Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Networking Fundamentals
Networking Fundamentals

Networking Fundamentals: Develop the networking skills required to pass the Microsoft MTA Networking Fundamentals Exam 98-366

Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Gordon Davies
Arrow right icon
$19.99 per month
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.2 (13 Ratings)
Paperback Dec 2019 510 pages 1st Edition
eBook
$24.99 $35.99
Paperback
$43.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Gordon Davies
Arrow right icon
$19.99 per month
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.2 (13 Ratings)
Paperback Dec 2019 510 pages 1st Edition
eBook
$24.99 $35.99
Paperback
$43.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
eBook
$24.99 $35.99
Paperback
$43.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Networking Fundamentals

Differentiating between Internets, Intranets, and Extranets

As technology moves more and more toward providing us with a completely interconnected world, there is an ever-increasing demand for IT professionals who are skilled in networking to plan, implement, and maintain these networks. The world of networking is vast and ever-evolving, meaning that IT professionals need to keep their skill set up to date. By understanding the fundamentals of networking, you will be forming a solid foundation that you can build your skills upon and will be in a better position to support your infrastructure.

This chapter focuses on identifying the key characteristics of internets, intranets, and extranets, allowing you to differentiate between each of them. It will also serve as an introduction to security mechanisms such as Virtual Private Networks (VPN), security zones, and firewalls.

The following...

Technical requirements

To complete the exercises in this chapter, you will need a PC or virtual machine running Windows 7 or above (preferably Windows 10) with a working network connection.

Understanding a network

Before we dive into this subject in detail, I think it is important to actually define what actually constitutes a network. Network is one of those terms that is used often but when you ask someone to describe it, they can't without being vague.

For the purpose of this book, I will define a network as a set of two or more endpoint devices that communicate with each other through a shared medium. You will notice that I refer to endpoint devices and avoid the use of the terms computer and servers. While it would not truly be incorrect to describe them as such, these terms tend to narrow down an individual's train of thought. We'll look at this in the following activity.

Activity 1: Make a list of all the devices you can think of that are networked in some way.

I would envisage that your list included at least PCs, servers, and laptops. At one...

Introduction to basic security features

With all of this interconnectivity, it is important that we protect our networks and the data held within them. At this stage, I would like to introduce you to some of the following basic security technologies that we can utilize to protect our networks:

  • Firewalls
  • DMZ
  • VPN

Firewalls

Firewalls are arguably one of the best methods of protecting your computer, yet very few people understand them. I would suggest the reason for this is because Microsoft does a pretty good job of implementing firewalls within their Windows operating systems (OSes). Windows Firewall has been part of the OS since its introduction in Windows XP Service Pack 2, and over time, its functionality has increased...

Microsoft security zones

Despite its name, the Internet Options settings within the Windows OS also applies to the intranet. These options are accessible through the control panels of all the recent versions of Windows:

Figure 1.19: Internet Options in Windows 10

Alternatively, we can access them through the settings of the Internet Explorer browser, as shown in the following screenshot. Oddly, its successor, Microsoft Edge, doesn't have the same functionality. Regardless of the version of Windows being used, the options we will discuss are the same:

Figure 1.20: Internet Options via Internet Explorer
Exam tip: Be familiar with both methods of accessing these options. Any questions around this topic may have either or both in the answer set.

The Internet Options settings allow you to configure security levels separately for each of the four zones: Internet, Local intranet...

Summary

In this chapter, we discussed the minimal requirements that are needed to form a network. We highlighted how networks had grown away from the traditional idea of connecting personal computers together and moved toward the interconnectivity of a whole range of items. We introduced the concept of internets, intranets, and extranets while highlighting the subtle difference between internets and the Internet. Then, we went on to describe some of the basic security concepts involved in a network. Firewalls were discussed as a means of regulating traffic in and out of our network. Then, we covered demilitarized zones, or perimeter networks, and their use of providing public access to a subset of an organization's infrastructure. Next, VPNs and their implementation were introduced. Finally, we listed the security zones that are available in Windows operating systems and...

Questions

1. Which of these refers to the connectivity between different external networks?

(A) VPN
(B) Intranet
(C) Internet
(D) DMZ

2. Which of these does not allow us to identify a device on the network?

(A) Virtual port number
(B) IP address
(C) MAC address
(D) Hostname

3. Replace the underlined word in the following statement with the correct word(s). If you believe the statement is already correct, then select No change is required:
A DMZ allows or denies network traffic based on a set of rules.

(A) VPN
(B) Internet
(C) Firewall
(D) No change is required

4. Which of these technologies allows you to securely connect to a private network over an insecure network?

(A) Extranet
(B) DMZ
(C) Firewall
(D) VPN

5. Which of the following devices would you most likely position within a DMZ?

(A) Domain controller
(B) DHCP server
(C) Print server
(D) Web server

6. What is the default security...

Further reading

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Description

A network is a collection of computers, servers, mobile devices, or other computing devices connected for sharing data. This book will help you become well versed in basic networking concepts and prepare to pass Microsoft's MTA Networking Fundamentals Exam 98-366. Following Microsoft's official syllabus, the book starts by covering network infrastructures to help you differentiate intranets, internets, and extranets, and learn about network topologies. You’ll then get up to date with common network hardware devices such as routers and switches and the media types used to connect them together. As you advance, the book will take you through different protocols and services and the requirements to follow a standardized approach to networking. You’ll get to grips with the OSI and TCP/IP models as well as IPv4 and IPv6. The book also shows you how to recall IP addresses through name resolution. Finally, you’ll be able to practice everything you’ve learned and take the exam confidently with the help of mock tests. By the end of this networking book, you’ll have developed a strong foundation in the essential networking concepts needed to pass Exam 98-366.

Who is this book for?

If you’re new to the IT industry or simply want to gain a thorough understanding of networking, this book is for you. A basic understanding of the Windows operating system and your network environment will be helpful.

What you will learn

  • Things you will learn:
  • Become well versed in networking topologies and concepts
  • Understand network infrastructures such as intranets, extranets, and more
  • Explore network switches, routers, and other network hardware devices
  • Get to grips with different network protocols and models such as OSI and TCP/IP
  • Work with a variety of network services such as DHCP, NAT, firewalls, and remote access
  • Apply networking concepts in different real-world scenarios

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Dec 17, 2019
Length: 510 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781838643508
Vendor :
Microsoft
Languages :
Concepts :

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing

Product Details

Publication date : Dec 17, 2019
Length: 510 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781838643508
Vendor :
Microsoft
Languages :
Concepts :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total $ 190.97
The Python Workshop
$62.99
Cybersecurity – Attack and Defense Strategies
$83.99
Networking Fundamentals
$43.99
Total $ 190.97 Stars icon
Banner background image

Table of Contents

22 Chapters
Section 1: Network Infrastructure Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Differentiating between Internets, Intranets, and Extranets Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding Local Area Networks Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding Wide Area Networks Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding Wireless Networking Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Network Topologies - Mapping It All Out Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Section 2: Network Hardware Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Switches and Switching - Forwarding Traffic on a Local Network Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Routers and Routing - Beyond a Single Network Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Media Types - Connecting Everything Together Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Section 3: Protocols and Services Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding the OSI Model Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding TCP/IP Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding IPv4 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding IPv6 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding Name Resolution Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Network Services Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Section 4: Mock Exams Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Mock Exam 1 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Mock Exam 2 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Assessments Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.2
(13 Ratings)
5 star 61.5%
4 star 15.4%
3 star 7.7%
2 star 7.7%
1 star 7.7%
Filter icon Filter
Top Reviews

Filter reviews by




Dave Nov 27, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Still working through this bookA bit above my grade. Using internet searches to fill out gaps in my knowledge as I go on.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Angus Nov 30, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book really helped me pass the MTA exam. This goes down into the nuts and bolt for your needs.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
AdaptableTerran Oct 04, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I work with databases but studied accounting in university. I wanted to read a book on networking to better understand the steps involved in sending data over the internet. "Networking Fundamentals" was exactly what I was looking for. Mr. Davies covers the subject at the right level of detail and provides helpful quiz questions at the end of each chapter for practice. I highly recommend "Networking Fundamentals" and I encourage university instructors to consider using it as their primary textbook for introduction to networking classes -- it’s practical, well-written, and reasonably priced, which your students will appreciate.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
bigrichprice Mar 02, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I've been looking for a good quality MTA network fundamentals book to recommend to my learners. This Network Fundamentals book covers everything you need to know about the MTA Network Fundamentals exam 98-366. It covers all of the main areas required. Network Infrastructure, Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LANs, WANs and wireless in the right level of detail.There are practical illustrations and a mixture of information which is both useful to know as well as step by step guides to configure these settings within on your own home network. It is generally easy to see what the author is illustrating and simple to follow along. Indeed large parts of the book would be useful to someone who wasn't studying for the exam and just wanted to make sure their home network was configured correctly and securely.I like the integration of theory and practical application which isn't just confined to labs sections as most of the books I've used in the past have been.Key terminology is explained well and for the layman so that it should be clear to the reader what particular technology is, and importantly see things in action. It includes mock tests for you to test your knowledge.It's written in a nice friendly style and isn't too dry, as a lot of books of this type tend to be, so it's definitely pitched towards learners who are pursuing the MTA Network Fundamentals exam, or interested home users. I'd recommend this book for learners, it's certainly one of the better books on the topic I've looked at over the years.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
srtwzx Jul 30, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Very good book, covers subject matter in easily understood detail, for beginners like myself .
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is included in a Packt subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

A subscription provides you with full access to view all Packt and licnesed content online, this includes exclusive access to Early Access titles. Depending on the tier chosen you can also earn credits and discounts to use for owning content

How can I cancel my subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

To cancel your subscription with us simply go to the account page - found in the top right of the page or at https://subscription.packtpub.com/my-account/subscription - From here you will see the ‘cancel subscription’ button in the grey box with your subscription information in.

What are credits? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Credits can be earned from reading 40 section of any title within the payment cycle - a month starting from the day of subscription payment. You also earn a Credit every month if you subscribe to our annual or 18 month plans. Credits can be used to buy books DRM free, the same way that you would pay for a book. Your credits can be found in the subscription homepage - subscription.packtpub.com - clicking on ‘the my’ library dropdown and selecting ‘credits’.

What happens if an Early Access Course is cancelled? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Projects are rarely cancelled, but sometimes it's unavoidable. If an Early Access course is cancelled or excessively delayed, you can exchange your purchase for another course. For further details, please contact us here.

Where can I send feedback about an Early Access title? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you have any feedback about the product you're reading, or Early Access in general, then please fill out a contact form here and we'll make sure the feedback gets to the right team. 

Can I download the code files for Early Access titles? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We try to ensure that all books in Early Access have code available to use, download, and fork on GitHub. This helps us be more agile in the development of the book, and helps keep the often changing code base of new versions and new technologies as up to date as possible. Unfortunately, however, there will be rare cases when it is not possible for us to have downloadable code samples available until publication.

When we publish the book, the code files will also be available to download from the Packt website.

How accurate is the publication date? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The publication date is as accurate as we can be at any point in the project. Unfortunately, delays can happen. Often those delays are out of our control, such as changes to the technology code base or delays in the tech release. We do our best to give you an accurate estimate of the publication date at any given time, and as more chapters are delivered, the more accurate the delivery date will become.

How will I know when new chapters are ready? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We'll let you know every time there has been an update to a course that you've bought in Early Access. You'll get an email to let you know there has been a new chapter, or a change to a previous chapter. The new chapters are automatically added to your account, so you can also check back there any time you're ready and download or read them online.

I am a Packt subscriber, do I get Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Yes, all Early Access content is fully available through your subscription. You will need to have a paid for or active trial subscription in order to access all titles.

How is Early Access delivered? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is currently only available as a PDF or through our online reader. As we make changes or add new chapters, the files in your Packt account will be updated so you can download them again or view them online immediately.

How do I buy Early Access content? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is a way of us getting our content to you quicker, but the method of buying the Early Access course is still the same. Just find the course you want to buy, go through the check-out steps, and you’ll get a confirmation email from us with information and a link to the relevant Early Access courses.

What is Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Keeping up to date with the latest technology is difficult; new versions, new frameworks, new techniques. This feature gives you a head-start to our content, as it's being created. With Early Access you'll receive each chapter as it's written, and get regular updates throughout the product's development, as well as the final course as soon as it's ready.We created Early Access as a means of giving you the information you need, as soon as it's available. As we go through the process of developing a course, 99% of it can be ready but we can't publish until that last 1% falls in to place. Early Access helps to unlock the potential of our content early, to help you start your learning when you need it most. You not only get access to every chapter as it's delivered, edited, and updated, but you'll also get the finalized, DRM-free product to download in any format you want when it's published. As a member of Packt, you'll also be eligible for our exclusive offers, including a free course every day, and discounts on new and popular titles.