Category: Network

User Datagram Protocol

Today we will explore the User Datagram Protocol. First, we will explain its purpose, and then we will see its history and how it was created. Finally, we will explore its applications and the differences between UDP and TCP/IP.

The purpose of the User Datagram Protocol 

UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol. It is a key component of the Internet protocol suite. It allows us to link various Internet services with minimal latency and loss tolerance.

The User Datagram Protocol speeds up communication by allowing data to be delivered before the recipient agrees. As a result, for time-sensitive communications such as DNS lookups, Voice over IP (VoIP), video, or audio transfers, User Datagram Protocol is the preferable technique.

Advantages and Disadvantages of UDP

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IPv6

IPv6 is the most recent edition of the Internet Protocol, intended to replace IPv4. The Internet Protocol version 4 scarcity is a significant problem, but the world continues to move forward, so it’s time to let it go. The final IPv4 countdown has begun. Let’s look at what IPv6 has to offer and how to make the most of it!

IPv6 – what does it mean?

IPv6 is the sixth iteration of the Internet Protocol’s IP address. IPs are a set of rules that a device must follow when sending and receiving data from a host to a destination. We’ll need a list of recognizable hosts, their locations, IP addresses, and a communication path.

Returning to IPv6, it has been around since 1995! The strange thing is that there has been a scarcity of IPv4 addresses, as well as other issues. Despite this, the majority of organizations continue to use the earlier IPv4 standard. Since 2017, it has been an Internet Standard (IETF) to anticipate an increase in IPv6 usage in the near future.

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TCP/IP

TCP/IP means Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Originally, the two protocols with their set of rules got merged and used for machines to communicate on networks, including the Internet.

What is TCP/IP used for?

TCP/IP defines the way data is communicated on the Internet through end-to-end communications for deciding how such data must be divided into packets, addressed, routed, transferred, and received. 

DNS using UDP and TCP

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TTL

Let me tell you a funny story that will show you the importance of TTL when sending packages. 

Back in the day, in 1971, there was a programmer called Bob Thomas who was working on mainframe computers. He got bored and decided to play around. After a while, Bob created a small software called the Creeper and released it on the network. It was a tiny code with the message “I’m the creeper: catch me if you can”. Ray Tomlinson, a colleague of his, added the functionality and allowed the code to copy itself. This was the first computer virus. The virus was unstoppable because there was no antivirus at this time, and it had no TTL, so it could go around the network forever. The co-creator Ray needed to invent the first antivirus to stop it. Otherwise, it could still go around for a long time. 

So what is TTL in networking? 

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SSL certificate

Internet’s creation brought to the table a lot of possibilities but also a strong need for security. The development of all kinds of solutions for keeping businesses operating safely is a clear priority. In that environment, the SSL certificate plays an important role.

What is a SSL certificate?

SSL means secure socket layer. SSL certificate is a useful cryptographic protocol to protect the communication browsers-servers of websites. It helps browsers to verify servers’ identity, and it protects all data passing between them through encryption.

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DHCP

The DHCP is a perfect example of how technology can facilitate our lives, both as clients and network administrators. It is an IP manager that automatically allocates addresses to the connected devices, keeps the information about them, and reuses the IPs after they run out.

What is DHCP?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a network protocol for managing IP networks that has a version for IPv4 and IPv6. The protocol defines DHCP client and DHCP server. The server is responsible for assigning IP addresses to the DHCP clients automatically and also keeping a record of the assigned IP addresses and their time to expire. It also provides other network settings like DNS server, gateway, subnet mask, and more.

Advantages of DHCP

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IPv4

You will learn what IPv4 is, how an IPv4 address looks like, and what is next after IPv4, IPv6.

What is IPv4?

IPv4 is one, a bit older Internet Protocol that has been around since the early 80s. The 4th version was introduced in 1981 and got in use since 1982. Been an Internet Protocol (IP), its purpose is to establish all the rules for communication. How the data packets should be sent, what should happen with them, how to be received, and so on.

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VPN

Security for surfing on the Internet must be a concern for everybody. Regular users and businesses making transactions daily could get their information and money badly compromised. Remember that our data have become a gold mine! 

What is VPN?

The Virtual private network (VPN) is a security protocol to transform a public Internet connection into a private network for protecting data exchanged online. VPN secures Internet connections, provides anonymity and privacy for users.

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