1.0 Network+ Certification Cram Notes : Networking Fundamentals

1.2 Network topologies and network types.

Virtual network concepts

Virtual networks are networks that exist within a virtual environment. They are created and managed using virtualization technology and are used to provide network services to virtual machines or applications. Some common virtual network concepts include:

1. vSwitch: A vSwitch, or virtual switch, is a software-based network switch that provides virtual network connectivity between virtual machines or applications. A vSwitch acts as a bridge between virtual network interfaces and physical network interfaces, allowing virtual machines to communicate with each other and with physical devices on the network.

2. Virtual network interface card (vNIC): A virtual network interface card (vNIC) is a virtual equivalent of a physical network interface card. vNICs are used to connect virtual machines to virtual networks and provide network connectivity to the virtual machines.

3. Network function virtualization (NFV): Network function virtualization (NFV) is a technology that enables network functions, such as firewalls, load balancers, and routers, to be implemented as virtual appliances. NFV allows network functions to be deployed and managed in a virtual environment, making it easier to provision and manage network services.

4. Hypervisor: A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor, is a piece of software that enables virtualization. Hypervisors run on physical servers and provide a layer of abstraction between physical hardware and virtual machines. They allow multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, each with its own virtualized resources and network interfaces.

Provider links

Provider links are communication links provided by a service provider that connect customers to the provider's network. Some common types of provider links include:

1. Satellite: A satellite link is a communication link that uses satellites to transmit data between two points on the earth. Satellite links are often used to provide internet connectivity in remote or rural areas where terrestrial connections are not available.

2. Digital subscriber line (DSL): DSL is a type of high-speed internet connection that uses existing telephone lines to transmit data. DSL uses a technique called frequency division multiplexing to transmit data over the same telephone line as voice traffic, allowing customers to use the internet and make phone calls simultaneously.

3. Cable: Cable internet is a high-speed internet connection that uses cable television infrastructure to transmit data. Cable internet uses a coaxial cable to transmit data, providing faster speeds than traditional dial-up or DSL connections.

4. Leased line: A leased line is a dedicated communication link that provides a private connection between two points. Leased lines are often used by organizations to connect remote offices or data centers. Leased lines provide a dedicated, always-on connection that is not shared with other customers, making them more reliable and secure than other types of connections.

5. Metro-optical: Metro-optical is a type of high-speed optical network that provides connectivity within metropolitan areas. Metro-optical networks use fiber-optic cabling to transmit data at high speeds, providing fast and reliable connectivity to businesses and organizations in metropolitan areas.