Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate at which data can be transferred over a network connection in a given amount of time. Typically measured in bits per second (bps). Bandwidth can be affected by various factors such as the transmission medium, network devices, and overall network traffic.
Mapping Networks Using Diagrams Including Intermediary and End Devices
Network diagrams are graphical representations of a network’s architecture, detailing the various components and how they connect. They include:
End Devices: Computers, phones, and servers, which send or receive data.
Intermediary Devices: Like routers, switches, wireless access points, and firewalls that manage data flow across the network.
Network diagrams help visualise the layout of a network, making it easier to understand relationships between devices and diagnose issues.
Subnetting and Collision Domains (Segmentation)
Subnetting is a technique used to divide a larger network into smaller, manageable sub-networks or subnets, reducing network traffic. It enhances network performance by minimising broadcast domains and also adds a layer of security.
A collision domain is a network segment where data packets can “collide” if two devices transmit at the same time over a shared medium, such as an Ethernet hub or wireless LAN. As hubs are no longer used each connection to a switch or a router is a duplex connection so each individual connection is it’s own collision domain and therefore collisions cannot occur. However, as WiFi can share the same wireless spectrum collisions can occur. CSMA/CA handles this for WiFi.