Computer Networking & Internet
Computer networking guides explaining how networks and the internet work: IP addresses, DNS, routers, Wi-Fi, protocols and network security.
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What Is a Network Hub?
A network hub is a layer-1 device that broadcasts incoming data to every port. Learn how a hub works, passive…
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Switch vs Router: What’s the Difference?
Switch vs router compared: a switch connects devices within one network at layer 2, while a router connects different networks…
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What Is a Wireless Access Point?
A wireless access point adds Wi-Fi to a wired network by bridging clients onto the LAN. Learn how an access…
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What Is the OSI Model?
The OSI model is a seven-layer framework from the ISO that standardizes network communication, covering each layer, encapsulation, the OSI…
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What Is a Computer Network?
What is a computer network: two or more connected devices that share data and resources, explained with network types, components,…
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Network Topologies Explained
Network topologies explained: the physical and logical layouts of a network including star, bus, ring, mesh, and tree, with advantages…
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What Is a MAC Address?
A MAC address is a unique 48-bit hardware identifier on a network interface card, covering its hexadecimal format, OUI split,…
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What Is a Network Protocol?
What is a network protocol: the set of rules that lets devices communicate, including TCP, IP, HTTP, and how protocols…
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What Is TCP/IP?
What is TCP/IP: the protocol suite that runs the internet, including the four layers, how TCP and IP work together,…
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What Is a Subnet Mask?
A subnet mask is a 32-bit value that splits an IP address into network and host parts, covering 255.255.255.0, CIDR…
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IPv4 vs IPv6: What’s the Difference?
IPv4 vs IPv6 compared across 32-bit and 128-bit address length, address space, IPv4 exhaustion and NAT, IPv6 features such as…
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What Is a Modem?
A modem modulates and demodulates signals to connect a network to an internet service provider. Learn how modems work, the…
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Modem vs Router: What’s the Difference?
Modem vs router: the modem connects your home to the ISP while the router shares that connection among devices. Compare…
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What Is a Network Switch?
A network switch connects devices in a LAN and forwards frames by MAC address at Layer 2. Learn how switches…
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Ethernet Cable Types Explained
Ethernet cable types explained: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 compared on speed, bandwidth in megahertz, shielding, and the maximum…
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What Is Ethernet?
Ethernet is the IEEE 802.3 standard for wired local networking. Learn how Ethernet works through frames and MAC addressing, its…
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Wi-Fi Standards Explained
Wi-Fi standards explained: the IEEE 802.11 generations from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 7 compared on speed, frequency bands, and features…
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Wi-Fi Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz vs 5GHz vs 6GHz
Wi-Fi frequency bands explained: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz compared on range, speed, congestion, channels, and band steering,…
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What Is a Mesh Network?
A mesh network is a system of nodes that blanket a home in seamless Wi-Fi. Learn how mesh works through…
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What Is Network Bandwidth?
Network bandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate of a connection in bits per second. Learn bandwidth vs throughput, Mbps…
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What Is Network Latency?
Network latency is the time delay for data to travel across a network, measured in milliseconds. Learn ping and round-trip…
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Wired vs Wireless Networking: Which Is Better?
Wired vs wireless networking compared: Ethernet versus Wi-Fi on speed, latency, reliability, security, and convenience, with a comparison table and…
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What Is DHCP?
What is DHCP: the protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices, explained with the DORA process, leases, the DHCP…
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What Are Network Ports?
What are network ports: the numbered endpoints that direct traffic to the right service, explained with common port numbers, TCP/UDP,…
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