1: Introduction to Network Architectures

Objective

• Implement secure design principles in network architectures.
• Secure network components.
• Implement secure communication channels according to design.

Recent updates in Domain 4 stress the assessment and implementation of secure design principles.

Key Concepts in Network Architectures:

1. Micro-segmentation: Splits the data center into logical segments, enhancing security and boosting efficiency.

2. Software Defined Networks (SDN): A flexible and programmable network technology fostering efficient resource management.

3. Virtual eXtensible Local Area Network (VXLAN): Employs encapsulation for network virtualization, addressing scalability challenges.

4. Encapsulation: A method wherein data packets are enveloped with protocol data.

5. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN): An advanced strategy for optimizing WAN management and functioning.

Analog vs. Digital

In the realm of signal processing and communication, data can be represented in two fundamental ways: analog and digital. Each has its own distinct characteristics and advantages, depending on the context of its use.

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Analog

• Communications: Occur via a continuous signal. This varies in elements like frequency, amplitude, phase, and voltage.
  • This continuous variation creates a wave shape.
• Issues:
  • Analog signals can get corrupted due to attenuation over long distances and interference.

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Digital

• Communications: Employ a discontinuous electrical signal. This is characterized by state changes or on-off pulses. This leads to more reliability over extreme distances and amid interference.
• Binary Representation: Digital signals use voltage states.
  • Voltage "on" signifies a binary '1'.
  • Voltage "off" signifies a binary '0'.
  • These on-off pulses result in a stream of binary data.

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