Job Interview Presentation: Your Name - What The Interview W

Job Interview Presentationyour Namethe Interview Will Focus On Networ

Provide a brief overview of basic networking concepts including LAN topologies, the OSI model, network devices, protocols, IP addressing, subnet masks, and autonomous systems. The presentation should demonstrate understanding of fundamental networking principles relevant to cybersecurity operations, especially for the United States Cyber Command.

Paper For Above instruction

Networking fundamentals are crucial for effective cybersecurity operations, particularly within an organization like the United States Cyber Command, which relies on advanced technological infrastructure. These fundamentals encompass various network designs, models, devices, and protocols that form the backbone of secure communication and data exchange.

1. Basic LAN Topologies

Three fundamental local area network (LAN) topologies are bus, star, and ring. The bus topology connects all devices to a common central cable or bus, allowing data to flow in both directions along the cable. It is simple but can become a point of failure; if the main cable fails, the entire network becomes inoperable. The star topology connects all devices to a central switch or hub, providing a more reliable structure, as failure in one link doesn't affect the entire network; it is also easier to manage and troubleshoot. The ring topology forms a circular data path where each device connects to exactly two other devices, creating a ring; data travels in one direction, passing through each device until reaching the intended recipient. Each of these topologies has unique advantages and vulnerabilities suited to different organizational needs.

2. Network Topology Descriptions

3. OSI Model Layers

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model divides networking into seven layers, each with specific functions:

Each layer has specific functions essential for network communication. The Application layer interacts directly with software applications, providing network services. The Presentation layer ensures data is in a usable format, handling encryption, compression, and translation. The Session layer manages sessions or connections between applications. The Transport layer provides end-to-end communication, ensuring data integrity and flow control, often through protocols like TCP and UDP. The Network layer handles logical addressing and routing, directing data packets across networks. The Data Link layer facilitates node-to-node transfer and manages hardware addressing and error detection. The Physical layer transmits raw bitstreams over physical mediums like cables or wireless signals.

4. Internet Connectivity and Ownership Change Point

The point where operational control shifts from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to the United States Cyber Command occurs at the demarcation point or demarc. This physical point marks the boundary between the provider's network infrastructure and the customer's (or organization's) internal network. In cybersecurity, understanding this boundary is critical for implementing security measures, monitoring traffic, and controlling access.

5. Common Network Devices

6. Protocols and Port Numbers

7. IP Address Ranges by Class

• Class A: 1.0.0.0 to 126.255.255.255
• Class B: 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255
• Class C: 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255

8. Default Subnet Masks

9. Purpose of an Autonomous System

An autonomous system (AS) is a collection of IP routing prefixes under the control of a single administrative entity that presents a common routing policy to the internet. Its primary purpose is to facilitate efficient routing within and between networks by using protocols such as BGP (Border Gateway Protocol). Autonomous systems allow organizations and ISPs to control traffic flows, implement policies, and ensure network stability and security. They are essential in large-scale internet routing, providing a structured means to manage complex interconnections among diverse networks while maintaining routing policies and security frameworks.

Conclusion

Understanding fundamental networking concepts like LAN topologies, the OSI model, key network devices, protocols with their associated ports, IP addressing, subnet masks, and autonomous systems forms the foundation for cybersecurity professionals. These elements are vital in designing, securing, and managing networks, especially within high-security environments like those operated by the United States Cyber Command. Mastery of these basics enables cybersecurity teams to pinpoint vulnerabilities, implement appropriate controls, and efficiently respond to threats, ensuring robust and resilient network operations.

References

• Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Pearson.
• Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer Networks (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
• Stallings, W. (2013). Data and Computer Communications. Pearson.
• Forouzan, B. A. (2007). Data Communications and Networking. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Odom, W. (2017). Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.
• Oppenheimer, P. (2012). Top-Down Networking. Cisco Press.
• IEEE Standards Association. (2020). IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Standards. IEEE.
• Craft, B., & Paquet, M. (2007). Internetworking with TCP/IP. Pearson.
• Internet Society. (2020). BGP (Border Gateway Protocol). Internet Society.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). (2021). Cybersecurity Foundations. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.