NETWORKING CHEATSHEET
by Hack Academy
NETWORKING CHEATSHEET BY HACK
ACADEMY
Created by Hack Academy
Introduction
Welcome to this essential Networking Cheatsheet! Whether you're diving into the world of
computer networking or simply refreshing your skills, this guide is a quick and easy
reference to help you master the key concepts. With topics ranging from network
topologies to the protocols that power the internet, you'll find all the important details
you need to get up to speed.
Network Topologies
1. Bus Topology
◦ Devices are connected via a single central cable (either coaxial or twisted pair).
Data travels in one direction.
2. Ring Topology
◦ Each device connects to two others, forming a loop. Data moves in one
direction, passing through each device.
3. Star Topology
◦ Devices are connected to a central hub or switch. The central device routes
communication to the appropriate destination.
4. Mesh Topology
◦ Every device is connected to each other, ensuring multiple communication
paths.
5. Tree Topology
◦ A hierarchical combination of bus and star topologies. Central nodes are
connected to child nodes, forming a branching structure.
6. Hybrid Topology
◦ Combines two or more different topologies, offering flexibility and fault
tolerance.
Network Types
1. PAN (Personal Area Network)
◦ A small, personal network typically within a range of 10 meters, such as
connecting personal devices.
2. LAN (Local Area Network)
◦ A network that spans a limited area (like a home or office) and connects
multiple devices for resource sharing.
3. WAN (Wide Area Network)
◦ A large network that connects multiple LANs across cities or countries.
4. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
◦ A network that covers a larger geographical area than LAN but smaller than
WAN, typically used in cities.
TCP/IP and OSI Models
TCP/IP Model OSI Model Protocols
Application Application DNS, FTP, HTTPS, SMTP, IMAP, etc.
Presentation Presentation JPEG, MPEG, TIFF
Session Session NFS, NetBIOS, ZIP
Transport Transport TCP, UDP
Internet Network ICMP, IPv4, IPv6, RIP
Link Data Link ARP, ATM, PPP, Ethernet
Physical Physical Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DSL, Ethernet
Common Network Protocols
Protocol Description Port Number
HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol (used for web browsing) 80
FTP File Transfer Protocol (for file transfers) 21
DNS Domain Name System (translates domain names to IPs) 53
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (for sending emails) 25
SSH Secure Shell (secure remote login) 22
ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol (error reporting) N/A
Networking Devices
1. Client
◦ A device (like a computer or smartphone) that requests resources or services
from a network.
2. Server
◦ Provides services and resources to clients, such as hosting websites or
handling email.
3. Hub
◦ A basic networking device that broadcasts data to all connected devices. It
operates at Layer 1.
4. Switch
◦ More efficient than a hub, a switch routes data to the correct destination
based on MAC addresses.
5. Router
◦ A Layer 3 device that forwards data between different networks, based on IP
addresses.
6. Access Point (AP)
◦ Provides wireless connectivity to a wired network, allowing Wi-Fi devices to
connect.
Ethernet Standards & Data Rates
Standard Data Rate Cable Type Max Length
10Base-T 10 Mbps Copper (twisted pair) 100 meters
100Base-TX 100 Mbps Copper (twisted pair) 100 meters
1000Base-T 1 Gbps Copper (twisted pair) 100 meters
1000Base-LX 1 Gbps Fiber (single mode) 5000 meters
10GBase-T 10 Gbps Copper (twisted pair) 100 meters
Transmission Media Types
Guided Media
• Twisted Pair Cable: Commonly used for LANs. Flexible and cost-effective.
• Coaxial Cable: Has a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, shielding,
and a protective outer layer.
• Fiber Optic Cable: Uses light to transmit data, offering high-speed and long-distance
capabilities.
Unguided Media
• Radio Waves: Used for wireless communication like Wi-Fi and cell phones.
• Microwaves: Require line-of-sight; used for long-distance communication.
• Infrared: Used for short-range, line-of-sight communication like TV remotes.
Multiplexing Types
1. FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing)
◦ Divides the frequency spectrum into channels, each carrying a separate signal.
2. TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)
◦ Allocates a small time slot for each user's data on the channel.
3. WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing)
◦ Similar to FDM but used for fiber optics, utilizing multiple wavelengths to
transmit data.
Mode of Communication
1. Simplex Mode
◦ One-way communication. The sender can transmit, but the receiver can only
listen.
2. Half-Duplex Mode
◦ Two-way communication, but not simultaneous. Devices take turns
transmitting.
3. Full-Duplex Mode
◦ Both devices can transmit and receive simultaneously.
Conclusion
We hope this cheatsheet has helped you grasp the fundamentals of networking. Keep
this guide handy for quick reference as you continue to explore more advanced topics.
The world of networking is vast, but with a solid understanding of these basics, you're
well on your way to becoming a networking pro!
