

 Introduction to Networks v7.0

    

 /  Networking Today /  Network Representations and Topologies

Introduction to Networks

1
Network Representations and Topologies
Networking Today 

1.0 Introduction  1.3.1

1.0.1 Why should I take this module? Network Representations 

What will I learn to do in this

1.0.2
module?
Network architects and administrators must be able to show what their networks will look like. They need to be able to easily
see which components connect to other components, where they will be located, and how they will be connected. Diagrams of
1.1 Networks Aect our Lives  networks often use symbols, like those shown in the gure, to represent the dierent devices and connections that make up a
network.
1.1.1 Networks Connect Us

Video - The Cisco Networking

1.1.2
Academy Learning Experience

Desktop Computer Laptop Printer

1.1.3 No Boundaries End Devices

1.2 Network Components  IP Phone Wireless Tablet TelePresence Endpoint

1.2.1 Host Roles

1.2.2 Peer-to-Peer
Wireless Router LAN Switch Router
Intermediary
1.2.3 End Devices
Devices

1.2.4 Intermediary Devices Multilayer Switch Firewall Appliance

1.2.5 Network Media

Wireless Media
Check Your Understanding -
1.2.6
Network Components
Network Media LAN Media
Network Representations
1.3
and Topologies  WAN Media

1.3.1 Network Representations

1.3.2 Topology Diagrams

A diagram provides an easy way to understand how devices connect in a large network. This type of “picture” of a network is
known as a topology diagram. The ability to recognize the logical representations of the physical networking components is
Check Your Understanding -
critical to being able to visualize the organization and operation of a network.
1.3.3 Network Representations and
Topologies
In addition to these representations, specialized terminology is used to describe how each of these devices and media connect
to each other:
1.4 Common Types of Networks 
Network Interface Card (NIC) - A NIC physically connects the end device to the network.
1.5 Internet Connections  Physical Port - A connector or outlet on a networking device where the media connects to an end device or another
networking device.
Interface - Specialized ports on a networking device that connect to individual networks. Because routers connect networks,
1.6 Reliable Networks  the ports on a router are referred to as network interfaces.

1.7 Network Trends  Note: The terms port and interface are often used interchangeably.

1.8 Network Security 

1.3.2
1.9 The IT Professional 

1.10 Module Practice and Quiz 

Topology Diagrams 

Basic Switch and End Device

2 Conguration  Topology diagrams are mandatory documentation for anyone working with a network. They provide a visual map of how the
network is connected. There are two types of topology diagrams: physical and logical.

Physical Topology Diagrams

3 Protocols and Models 
Physical topology diagrams illustrate the physical location of intermediary devices and cable installation, as shown in the gure.
You can see that the rooms in which these devices are located are labeled in this physical topology.
4 Physical Layer 

5 Number Systems 
Internet Rm: 2124

Rack 1
6 Data Link Layer  Shelf 1 Class 1: Rm: 2125
Server Room: Rm: 2158
Web Server
Rack 2 S3
7 Ethernet Switching  Shelf 1

Rack 1 Rack 1 Rack 1

Shelf 2 Shelf 1 Shelf 2 Class 2: Rm: 2126
Email Server
8 Network Layer  Rack 2
Shelf 2
S1 R1 S4
Rack 1
9 Address Resolution  File Server Shelf 3 Rack 1
Rack 2 Class 3: Rm: 2127
Shelf 3
Shelf 3
S2
10 Basic Router Conguration  S5

11 IPv4 Addressing 

IT Office: Rm: 2159

12 IPv6 Addressing 

Logical Topology Diagrams

13 ICMP 
Logical topology diagrams illustrate devices, ports, and the addressing scheme of the network, as shown in the gure. You can
see which end devices are connected to which intermediary devices and what media is being used.
14 Transport Layer 

15 Application Layer  Internet

Network Security Network Network 192.168.100.0

16 Fundamentals  192.168.10.0
Fa0/1

Web Server S3
17 G0/1
Build a Small Network 
G0/0 Network 192.168.101.0
G1/0
Fa0/1
G0/1 G1/1 G0/1 Fa0/1
Email Server Fa0/2
S1 G0/1 R1 G1/2 S4
Fa0/3 G0/2
G0/1 Network 192.168.102.0
File Server
G0/1
S2 Fa0/1
Fa0/1 Fa0/2 S5

Network 192.168.11.0

The topologies shown in the physical and logical diagrams are appropriate for your level of understanding at this point in the
course. Search the internet for “network topology diagrams” to see some more complex examples. If you add the word “Cisco”
to your search phrase, you will nd many topologies using icons that are similar to what you have seen in these gures.

1.3.3

Check Your Understanding - Network Representations 

and Topologies

Check your understanding of network representations and topologies by choosing the BEST answer to the
 following questions.

1. Which connection physically connects the end device to the network?

Port

NIC

Interface

2. Which connections are specialized ports on a networking device that connect

to individual networks?

Port

NIC

Interface

3. Which type of network topology lets you see which end devices are connected
to which intermediary devices and what media is being used?

Physical topology

Logical topology

4. Which type of network topology lets you see the actual location of intermediary Check
devices and cable installation?

Show Me
Physical topology

Logical topology
Reset

 Network Components 
1.2 1.4
Common Types of Networks