Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to answer the following questions:
How do networks affect the way we interact, learn, work, and play?
What ways can host devices be used as clients, servers, or both?
How are network devices used?
What are the differences between LAN and WAN devices?
What are the differences between LAN and WAN topologies?
What is the basic structure of the Internet?
How do LANs and WANs interconnect to the Internet?
What is a converged network?
What are the four basic requirements of a converged network?
How do trends such as BYOD, online collaboration, video, and cloud computing change the way we interact?
How are networking technologies changing the home environment?
What are some basic security threats and solutions for both small and large networks?
Why is it important to understand the switching and routing infrastructure of a network?