What is a Network?

This week, A Machine with Jace will be releasing the first of a two-part series covering Networks and Routing. This edition, part one, will teach you the basics of what a network is and the core components that make up every network in the world.

Skip Ahead

• News: Bite-sized automation & AI headlines

• Lesson: Fundamentals of a network

• Example: Mapping a home network

• Virtual Networking: Curated free virtual opportunities

• Tool Spotlight: Manganum Chrome extension

• Wrap-Up

_{Catch up on the latest A.I. & Biz Tech news, announcements, and amusement with A Machine. This week’s email will teach you about embedded systems.}

NEWS
Bite-sized Automation & AI headlines.

🏷️ U.S. ISPs required to display broadband 'nutrition' labels that detail data costs and speeds, enhancing transparency for consumers.

🔪 OpenAI breaks YouTube TOS by using their data to train ChatGPT 4, having already run out of text data on the internet to train their model.

🔨 iPhone 15’s release allows more DIY repairs, setting a positive trend for Apple’s sustainability.

LESSON
Fundamentals of a Network

What is a Network?

A network is essentially a collection of computers and other network devices connected to one another to allow the sharing of data. All scales of networks can be found in businesses, homes, and schools, and can be as simple as two computers or as complex as the global internet with billions of devices.

Introduction to Networking Basics

First, it is important to understand that there are different types of area networks, such as local networks, wide area networks, and wireless networks. These networks have different protocols (rulesets) and topologies (how the network nodes are configured) which will determine how data moves throughout the network.

Essential Networking Hardware

Key hardware components are fundamental to building any network:

• Switches: Connect devices within the same network, managing the data traffic between them efficiently.

• Routers: Facilitate communication between different networks, directing data to its intended IP address.

• Modems: Convert digital data into a signal for transmission over telephone lines, cable systems, or satellites and vice versa.

Basic Network Configuration

Understanding your home network is straightforward. Your router automatically assigns unique IP addresses to each device, much like assigning a home address, allowing them to send and receive data correctly. It also handles routing, directing data efficiently within your network and to the broader internet. Finally, the router directs and protects traffic communicating with outside networks.

EXAMPLE
Mapping A Home Network

🌐 The map above provides a simple understanding of the communication and role of devices on any given home network. The router communicates with external networks and the ISP, while the switch connects all the devices to the network allowing them to share information with each other.

🛡️ Notice that the firewall protects your router from external threats, this is why if you get a virus on any device inside your network there is far less security preventing inter-network attacks.

NETWORK & EDUCATION
Curated Virtual Opportunities 🌐

Virtual Networking 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 

April 17 - Reserve free tickets for the Virtual Job Fair Preparation Workshop, helping you prepare for interactions with recruiters at job fairs.

Virtual Course of the Week 📚️ 

Learn more about networks with this brief one-hour course by NVIDIA, Introduction to Networking.

TOOL SPOTLIGHT
Manganum: Streamlined Chrome Experience with Integrated Toolbar

Manganum is a Chrome extension that transforms the traditional new tab page into a dynamic command center. This innovative tool integrates commonly used apps such as YouTube, Gmail, ChatGPT, calendars, and note-taking into a sleek sidebar, reducing the need for multiple open tabs and enhancing productivity. What sets Manganum apart is its use of daily changing, AI-generated images from DeepMind as backgrounds, lending a stunning visual aesthetic to your browsing experience. Ideal for users who appreciate a blend of functionality and beauty in their digital workspace.

Please Reply to these emails with feedback or any topics you are interested in.

WRAP UP
See you scholars next week 🧑‍🎓 

This week was an exciting introduction to networking, we laid out the components and core functions of the different devices on any given network. Next week we will dive deeper into routing to understand how data is transmitted and regulated.

Thanks for reading,
See you Monday!

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Jace