Computer Networking Course - Network Engineering

What You Will Learn

• Understand the basics of the OSI model and its seven layers
• Learn about layer one, two, and three devices, including modems, hubs, switches, and wireless access points
• Develop skills to determine the highest level at which a device operates in the OSI model

Key Concepts

The OSI model is a framework that helps different computer systems communicate with each other. It has seven layers, with layer one being the physical layer, layer two being the data link layer, and layer three being the network layer. Modems operate at layer one, converting digital signals to analog signals and vice versa. Hubs also operate at layer one, replicating incoming signals to all other ports. Switches, on the other hand, operate at layer two, using MAC addresses to learn which devices are connected to which ports. Wireless access points are also layer two devices, bridging wireless and wired network segments.

Code Examples

There are no code examples in the traditional sense, but the following phrases are related to code or configuration:

• with Free Code Camp - indicates the organization providing the course
• with Edmonds college - indicates the institution involved in developing the course
• for a comp Tia's network plus exam - indicates the certification exam the course is preparing students for
• with layer three devices - indicates the topic of discussion in the course These phrases are not code snippets but rather indicate the context in which the course is being taught.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, we introduced the OSI model, a fundamental concept in computer networking. The OSI model has seven layers, and we focused on the bottom three layers: physical, data link, and network. We learned about layer one devices, including modems and hubs, which operate at the physical layer. Modems convert digital signals to analog signals and vice versa, while hubs replicate incoming signals to all other ports. We also discussed layer two devices, including switches and wireless access points. Switches use MAC addresses to learn which devices are connected to which ports, while wireless access points bridge wireless and wired network segments. Understanding the OSI model and the different devices that operate at each layer is crucial for configuring, managing, and troubleshooting computer networks.

Practice Exercise

Draw a simple diagram of the OSI model, labeling each of the seven layers. Then, identify which layer each of the following devices operates at: modem, hub, switch, wireless access point. Check your answers against the lesson material to ensure you understand the concepts.

What Is Next

In the next lesson, we will delve deeper into layer three devices, including routers and their role in connecting multiple networks. We will also explore how these devices operate and how they fit into the OSI model, further developing our understanding of computer networking fundamentals.