Networking 101
Mobile internet is what gives most of us the ability to stay connected, but that requires a different, more technical type of network, one that is often not as simple as it should be, especially for those without a technical background.
To get the most out of mobile internet requires some basic knowledge of how digital networks work since the technology is far from flawless and is often not user-friendly.
In this guide, we aim to provide you a primer on networks from a mobile internet perspective - what they are and how they work - along with useful and simple definitions for all the arcane network terminology.
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What is a Network?
Digital networking really isn't all that different in concept from old-school human networks - ultimately networking is about making connections. "Network" is defined as a group or system of interconnected people or things.
So one way to think about computer networks is to imagine them as similar to networks of people. We have people we need to connect to, for a variety of reasons, using a variety of methods. We are closely connected to some people while our connections to many others are distant and tenuous. The same basic principle holds for computer networks.
This guide will focus on digital networking for mobile internet. We'll cover the basic concepts and then give some examples of common network configurations and uses that take advantage of mobile internet for nomads, RVers and cruisers.
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Network Components
Before we get started, let's go over some of the common parts that make up a network - such as clients, nodes, servers and more.
Types of Networks
This section goes over the differences between a LAN, WAN, VPN and just what is 'the internet'?
Basic Networking Configurations for Mobile Users
We share some common simple setups that RVers and cruisers use for getting online - from simply using public Wi-Fi sources to hot spotting off of cellular devices.
Advanced Mobile LAN Examples
For those wanting to replicate a home LAN, this section goes over some ways to create a more advanced network in a mobile environment.
Networking Protocols, Standards and Terminology
Networking comes with a host of new terms that look like alphabet soup. This section is a glossary of these terms explained.
Summary: Network Knowledge
Computer networks can be quite complex in practice, but the concepts are relatively straightforward. Knowledge of networking can really help make your mobile internet experience better. For those who rely on mobile internet or who have many devices, a network can actually make life simpler by corralling and managing all your devices.
Related Reading
Related Guides:
- Mobile Internet Options for RVers Overview
- Wi-Fi Does Not Necessarily Mean Internet Access (What’s the Difference Between Wi-Fi & Cellular?)
- Assessing Your Mobile Internet Needs
- Testing & Understanding Your Mobile Internet Speeds
Further Reading :
Here are a few more links on this topic for those that want to go deeper:
- Introducing Basic Network Concepts - Notre Dame course on Networking.
- Student Network Study Guide - MTA Student Study Guide on Network Fundamentals
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