Network Basics

Get a solid foundation in how computer networks work—from core concepts and topologies to hardware, cabling, and modern power delivery systems. This section walks you through the essentials every IT professional, student, or business owner should know.

Who this is for

Anyone looking to build or expand their understanding of networking—from beginners setting up their first LAN to IT teams managing business infrastructure.

1–13 of 13 topics

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Understanding PoE (Power over Ethernet)

Learn what Power over Ethernet (PoE) is, how it works, and its benefits. Discover how PoE simplifies installations by providing both data and power over a single Ethernet cable for devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and more.

5 min read Updated July 23, 2026 Read more

Understanding PoE+ vs. PoE++

Learn the differences between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++, including power levels, supported devices, and how to choose the right Power over Ethernet standard.

4 min read Updated January 13, 2026 Read more

What is Ethernet?

Learn what Ethernet is, how it works, and why it’s used for local area networks, including Ethernet standards, speeds, and cabling basics.

2 min read Updated January 13, 2026 Read more

Part 2 - Benefits of a Computer Network

A business, be it a small or a large one needs some type of networking in every tier. Be it in the export, import or marketing sector, the individuals in a company need to be networked and connected to each other in some way or the other. This increases both order as well as efficiency of the working system.

4 min read Updated December 30, 2025 Read more

Part 3 - Client Server Networks

Client server network architecture is a very popular model for computer networking that utilizes both client and server devices each designed for a set utilization. This client server model can be used as a local area network (LAN) or on the internet. Some familiar examples of a client server system on the internet are file transfer protocol clients (FTPs), Web servers, Web browsers and DNS.

4 min read Updated December 30, 2025 Read more

Part 4 - Peer to Peer Networks

Peer to peer is an approach to computer networking where all computers share equivalent responsibility for processing data. Peer-to-peer networking (also known simply as peer networking) differs from the previously described, client-server networking, wherein some devices have the responsibility of providing or 'serving' data and other devices consume or otherwise act as 'clients' of those servers.

3 min read Updated December 30, 2025 Read more

Part 5 - Network Protocols

A network protocol is a catalogue of rules and conventions for communication between various networking devices. All protocols for networking of computers utilize the prevalence of packet switching techniques to both send and receive messages in the form of packets.

3 min read Updated December 30, 2025 Read more

What is SFP?

Learn what an SFP module is, how it works, and why it’s used in networking, including SFP, SFP+, QSFP, and common applications.

4 min read Updated January 13, 2026 Read more