Chapter 2. Networking Fundamentals

This chapter covers the most basic part of networking; connecting computers and end devices together. We start with a short section on data speeds to familiarize you with terms you will see throughout this book. We will then cover basic cabling so you know what connects all the devices together. We will end the chapter with a primer on IP addressing, which enables computers to know where to send information, and how to know an incoming message is intended for them.

Please read on; it’s not as horrible as it sounds. The information provided in this chapter will help you as you start to build your network and make purchase decisions.

Bits and Bytes

We are often impressed with what computers can do, or more correctly, ...

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