In today’s interconnected world, understanding networking basics is essential for anyone interested in cybersecurity. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this article will provide a clear overview of key concepts that are the foundation of networking in cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protocols are rules that manage data communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)<\/strong> is a widely used protocol that establishes connection-oriented communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IP (Internet Protocol)<\/strong> is responsible for addressing and routing data packets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To understand networking, It is important to be familiar with the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)<\/strong> model. It standardizes and clarifies networking protocol functions through seven layers<\/strong>, each serving a specific purpose in network communication. Understanding these layers provides a solid foundation for grasping how data moves through a network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The model defines the necessary communication requirements on a network by organizing them into multiple layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The top 3 layers are typically implemented in software within the Operating System:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bottom 3 layers are typically implemented in hardware within devices on the network, e.g. Switches, Routers and Firewalls:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layer 4, the Transport layer, connects the software with the hardware layers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n SDN (“Software Defined Networking”)<\/strong> is a technology that allows more hardware layers to be implemented via software.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe OSI Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Layer<\/th> What it does<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> 7 – Application<\/strong><\/td> Where humans process data and information<\/td><\/tr> 6 – Presentation<\/strong><\/td> Ensures data is in a usable format<\/td><\/tr> 5 – Session<\/strong><\/td> Capable of maintaining connections<\/td><\/tr> 4 – Transport<\/strong><\/td> Data is forwarded to a service capable of handling requests<\/td><\/tr> 3 – Network Layer<\/strong><\/td> Responsible for which path packets should travel on a network<\/td><\/tr> 2 – Data Link<\/strong><\/td> Responsible for which physical device packets should go to<\/td><\/tr> 1 – Physical<\/strong><\/td> The physical infrastructure (Internet cables) to transport data <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Layer<\/th> Where it is implemented<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> 7 – Application<\/td> Software<\/td><\/tr> 6 – Presentation<\/td> Software<\/td><\/tr> 5 – Session<\/td> Software<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Layer<\/th> Where it is implemented<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> 3 – Network Layer<\/td> Hardware<\/td><\/tr> 2 – Data Link<\/td> Hardware<\/td><\/tr> 1 – Physical<\/td> Hardware<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n