Networks

There are two types of network.

• LAN &
• WAN

Routers connect the two. They are configured to pass and accept messages to and from legitimate WAN addresses. Firewalls can be used, too.

Four types of architecture

• Bus
• Ring
• Star
• Tree

Network risks include

• Wiretapping or copper of fibre optic cables
• Sniffer programs
• Wireless leakage

Separate domains can be used, but network management is a critical and highly skilled role.

The internet itself is a WAN. It was developed as a means for academic to share files, so it was not developed with security in mind. Messages are broken up into packets for transmission and are reconverted into messages at the target computer. The coding and decoding is done by TCP (transaction control protocol). Major uses of the internet for communication are email and ecommerce.