AYANDELE ADEDOLAMU DEAN

20/7059

CYBER SECURITY

Network Fundamentals Training for XYZ Company

OUTLINE

1. Introduction to Networking

Networking is the practice of interconnecting computing devices to enable

communication and resource sharing among them. In today's digital landscape,
networking plays a pivotal role in modern business operations. It facilitates seamless
collaboration, data exchange, internet access, and resource utilization across an
organization. For employees in IT support, system administration, and network
analysis roles, possessing a comprehensive understanding of networking
fundamentals is crucial. This knowledge empowers them to effectively manage,
maintain, and troubleshoot network-related issues, ensuring optimal network
performance and reliability within the organization.

2. Network Architecture Overview

Network architecture refers to the underlying structure and design principles that
govern the communication between devices within a network. Two common
architectures are peer-to-peer and client-server models. The peer-to-peer model allows
devices to communicate directly with one another without relying on a central server.
This architecture is often used in smaller networks or for specific applications like file
sharing. The client-server model uses a centralized server to manage and distribute
resources to client devices upon request. This model is widely adopted in enterprise
environments for its scalability and manageability. To standardize communication
across networks, two widely recognized models are the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) model and the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) model. The OSI model defines seven layers, each responsible for specific
functions, ranging from physical transmission to application-level services. The
TCP/IP model, on the other hand, is a more practical model used in modern networks,
consisting of four abstraction layers: network access, internet, transport, and
application.

3. Understanding Network Protocols

Network protocols are standardized sets of rules that govern how devices
communicate over a network. Among the most commonly used protocols are:

a. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): A connection-oriented protocol that

ensures reliable data transmission by establishing a virtual circuit between
devices before data transfer. TCP is widely used for applications that require data
integrity, such as web browsing, file transfers, and email.
b. User Datagram Protocol (UDP): prioritizes speed over reliability. UDP is
suitable for time-sensitive applications like video streaming, online gaming, and
voice over IP (VoIP), where occasional packet loss is tolerable.
c. Internet Protocol (IP): The fundamental protocol responsible for addressing and
routing data across networks. IP addresses uniquely identify devices on a
network, enabling data to be delivered to the correct destination.
d. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP defines how web browsers and
servers exchange data, enabling the retrieval and display of web pages, images,
and other multimedia content.
e. IP Addressing and Subnetting: IP addressing allows devices to be uniquely
identified and located on a network. The two addressing methods are IPv4 and
IPv6.

IPv4 utilizes 32-bit addresses, providing a limited supply of approximately 4.3 billion
unique addresses. IPv6 addresses are 128 bits long, offering a virtually inexhaustible
supply of unique addresses. This expanded address space not only resolves the
shortage of IPv4 addresses but also simplifies address allocation and enhances
security features.
Subnetting is the practice of dividing a larger network into smaller, more manageable
subnetworks. It improves network performance, security, and efficient use of IP
addresses by segmenting traffic and limiting broadcast domains.

4. Domain Name System (DNS)

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names (e.g.,
www.example.com) into their corresponding IP addresses, and vice versa. DNS
operates on a hierarchical naming structure and utilizes a distributed database to store
and resolve these mappings. DNS enables users to access web resources using easy-
to-remember domain names instead of numerical IP addresses. DNS caching
mechanisms further improve performance by reducing the need for repeated lookups,
resulting in faster response times.

5. Network Security Fundamentals

Network security involves the measures and practices implemented to protect

computer networks and the data transmitted over them from unauthorized access,
misuse, theft, or disruption. It is a critical aspect of modern networking as cyber
threats continue to evolve and pose significant risks to organizations of all sizes.
Network security is achieved through a multi-layered approach that combines various
techniques and technologies. Including:
1. Firewalls: Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an
untrusted external network (such as the internet). They monitor and control incoming
and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules, preventing
unauthorized access and potential threats from entering the network.
2. Encryption: Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format that
can only be read by authorized parties with the correct decryption key. It ensures the
confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over networks, protecting it from
eavesdropping and tampering.
3. Access Controls: Access controls regulate who or what is allowed to access
specific resources within a network. This can involve authentication mechanisms
(e.g., usernames, passwords, biometrics), authorization protocols, and role-based
access controls that grant or deny access based on defined policies.
4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs create secure, encrypted tunnels over
public networks like the internet, allowing remote users to access corporate resources
as if they were directly connected to the private network.
5. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): These systems monitor
network traffic and system activities for signs of malicious behavior or policy
violations. IDS systems detect and alert administrators to potential threats, while IPS
systems take proactive measures to prevent or mitigate detected threats.
6. Antivirus and Antimalware Software: These security solutions are designed to
detect, prevent, and remove malware (viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, etc.) from
systems and networks, protecting them from compromises and data breaches.
7. Network Segmentation: Network segmentation involves dividing a larger network
into smaller segments or zones based on security requirements or functional needs.
This practice limits the potential spread of threats and minimizes the attack surface by
controlling access between segments.
8. Regular Software Updates and Patching: Keeping software and systems up-to-
date with the latest security patches and updates is crucial for addressing newly
discovered vulnerabilities and mitigating known security risks.
9. Security Policies and Awareness Training: Comprehensive security policies and
regular employee training on security best practices, such as password management,
social engineering awareness, and incident reporting, play a vital role in enhancing an
organization's overall security posture.
10. Monitoring and Logging: Continuous monitoring and logging of network
activities, system events, and security incidents are essential for detecting and
responding to potential threats, as well as for forensic analysis and compliance
purposes.

6. Wireless Networking Basics

Wireless networking technologies, such as Wi-Fi, enable devices to connect to a

network without the need for physical cabling. This flexibility offers advantages like
mobility, easier deployment, and cost savings associated with infrastructure reduction.
However, wireless networks also come with challenges, including potential
interference from other wireless devices, range limitations, and security
vulnerabilities. Implementing strong encryption protocols, access controls, and
regularly updating wireless hardware and software are essential to mitigate these
challenges.

7. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create secure, encrypted connections over untrusted
networks, typically the internet. VPNs are widely used to provide remote access to
corporate resources, enabling employees to securely access company data and
applications from off-site locations. VPN connections are facilitated by tunneling
protocols, such as Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Layer 2 Tunneling
Protocol with IPSec (L2TP/IPSec), and OpenVPN. These protocols establish secure
tunnels between the client device and the corporate network, encrypting data in transit
to protect against unauthorized access and eavesdropping.

8. Quality of Service (QoS) Concepts

Quality of Service (QoS) refers to the ability to prioritize and control network traffic
to ensure optimal performance and reliability for critical applications. QoS
mechanisms classify and prioritize different types of network traffic based on
predefined policies, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications like VoIP, video
conferencing, and real-time data streaming receive priority over less time-critical
traffic. Common QoS techniques include traffic classification, bandwidth reservation,
and queuing disciplines. By implementing QoS policies, organizations can effectively
allocate network resources, minimize congestion, and deliver a consistent, high-
quality experience for time-sensitive applications and services.