Introduction to TCP/IP networks

[jggimi]

Chapter 0: Introduction to the Introduction

You can spend many years learning about the intricacies of computer networks. This tutorial is only the simplest of introductions. The intended audience is for people who are unfamiliar with computer networks in general, and TCP/IP networks specifically.

Reading this will only give you a very basic, conceptual introduction. That it all. But it should help you to reach a point where you are able to ask informed questions when an issue or problem arises. You will have a basic understanding of your own private network, and how it relates to and and communicates with other networks, including the Internet.

This is a tutorial on concepts, not on tools or techniques. IPv6 is not shown in any examples.

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Chapter 1: Network Layers and the 7-layer OSI model
Chapter 2: Layer 1: Physical layer: hubs/switches/cables/connections
Chapter 3: Layer 2: Data link layer - Ethernets and Alphabets
Chapter 4: Layer 3: Network layer: TCP/IP and its protocols
Chapter 5: Layer 7: Applications
Chapter 6: Internet Protocol: the IP in TCP/IP. IP addresses, nets, subnets, and routing
Chapter 7: The Big Three - ICMP, UDP, TCP
Chapter 8: Session states
Chapter 9: Network Address Translation
Chapter 10: Putting it all together: Internets