how to switch networks

Network Connectivity Management

Wireless Network Selection

Details on the process of identifying and selecting from available wireless networks. This includes scanning for broadcasting Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), understanding signal strength indicators, and recognizing network security protocols.

SSID Visibility and Hidden Networks

Explanation of SSID broadcasting, how it facilitates network discovery, and the implications of hidden networks which require manual configuration.

Wireless Security Protocols

  • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): Description of WEP, its weaknesses, and its deprecation.
  • WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): Explanation of WPA, including TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), and its improvements over WEP.
  • WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2): Description of WPA2, including CCMP (Counter Cipher Mode with Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol) using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), and its enhanced security.
  • WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3): Explanation of WPA3 and its enhancements, including SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) for stronger password protection and enhanced open Wi-Fi security.

Wired Network Configuration

Explanation of configuring a device for wired network access, including connecting via Ethernet cables and obtaining an IP address.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

Explanation of DHCP and its role in automatically assigning IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses to devices.

Static IP Configuration

Details on manually configuring IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses. Includes considerations for avoiding IP address conflicts and ensuring proper network connectivity.

Operating System Network Settings

Windows Network Configuration

Overview of network settings within the Windows operating system, including the Network and Sharing Center, adapter settings, and TCP/IP configuration.

macOS Network Configuration

Overview of network settings within the macOS operating system, including System Preferences -> Network, and manual configuration options.

Mobile Operating System Network Management (iOS and Android)

Explanation of wireless and cellular network management on iOS and Android devices, including accessing network settings, managing preferred networks, and configuring VPN connections.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Explanation of VPN technology, its purpose in creating secure connections over public networks, and the different types of VPN protocols (e.g., OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP).

Troubleshooting Network Connectivity

Common issues and troubleshooting steps for network connectivity problems, including checking cable connections, verifying IP addresses, restarting network devices, and utilizing network diagnostic tools (e.g., ping, traceroute).