Networking is among the key beginner fundamentals necessary if considering a breakthrough in any software engineering related role. From the various protocols to understanding how the internet works, you cannot ignore Networking. The internet is the biggest network ever, and since most software communicate or interact with their users through the internet, it is essential to have core understanding of core networking concepts.
The tech world and roles are so versatile and with new technology such as cloud cropping up, they are set to increase. Most of these roles require core understanding of networking concepts which define how communication happens across the internet. Below I share some key concepts of networking you need to understand critically well:
1. Protocols
A network is only but an interconnection of computers that can communicate to each other, but it does not define how this happens. Protocols are the set of rules that govern communication over a network. A lot of protocols exist for different purposes. Some of the common ones include TCP, UDP, IP, FTP, and HTTP among many others.
2. OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model
It is impossible to discuss networking without mentioning the OSI model. The OSI is a conceptual framework that standardizes telecommunication into seven distinct layers with different functionality. Understanding what happens at each layer is critical for designing robust systems whether hardware or software.
3. IP addressing And Domain Name Server (DNS)
IP address is the unique identifier that makes networking possible. Every device connected to a network is identified using its IP address or a domain name. Domain names are also unique and are resolved using a DNS. A famous interview question is to describe what happens when you enter a URL in a browser. It is a great high-level demonstration of how the internet works using IPs and domain names.
Networking is very broad with so much to learn including the various devices, routing, and network managements. With the advent of cloud technology and container orchestration, understanding core network fundamentals is critical in resolving a lot of issues. As a beginner software engineer looking to break into tech, irrespective of the role, whether cloud architect, DevOps, or Machine Learning, mastering networking is a necessity.
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