DNS (Domain Name System) is one of the most important technologies/services on the internet, as without it the Internet would be very difficult to use. DNS provides a name to number (IP address) mapping or translation, allowing internet users to use, easy to remember names, and not numbers to access resources on a network and the Internet.
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TCP/IP Ports and Sockets Explained
On a TCP/IP network every device must have an IP address. The IP address identifies the device e.g. computer. However an IP address alone is not sufficient for running network applications, as a computer can run multiple applications and/or services. Just as the IP address identifies the computer, The network port identifies the application or service running on the computer. The use of ports allow computers/devices to run multiple services/applications. The diagram below shows a computer to computer connection and identifies the IP addresses and ports.
Continue readingThe TCP/IP Model and Protocol Suite Explained for Beginners
Any one starting to learn about computer networking will be faced with learning about the OSI and TCP/IP networking models, and the TCP/IP protocol suite. In this tutorial we will look at networking protocol models, and explain how and why they are structured into layers. We will then look at the most common protocol suite, the TCP/IP protocol suite and the 4 layer model.
Continue readingBeginners Guide to Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless networking protocol (like WIFI) designed to quickly and automatically connect devices like printers, PDAs, Cameras etc to computers and to each other without wires. Common Bluetooth applications are: Connecting mobile phones to each other to exchange pictures,ring tones, music etc Connecting computer peripherals like mice, keyboards, printers etc to a computer. Connecting headsets to mobile phones for hands free operation (Bluetooth car kits)
Continue readingBinary Numbers Explained – Beginners Guide
In my experience of teaching networking many students struggle with IP addresses because they lack an basic understanding of binary numbers. An understanding of binary numbers,the binary system, and how to convert between binary and decimal is essential for anyone involved in computers, coding, and networking.
Continue readingUnderstanding and Using The Hosts File-Beginners Guide
What is the hosts file? and What is it used for?– The hosts file performs a name to IP address mapping and was used on early computer networks for name resolution before DNS was developed. The hosts file is still present on computer systems (windows,Linux, MAC), tablets (e.g. android) etc and can be very useful for testing purposes. The hosts file is a simple text file that can be edited with a text editor like notepad. However it is important to note the hosts file doesn’t have a file extension like .txt.
Continue readingThe Internet of Things (IOT ) for Beginners
The Internet is now 20 years old and over 2 billion people are connected to it using computers,smart phones and tablets. The Internet currently connects people to people (P2P) and is now being called Internet Phase 1. The next Phase of the Internet is just beginning, and will connect people to everyday devices (M2P), and everyday devices to each other (M2M).
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