Chapter 8 - Applied Networking Fundamentals
Learn about network building blocks (Routers, Switches, WAPs), network hardware components, cable types, resource sharing, and cloud computing with video tutorials.
2026-08-24 · 4 min read
Hello my friend! Today we learn together Chapter 8: Applied Networking Fundamentals with simple step-by-step explanation and video tutorials in Khmer language! Hope you learning this lesson and get more knowledge from this! Let's enjoy it!
If you want to see all lessons list, check out All Chapters of Computer Fundamentals! Now let's get started!
1. Network Building Blocks: WAPs, Switches & Routers
Wireless access points, switches, and routers are the 3 core building blocks of modern computer networks:
- Wireless Access Point (WAP) : Broadcasts wireless Wi-Fi radio signals so mobile phones and laptops can connect without cables.
- Network Switch : The central junction box inside an office LAN! Connects multiple wired computers using Ethernet cables so devices can send data to each other.
- Router : The gateway traffic controller! Connects your internal local network (LAN) out to foreign networks and the global Internet (WAN).
💡 Pro Tip: A home Wi-Fi box from your ISP is actually a 3-in-1 combo device! It combines a Router, 4-port Switch, and Wireless Access Point into one plastic box.
Watch Video Tutorial (Part 1: Network Building Blocks)
2. Network Types & Architecture Models
- Client-Server Network : Centralized design where 1 powerful server computer manages security, file storage, and user logins for 100 client PCs.
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network : Simple decentralized design where all computers are equal and share files directly with each other without a central server.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Peer-to-Peer network for small home setups (2–5 PCs). Use Client-Server network for schools and company offices needing central security!
Watch Video Tutorial (Part 2: Network Principles & Types)
3. Physical Network Hardware & Devices
- NIC (Network Interface Card) : Circuit card on computer with RJ-45 Ethernet port for plugging in network cables.
- Modem (Modulator-Demodulator) : Converts analog signals from ISP fiber optic / coaxial line into digital data for your router.
- Hardware Firewall : Dedicated security box placed between Router and Internet line to block malicious hacker traffic.
Watch Video Tutorial (Part 3: Network Devices & Hardware)
4. Cables, Connectors & Resource Sharing
- Cat5e / Cat6 Ethernet Cable : Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) copper wire used for fast 1Gbps / 10Gbps network speeds.
- RJ-45 Connector : Plastic clip plugged into Ethernet ports.
- Network Sharing : Right-click a folder in Windows $\rightarrow$ Properties $\rightarrow$ Sharing to share files across office network with password protection.
⚠️ Network Cable Tip: When crimping RJ-45 connectors onto Ethernet cable, follow official T568B color standard (Orange-White, Orange, Green-White, Blue, Blue-White, Green, Brown-White, Brown)!
Watch Video Tutorial (Part 4: Cables, Connectors & Sharing)
5. Remote Connections & Cloud Computing
- Remote Desktop (RDP / TeamViewer / AnyDesk) : Connect to and control another computer screen remotely across the internet.
- Cloud Computing Models :
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) : Rent virtual servers & storage (AWS EC2, Azure).
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) : Rent developer environment to deploy web apps (Vercel, Heroku).
- SaaS (Software as a Service) : Ready-to-use web apps (Google Drive, Microsoft 365, Gmail).
Watch Video Tutorial (Part 5: Remote Connections & Cloud Computing)
💡 Want to learn more? Check full lesson list here: All Chapters of Computer Fundamentals!
Happy learning networking fundamentals and cloud services, my friend!