Learn To Speak Geek And Work Better With IT

By Hedgie Bartol, Business Development Manager for Retail, Axis Communications

Read Part 1

OK, I admit I am kind of a geek. But only kind of. I say that to give myself plausible deniability as I delve into some networking basics, so that we, as security folks, can leverage that knowledge and combine it with security to achieve our goals. As IT departments’ influence continues to grow, it is more important than ever to talk their talk. Let’s start with a general understanding of networking technology (if this seems too simple, then consider yourself ahead of the group).

What is a network, anyway?

Whether you know it or not, you are more familiar with networking technology than you think. In fact, the traditional CCTV system is a type of network itself. It was not open (hence the name Closed Circuit) and used coax and analog, but it was still a network. Today, networks are everywhere. In fact, you probably have one in your home if you have an internet connection. Chances are that magical internet comes into your home to something called a router that may go to a switch and on to other devices, like a PC, laptop or maybe a game console. That is all a network and that router is connecting you to the biggest network known as the World Wide Web.

At a high level, the network makes the world flat. Take for example something like your corporate email.  The email messages are not necessarily housed on your computer, but rather they reside on a server somewhere, whether in your office building or in another state or even country. Keep this in mind as you continue exploring network based solutions and it can help you with the design and architecture of the solutions.

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