsulation

Protocol Data Units (PDU)

Wireshark

• A tool for capturing network traffic for analysis
• Grab the installer and install it on your system

Reading list

• This week
  • OSI Model
  • Optional reading:
    • Wireshark: filtering while capturing
    • Capture filters
    • Display filters

• Week Two (read/watch these before next class)
  • Common Network Infrastructure devices
  • Network devices
  • Network Topologies
  • Overview of networks
  • Optional (but highly recommended):
    • Virtualbox Networking Modes
    • Linux command line (recommended for beginners)