Meet the interstellar crew guiding you through the digital cosmosโฆ
Click forward when you're ready to begin your mission.
Letโs plug into the basics! These brave characters will guide you through the colorful world of STP, UTP, Coaxial, and Fibre Optic cablesโwhat theyโre made of, how they connect, and where theyโre used. From CAT6 to optical light, you're about to learn what really keeps the digital galaxy connected. ๐โก
Here's a visual breakdown of each cable type with their connectors and properties. From RJ45 to LC and F-type, these labels will help you recognize the tools of the network trade. Just tap on any part of the comic to zoom in and absorb!
These are the classic RJ45 connectorsโsnapping Ethernet cables into network ports for reliable data links. Perfect for gigabit speeds! โก๐
Say hello to the RJ11 connectorโsmaller than RJ45, used for telephone lines and DSL modems. ๐ ๐
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) blocks EMI with foil shielding, while UTP (Unshielded) is lighter and cheaperโchoose based on your interference environment. ๐ช๏ธ๐ซ vs ๐ก๐ฐ
From Cat5e to Cat6a and beyondโhigher categories mean tighter specs, faster speeds, and better crosstalk control. ๐๐
Categories map out performance tiersโCat3 for legacy voice/data, Cat6/6a for gigabit+, and Cat8 for data centers. Choose your speed! ๐๏ธโก
Coaxial cables carry RF signals with a central conductor and braided shieldโideal for cable TV, satellite, and broadband internet. ๐ฐ๏ธ๐ต
Meet RG-6, RG-59, RG-11, and friendsโeach โRGโ number defines impedance and attenuation for different video and data applications. ๐ก๐ถ
TNC (threaded) offers rugged, wideband RF connections; MCX (micro) is compact for tight spaces. Both keep your signals locked in place! ๐ฉ๐ป
Fiber-optic cables transmit data as pulses of lightโperfect for ultra-high bandwidth and long-distance links. ๐ก๐
Multi-mode fiber uses multiple light pathsโgreat for short-reach links like data centers, with lower-cost transceivers. ๐ข๐พ
LC, SC, ST, FCโeach connector has unique form factors and latch styles. Pick one for your networkโs insertion loss and space needs. ๐๐
From LAN (Local) to WAN (Wide), MAN (Metro), and CAN (Campus)โchoose the right scope for your organization! ๐ ๐๏ธ
A single backbone cable with terminators on each endโsimple but prone to collisions and bottlenecks. ๐ฃ๏ธ๐
Nodes form a closed loopโdata circles around until it reaches its destination. Offers redundancy if you use dual rings. ๐๐ฏ
All devices connect to a central hub or switchโeasy to manage, but a single point of failure. โญ๐ ๏ธ
Every node links to every otherโmax redundancy and resilience, but high cabling costs. ๐๐
Hierarchical stars linked by a backboneโscalable and easy to expand, blending star and bus benefits. ๐ฒ๐ก
Step into the IPv6 realm! This visual kicks off our journey with a lone explorer amid neon data streamsโready to unveil why 128-bit addresses are the next frontier of our digital galaxy. ๐โจ
Imagine each device as a planet in a sprawling cosmosโthis panel uses that galactic metaphor to show how IPv6โs vast address space keeps every โplanetโ uniquely reachable. ๐ ๐ญ
Peek behind the curtain of network traffic! This graphic breaks down how a packet sniffer captures, analyzes, and displays data packetsโwhether for troubleshooting or security monitoring. ๐ก๏ธ๐ก
When attackers disguise packet origins, itโs called packet spoofing. This scene shows how forged headers can trick systemsโleading to DoS, MitM, and more. ๐ญโ ๏ธ
Ready to decode addresses? This intro frames the showdown between decimal (base-10) and hexadecimal (base-16) IP formats in a sleek, futuristic cityscape. ๐๐ฎ
In plain-spoken terms, decimal format splits an IP into four octets (0โ255). This panel walks you through โ192.168.1.1โ and why each chunk fits neatly into our everyday number system. ๐งฎโจ
For the tech-savvy explorer, hexadecimal format converts each octet into base-16 (0โ9, AโF). Learn how โ192.168.1.1โ becomes โC0.A8.01.01โ in this high-tech tutorial. ๐ฅ๏ธ๐ข
Meet Scientist 7 and his trusty sidekicks as they unveil the five key network architecturesโfrom simple two-tier setups to hybrid cloud designs. Ready to build your perfect digital highway? ๐ง๐
The classic core-distribution-access model keeps large networks organized and scalable. Learn how each layer handles specific rolesโfrom end-device connectivity at the โstreet levelโ to lightning-fast backbone transport. โก๐
When simplicity wins, merge your core and distribution into one collapsed core layer. Ideal for smaller campuses, this two-tier design cuts costs and management overheadโwhile still supporting robust access controls. ๐๐ข
Data centers love spine-leaf for its non-blocking fabric: every leaf switch talks directly to every spine switch, eliminating bottlenecks and maximizing redundancy. Scale horizontally by adding more spines or leaves! ๐๐ค
For mission-critical uptime, deploy two core layers in an active-active or active-passive redundancy model. If one core fails, the other takes overโperfect for financial systems, emergency services, and 24/7 operations. ๐ช๐
Leverage on-premises hardware and cloud scalability with a hybrid network. Host critical resources locally for low latency, while offloading bursty workloads and global access to the cloud. Flexibility meets performance! ๐๐
Launch into the backbone of the Internet! This vivid graphic poses the big questionโhow do our devices package, ship, and deliver data across the global network? Buckle up for a four-layer deep dive. ๐๐
Meet the protocol cast: IP routes your packets, TCP guarantees delivery, UDP trades reliability for speed, and HTTP/FTP/SMTP/DNS power the apps you love. Ready to see how they stack up? ๐ฆ๐
At the ground floor, the Network Interface (Link) layer handles framing, MAC addressing, and the physical handshake (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, ARP). One floor up, the Internet layer tackles logical addressing (IP), routing, and fragmentationโguiding your bits through the maze. ๐ฃ๏ธ๐ถ
The Transport layer (TCP/UDP) ensures data streams stay in order, control flow, and recover from errors. At the top, the Application layer (HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS) speaks the languages your apps understandโformatting, processing, and exchanging data seamlessly. ๐๐ฒ
Journey through the five network classesโour โgalactic channelsโโthat govern how data flows across star systems. From the vast central hubs to the mysterious forbidden zones, prepare for an interstellar address tour! ๐โจ
Class A: The central systems (1.0.0.0โ126.0.0.0), hosting millions of devicesโperfect for massive interplanetary empires. Class B: The mid-sector trade routes (128.0.0.0โ191.255.0.0), ideal for medium-sized star clusters with ~65K hosts each. ๐ ๐
Class C: The outpost rings (192.0.0.0โ223.255.255.0), supporting up to 254 hostsโtailored for small ships and research stations. Class D: The broadcast beacons (224.0.0.0โ239.255.255.255), reserved for multicasting messages galaxy-wide. ๐ก๐
Class E: The forbidden zone (240.0.0.0โ255.255.255.255), reserved for experimental tech and future expansions.
Subnet masks act like force fieldsโ255.0.0.0
for Class A, 255.255.0.0
for B, 255.255.255.0
for Cโguiding every packet to its proper star system.
And that wraps our galactic network map: from sprawling central empires to the edges of experimental space. ๐ ๐บ๏ธ
Dive into the essential port numbers that power the internet. From file transfers to secure web browsing, these ports are your networkโs doorwaysโletโs explore what each one does! ๐๐
20 & 21 โ FTP: Port 20 carries data, 21 carries control commandsโnow mostly replaced by SFTP/FTPS due to encryption needs. 22 โ SSH: The encrypted standard for secure logins, file transfers, and port forwarding. 23 โ Telnet: Legacy remote shell, sends everything in plain textโavoid unless you love eavesdroppers! ๐๐ก
25 โ SMTP: Mail servers talk to each other here (use 465/587 for secure submission). 53 โ DNS: Translates names to IPs via UDP (queries) & TCP (zone transfers). 80 โ HTTP: Unencrypted web traffic (redirects to 443 on modern sites). 110 โ POP3: โDownload-and-deleteโ email protocolโlargely supplanted by IMAP. ๐ง๐
123 โ NTP: Keeps clocks in sync across servers, routers, and IoTโvital for security logs and auth services. 143 โ IMAP: Manage email on the server with syncing across devices (preferred over POP3). 161 โ SNMP: Network management magicโmonitor and configure routers, switches, and more. โฑ๏ธ๐ฌ
443 โ HTTPS: Encrypted web traffic via SSL/TLSโessential for e-commerce and banking. 389 โ LDAP: Directory lookup service (e.g., Active Directory). 465 & 587 โ SMTPS: Secure email submission (465 now legacy, 587 preferred). 993 โ IMAPS: Secure IMAP for encrypted mail retrieval. ๐๐
995 โ POP3S: Encrypted POP3 for secure email downloads. 1433 โ MSSQL: Default SQL Server port for relational databases. 3306 โ MySQL: Standard MySQL database access (LAMP staple). 3389 โ RDP: Microsoft Remote Desktopโadminister Windows machines remotely. ๐๏ธ๐
8080 โ HTTP Alt: Secondary web server/testing port when 80 is taken. 8443 โ HTTPS Alt: Secure web proxy/development port when 443 is busy. 49152โ65535 โ Dynamic/Private: Ephemeral client-side ports auto-assigned by the OS for outgoing connections. ๐๐
Meet the three key delivery methods that drive modern networks! From one-to-one messaging to targeted group streams and nearest-node routing, these techniques shape how data travels across the internet. ๐๐ก
Unicast sends data directly to a single destination IPโthink of it like a private letter delivered door-to-door. Each session uses its own connection, ensuring exclusivity and reliability. ๐โ๏ธ Common uses: โข Web browsing (your browser โ๏ธ server) โข Online gaming (player โ๏ธ game server) ๐น๏ธ๐
Multicast broadcasts data to a specific group of subscribersโlike sending a newsletter only to your mailing list. Devices โjoinโ or โleaveโ multicast groups to receive streams efficiently. ๐ฌ๐ Key protocols: IGMP for group membership, PIM for routing. Common uses: โข Live video streams & webinars ๐ฅ๐ฅ๏ธ โข Multiplayer game state updates ๐ฎ๐
Anycast directs traffic to the closest server among a pool sharing the same IPโlike calling the nearest help desk no matter where you are. Routing protocols (e.g. BGP) pick the optimal path. ๐ฐ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ Common uses: โข CDN edge servers for fast content delivery ๐โก โข Global DNS resolvers for low-latency lookups ๐บ๏ธ๐
๐ Welcome to the magical realm of data packet transmission! These three dino-astronauts are preparing your data to blast off across the network. From application to physical layer, every detail is packed with purpose and precision. ๐โจ
๐ฐ๏ธ As our packet zooms across the network, it hops from router to router like a space shuttle bouncing through stargates. Each hop brings it closer to its destination, while routing and error-checking keep the journey on course. ๐งญ๐ง
๐ Touchdown! On the receiver's side, the process reverses like decoding a secret space transmission. Headers are peeled back, layer by layer, revealing the precious data insideโmission complete! ๐ฆโ
๐De-encapsulation process initiated... ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ๐
๐ธ Say hello to NAT and ARP! When your whole fleet wants to visit the internet but only one public IP is available, NAT steps in as mission control. ๐ง ๐ It rewrites addresses like a cosmic translator, helping devices share a single IP in harmony. ๐๐ก
โจ Hereโs how data transmission works at each layerโfrom your app to the wire! Every layer adds its own tag to make sure your information gets to the right place safely and quickly. Think of it like wrapping your gift with care at each step! ๐๐
๐งญ Hop-by-hop, the frame travels the galactic highway of routers and switches! MACs and IPs light up the path, while routers steer your message through the best cosmic route. ๐๐ฅ
๐ Meet MPLS, your fast-lane intergalactic navigator! Instead of scanning every cosmic route, it tags your packets with special labels for swift and efficient travel across WAN space highways. ๐ฐ๏ธ๐
๐งฉ As data zooms into the MPLS realm, itโs handed a labelโlike a teleport pass! Routers no longer need to think twiceโthey just check the label and beam it to the next hop. โก๐ฐ๏ธ It's label swapping at light speed! ๐ซ
๐ Before the transmission even begins, MPLS crafts a path through the stars using LDP or RSVP-TE protocols. The result? ๐ฆ Less lag, smarter traffic lanes, prioritized packets, and a network that scales like a nebula expanding! ๐ก๐
๐ง โจ Welcome to MGREโa protocol wizard that connects multiple starbases through a single portal! Itโs like having one magic wormhole connecting multiple galaxies at once! ๐๐
๐ฆ GRE wraps your packet like a gift in a special space envelopeโcontaining not just what it is, but also how it should fly through the cosmos. Protocol? Check. Route? Ready. ๐๐ฌ
๐ GRE and MGRE are like digital duct tapeโwrapping any protocol, no matter how funky! MGRE upgrades the spellbook, letting one tunnel talk to many, and discover new endpoints dynamically like a space scout! ๐งช๐ฎ
๐ธ With MGRE, routers create tunnels like wormholesโdynamic, flexible, and ready to link up any distant system! Perfect for VPNs or roaming outposts that come and go. MGRE adapts like a galaxy with built-in intuition. ๐๐
๐พ iSCSI lets computers treat faraway storage as if itโs right next to them! It sends SCSI commands over IP networks, making it a cost-friendly and flexible solution for modern data centers and cloud setups. ๐๐ฆ
๐ The initiator sends commands to the target (a storage device) through the network using TCP/IP. No fancy cablesโjust good olโ Ethernet! ๐ง ๐ป Perfect for scalable storage adventures. ๐ช
๐ข Virtual machines treat iSCSI storage like itโs localโeven when itโs not! That means flexible data access, distributed storage, and high availability from anywhere in the data cosmos. ๐๐
๐ Confidentiality, Integrity, Availabilityโyour cybersecurity holy trinity! ๐ The CIA model protects data from prying eyes, corruption, and downtime. Itโs the guardian shield of your information. ๐ก๏ธ๐ก
๐ SIM gathers logs from security devices and analyzes them for patterns. Great for audits and complianceโitโs like keeping a diary of your networkโs safety! ๐๐ง
๐จ SEM detects live threats in real-time and jumps into action! It monitors events as they happen and can respond like a superhero with a mission. ๐ฆธโโ๏ธโก
๐งฉ SIEM combines SIMโs logging powers with SEMโs real-time detection skills to form one ultimate security force. Itโs like Voltron for your network. ๐ง ๐ก
๐ SIM logs, SEM watches, and SIEM unifiesโtogether they defend your systems from digital danger. Each one plays a vital role in modern IT fortresses. ๐ฐ๐ก
๐ Demarcation Points Explained โ This illustration or guide breaks down key networking concepts to help you master IT fundamentals. โจ๐ป
๐ฆ What is a Smartjack? โ This illustration or guide breaks down key networking concepts to help you master IT fundamentals. โจ๐ป
๐ฌ Inside a Smartjack: Appearance & Components โ This illustration or guide breaks down key networking concepts to help you master IT fundamentals. โจ๐ป
๐ How to Connect a Router โ Meet the Crew โ This illustration or guide breaks down key networking concepts to help you master IT fundamentals. โจ๐ป
๐ ๏ธ Router Config: Enable HTTP & Login โ This illustration or guide breaks down key networking concepts to help you master IT fundamentals. โจ๐ป
๐ Physical Connections: Modem, Router & PC โ This illustration or guide breaks down key networking concepts to help you master IT fundamentals. โจ๐ป
โ๏ธ Configuration Steps for Router & PC โ This illustration or guide breaks down key networking concepts to help you master IT fundamentals. โจ๐ป
โก Transistors โ Heroes of Electronics โ A visual and narrative guide into how transistors power everything from logic gates to routers. ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐ NPN Transistor: Layers & Operation โ A visual and narrative guide into how transistors power everything from logic gates to routers. ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐ PNP Transistor: Layers & Operation ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐ฏ Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) Overview ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐ก Transistors: Functions & Applications ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐ง Supporting Tech & Transistor Synergy ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐จ FPGA Security โ Reprogramming & Complexity ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐ก๏ธ Mitigation Strategies for FPGA Risks ๐ง โ๏ธ
๐ SD-WAN vs UDN โ Meet the Crew โ This scene dives deep into network evolution and virtual cosmos creation ๐โจ
๐ง SD-WAN: Centralized Smarts for Modern Networks ๐โจ
๐ง UDN: Custom Networking, User-Controlled ๐โจ
โ๏ธ Comparing SD-WAN and UDN โ Which Fits Best? ๐โจ
๐ Initiating Hyper-V VM โ A Sci-Fi Walkthrough ๐โจ
๐ ๏ธ Prepping the System for Hyper-V Setup ๐โจ
๐งญ Navigating and Activating Hyper-V Control ๐โจ
๐ฆ Building Your Virtual Machine ๐โจ
๐พ Configuring Virtual Storage and OS ๐โจ
๐ Powering and Managing Your VM Universe ๐โจ
๐ก๏ธ Router Security and Hardening โ Team Ready โ Follow this mission briefing to properly harden your home router and improve network security like a true space captain. ๐๐
โ๏ธ Step-by-Step Router Configuration Instructions โ Follow this mission briefing to properly harden your home router and improve network security like a true space captain. ๐๐
๐ Setting WPA3 and Enabling SSID Broadcast ๐๐
๐ก SSID, WPS, and Guest Network โ Security Insights ๐๐
๐ง Disable WPS & Update Firmware for Protection ๐๐
๐ง Hypervisors vs Containers โ The Showdown Begins โ Explore how hypervisors and containers compare in architecture, efficiency, and use cases. A must-know battle in the world of virtualization! ๐๐พ
๐ฅ๏ธ Hypervisors โ Virtual Machine Masters
โ๏ธ How Hypervisors Work โ A must-know battle in the world of virtualization! ๐๐พ
๐ฆ Virtual Containers โ Lightweight & Scalable โ Explore how hypervisors and containers compare in architecture, efficiency, and use cases. A must-know battle in the world of virtualization! ๐๐พ
๐ฌ How Containers Work ๐๐พ
โ๏ธ Key Differences: Hypervisors vs Containers ๐๐พ
๐ก๏ธ Explore the multiple layers of network security and learn how a single misconfiguration can leave your domain vulnerable. โ ๏ธ๐ง
๐ช Routers and firewalls form the walls and gates of your network fortressโconfigure them correctly to keep attackers at bay! ๐ฐ๐
๐ IDS, IPS, and proxy servers monitor and block malicious activityโdonโt let misconfigured alerts leave you blind to threats! ๐๐
๐ป NAC, antivirus, and EDR keep your devices locked downโverify every user and endpoint before granting access. ๐ฅ๏ธ๐ค
๐๏ธ Encryption, MFA, and robust backup solutions safeguard your critical data and identitiesโprotect the keys to your kingdom! ๐๐
๐ Explore the foundations of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) โ the go-to best practice framework. ๐โ๏ธ
โจ Get introduced to our ITIL heroes who will guide you through the service management journey. ๐ฉโ๐ป๐
๐๏ธ Learn how ITIL was born from the UK government and has evolved into a modern framework (ITIL 4) that integrates Agile, DevOps. ๐๐
๐ Dive into the heart of ITIL: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation. ๐๏ธ๐
๐ Learn how CSI drives ongoing enhancements.
Learn about the most common cyber threats
Some of the common terminology for cyber threats.
Learn more about hashing, salting and data encryption.
Learn about the best practices to keep your data safe.
๐ What is a terminal? Learn how a terminal and shell work together to interpret your commands and control your system like a digital wizard.
๐ Meet the most common shells: Bash, Zsh, Fish, PowerShell, and CMD โ each with their unique style and strengths.
๐ Navigate the terminal universe with commands for moving around, editing, and managing files.
๐ Superuser tricks, networking tools, and pro tips โ including ping, ssh, nmap, iptables, and more for power users and cybersecurity basics.
๐ป Explore how we speak to computers using code! From web development to systems programming, dive into a colorful guide to coding languages. ๐โจ
๐ HTML for structure, CSS for style, and JavaScript for logic! These tools are the backbone of websites and web apps. ๐ ๏ธ๐จ
๐ Python for flexibility, โ Java and C# for apps, and โ๏ธ C/C++/Rust for system-level magic. Get to know the powerhouse languages behind your software. ๐ง ๐
๐งช Automate with Bash & PowerShell, analyze data with R, Python, and Julia! These languages shine in research, admin work, and AI. ๐๐
๐ What is a File System?
A file system organizes, stores, and retrieves files on a storage device. It acts like a digital library catalog ๐, keeping everything in order so you can find it later. ๐ง ๐พ
โจ Breaks storage into blocks
โจ Keeps track of file names, sizes, timestamps, and locations
โจ Manages access, integrity, free space, and deleted files
โ ๏ธ FAT32 โ Simple and compatible but 4GB file limit
๐ exFAT โ Great for large USBs, cross-platform
๐ช NTFS โ Windows: permissions, encryption, compression
โ
Best Practices:
๐ Use minimal necessary permissions
๐ฆ Use journaling FS like NTFS/ext4
๐ฌ Encrypt with GPG, BitLocker
๐ Backup regularly
โ๏ธ Cloud computing lets you store and access data and apps over the internet instead of on your local device. It's like Netflix for your files! ๐๐ป
๐ง The cloud runs on data centers full of servers that store files, run applications, and deliver services remotely. Itโs fast, scalable, and available on-demand! ๐ฆ๐
๐ ๏ธ IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS are the building blocks of cloud services! Plus, there are public, private, and hybrid clouds depending on how you deploy. ๐
๐ Cloud security combines provider protections and user best practices. The future is green, smart, and decentralized with AI, edge computing, and more! ๐ฑ๐ค
๐ง Discover how drivers, updates, and power settings silently keep your devices running smoothly โ the unsung heroes of your tech setup!
๐ง Drivers are like translators between your operating system and your hardware. Without them, your computer wouldnโt know how to talk to your printer, speakers, or graphics card!
๐ Power settings decide how much energy your system uses and when it sleeps or shuts off. Perfect for laptops, servers, and desktops to save energy or boost performance!
๐ ๏ธ Got weird glitches or update issues? These handy tips help you fix drivers, run updates safely, and fine-tune your power settings like a pro!
๐พ Meet your new IT hero who bridges the machine's brain and our digital world! Learn how binary, databases, and SQL form the core of every digital system.
๐ง Binary is the foundation of everything in computing โ from files to processing power. Discover how computers speak in 1s and 0s, and why those tiny bits matter!
๐๏ธ Databases keep everything organized โ and SQL is the magic language we use to interact with them. Learn how to retrieve, update, and protect data like a pro!
๐ฅ๏ธ Operating systems are the digital bridge that lets you speak to your device. From desktops to smartphones, theyโre the reason your apps work and your files open.
๐ก An OS is the master controller of your computerโmanaging apps, memory, files, and more. Without it, even the most powerful machine would sit blank and confused.
๐ Keep your system safe with updates, encryption, strong passwords, and careful user privileges. Your OS is the foundationโprotect it like a digital fortress!
๐ Your systemโs life begins with the boot process, and its health depends on how well you troubleshoot and monitor it. These three skills form the core of every IT hero's toolkit!
๐ก Learn how your computer starts each dayโfrom power-on to login screen. This step-by-step journey is essential for diagnosing hardware or startup issues.
๐ Discover how first-line IT support handles technical problemsโfrom gathering details, applying fixes, and checking logs to keeping users calm and systems running strong.