Read: Class 07 Web Server Deployment
Nginx is an open source HTTP and reverse proxy server, a mail proxy server, and a generic TCP/UDP proxy server, originally written by Igor Sysoev that offers exceptionally fast and scalable performance. It uses an event-based architecture, which allows it to manage multiple client connections simultaneously without significantly increasing the server load. In addition, Nginx is highly customizable and can be configured to meet a wide variety of server needs, from serving simple web pages to providing high-definition video streaming services.
One of Nginx's key advantages is its ability to handle large amounts of incoming traffic. It uses a modular architecture, which allows server administrators to easily add or remove resources as needed to handle unexpected traffic spikes. This makes Nginx a popular choice for high-traffic sites, such as large enterprises and web hosting service providers.
In summary, Nginx is a powerful web server tool that offers high performance, scalability and security. It is highly customizable and can be configured to meet a wide variety of server needs, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
One the most common Network Architectures is the three-layer architecture. The initial layer, called the network core, houses critical services such as web servers, database servers and name servers. On the other hand, the distribution layer regulates the communication between end users and the network core. Finally, the access layer serves as the domain of end users, equipped with an access switch that provides connection to the core through a distribution switch. Interestingly, the architecture bears similarities to urban structural organization, with the core being the central business district, the distribution layer serving as main roads and the access layer representing residential areas.
For this, Computer network virtualization is needed, it involves separating the functions of network devices into three distinct operational planes, namely the data plane, the control plane and the management plane. This separation is used in software-defined networking (SDN), which is a new software-defined networking solution. By separating network functions into these distinct planes, SDN allows network administrators to have a better understanding of network operations and management, leading to greater efficiency and control of network resources.
The hub is a multi-port repeater, which means that any information that is entered on one port will be repeated on all other interfaces on the hub. The hub is considered a level 1 device in the OSI model because it does not make intelligent decisions about where to send data.
Although hubs are almost obsolete, they are still used in some networks. However, they have the disadvantage that they operate only in half duplex mode, which means that you can send or receive information from the hub, but you cannot do both at the same time. Also, as network activity and traffic increases, network efficiency decreases.
Instead of hubs, switches are used today. A switch is similar to a bridge, which was used before switches existed, except that a switch is capable of making data forwarding decisions based on the destination MAC address in hardware, while a bridge does this in software. A switch is considered a level 2 device in the OSI model.
Modern switches have many interfaces and can include features such as Power over Ethernet (PoE), which provides power to devices connected to it, such as VoIP phones or wireless access points.
Routers are used to connect different IP subnets together, usually in local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs, respectively). A router makes data forwarding decisions based on the IP address, i.e. level 3 of the OSI model. However, some devices combine router and switch functions, and are called layer 3 switches.
Following is an overview of the many network devices:
Source: Techjockey.com
Some common types of fiber optic connectors include LC connectors, which have two fibers and use locking connectors; ST connectors, which also use locking connectors but with a bayonet connection; subscriber connectors (SC), which have a square face and use a unique locking mechanism; and mechanical transfer registered jack (MT-RJ) connectors, which are very small and use a locking mechanism on top.
Return loss is the amount of light that is reflected back to the source, which can create inefficiencies in light transfer. Ultra-polished connectors (UPC) have a high return loss because the bushings are connecting together at an angle of 0 degrees, which reflects some light back to the original station. Angled polished connectors (APC) have a lower return loss because there is a slight 8 degree angle between the connector types, so some light is reflected back at an angle away from the source.
For voice communications, RJ11 connectors are common, which are sixth-position connectors with only two internal conductors (also called 6P2C). For Ethernet connections, RJ45 connectors are commonly used, which are eight-position connectors with all eight conductors used. RJ11 and RJ45 connectors are similar in construction, but the size of the connectors is different.
There are several Ethernet standards that specify the technical characteristics of cables, connectors, data transmission speeds and other specifications related to Ethernet network communication. Some of the most common Ethernet standards include:
10BASE-T: the oldest Ethernet standard, which specifies a data transmission speed of up to 10 Mbps over category 3 or higher twisted pair cables. 100BASE-TX: specifies a data rate of up to 100 Mbps through category 5 twisted pair or higher cables. 1000BASE-T, also known as Gigabit Ethernet, specifies a data rate of up to 1 Gbps through category 5e twisted pair or higher. 10GBASE-T: Specifies a data rate of up to 10 Gbps on Category 6A twisted pair or higher. 40GBASE-T: specifies a data rate of up to 40 Gbps over Category 8 or higher twisted pair cables. In addition to these standards, there are also fibre-based Ethernet standards such as 1000BASE-SX, which specifies a data transmission speed of up to 1 Gbps over multi-mode fibre optic cables, and 10GBASE-SR, which specifies a data transmission speed of up to 10 Gbps over multi-mode fibre optic cables.
Ethernet standards are important to ensure that network devices can communicate with each other efficiently and reliably, regardless of manufacturer or model. When selecting an Ethernet cable or connector, it is important to verify that they meet the specifications of the appropriate standard to ensure that the network functions properly.