#MOC # Computer Networking ## Networking Models The [[Internet Protocol Suite]] is a set of networking protocols and standards that make the internet possible. It was developed at the same time as the [[OSI Model]], which is not actively used today except for educational purposes. ## Network Devices It can be said that every computer network runs on [[Switch|switches]] which connect devices within a network and [[Router|routers]] which are in charge of internetwork communication. [[Firewall]]-s are in charge of enforcing access control of hosts behind them through the use of access control lists. Wireless access points provide wireless access to our network. For general info about wireless protocols see [[Introduction to Networking - Wireless Networks]]. [[Introduction to Networking - Authentication Protocols]] provides a breakdown of authentication mechanisms used in Wi-Fi. For general information about VLAN-s see [[Introduction to Networking - Vendor Specific Information]]. [[Tagged, Untagged, and Native VLANs]] provides a nice explanation of how VLAN-s work as well. ## VPNs For a breakdown of various VPN types see [[Introduction to Networking - Network Types]]. [[OpenVPN]] is one of the most frequently used VPN protocols. ## Protocols Networking protocols can be broadly classified into two categories: application-level protocols, which are used by end users, and lower-level protocols which are used to facilitate them. For a general breakdown of common protocols (including TCP, UDP, and ICMP) see [[Introduction to Networking - Common Protocols]] and [[Introduction to Networking - TCP and UDP Connections]]. Some application level protocols include: [[OpenVPN]], [[Telnet]], [[FTP]], [[SMB]], and [[MQTT]]. ## Learning Resources Cisco certifications are the most popular, of them being the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Cisco offers courses and tools for learning networking concepts available at their [Skills for All](https://skillsforall.com/) platform. ## Networking Tools The following tools can be used **to reflect your external IP address**: [Ifconfig.co](https://ifconfig.co), [IPInfo.io](https://ipinfo.io/), [ICanHazIP](http://icanhazip.com/) which works with both [IPv4](http://ipv4.icanhazip.com) and [IPv6](http://ipv6.icanhazip.com). [SpeedGuide](https://www.speedguide.net/ports.php) provides a **great database of commonly used ports**. ^0dtvb9 [[Impacket]] is a collection of **Python classes for working with network protocols**.