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 Broadcast 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 broadcast domain is a network segment where a broadcast packet sent by one device is received by every other device on that same segment. Devices connected to switches are all part of the same broadcast domain because switches forward broadcast traffic out of every connected port. The boundary of a broadcast domain is a router, which does not forward broadcast packets. Therefore, to subnet a network into multiple broadcast domains, a router is required. Wireless devices (WiFi) also participate in this domain, meaning they will receive the same broadcast packets as the wired devices on the network.