[singlepic id=826 w=320 h=240 float=right]Here’s some more basic principles of networking that you can hopefully pick up in 60 seconds or less! We like to call this post 60 Second Tech!

The information here is good to know for real world administration, but will also help you in preparing for certain CompTIA certifications, such as A+, Network+ and Security+.

 Listen to 60 Second Audio Explanation Here

Unicasting on a network:

Unicasting is also sometimes refered to ask a “Directed Cast”, meaning that it is directed towards one device on the network and is generally meant to be received by only that one device. In a “Hub” based network, Unicasts are received by all devices on a subnet just as a broadcast would be, however the difference is that in Unicasting, packets that aren’t meant for other devices are in turn dropped by those devices. The device that the unicast is meant for, if available, will in turn be the one to reply back.

“Switch” based networking is ideal for unicast transmissions in that they have the ability to receive data and deliver straight to the device that it’s meant for. This can make a big difference in network performance as well as security!

Unicasting is not a great method of transmission when multiple network devices need to receive the same data, that is where multicasting comes in to play(we’ll post info on that later).

Want to know more about networking in Windows based operating systems? Check out MCITP or MCSE training. To learn more about Hubs and Switches check out our CCNA course!

By: Chris Pope – MCT, MCITP:Enterprise, Admin, MCSE:Security, MCTS:Exchange, MCSA:Messenger,A+,Network+,Security+