• Unit 7: Multimedia, Security, and Cloud Computation over the Internet

    Multimedia over the Internet is incredibly popular. This unit discusses the protocols for transmitting multimedia content like voice and video over the Internet. It discusses security, reliability, and fault tolerance issues related to Internet applications. We also introduce cloud computing and briefly discuss network remote access and directory services.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • compare application protocols, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet Protocol television (IPTV);
      • describe some typical challenges for TCP/IP security and their solutions;
      • improve TCP/IP security by using security protocols;
      • illustrate how IT professionals use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to enhance security in the workplace;
      • evaluate remote access and directory services;
      • apply fault tolerance techniques to improve network reliability; and
      • describe the basis of cloud computing over the Internet.

    • 7.1: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

      • SIP and RTP: Overview of VoIP Communication Page

        This article discusses one of the most popular network applications: Voice over IP. There are several industry protocols for Voice over IP. One of the most popular and widely accepted is the IETF protocol SIP. As you read, pay special attention to the registering and calling process.

    • 7.2: Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)

      • IPTV Page

        Watch this video from 4:04 to 34:12. It discusses Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), a technology that streams live TV over the Internet. Unlike regular streaming, IPTV requires a strong Internet connection that can simultaneously handle TV, Internet, and voice calls. IPTV uses specialized networks to maintain consistent quality.

        Pay attention to how TV channels are converted into digital formats for transmission, the efficiency of multicast technology in sending streams to multiple viewers, and the importance of network management. The video demonstrates how multicast efficiently distributes TV content, which reduces internet load. What technologies support this infrastructure from the network to your living room? How does IPTV combine the reliability of traditional TVs with the versatility of the Internet?

    • 7.3: TCP/IP Security

      • Security Problems with Internet Architecture Page

        Read this section and focus on DoS attacks, intrusion, hijacking, Web authentication attacks, and weaknesses in Internet architecture.

      • Firewalls Page

        When you first used your computer to access the Internet, what was the first security technique you heard about? How does a firewall protect your system from the "evil-doers" lurking on the Internet?

    • 7.4: Cloud Computing

      • Cloud Computing Page

        As you watch this video, concentrate on virtualization and deployment models like private, community, public, and hybrid clouds. When is cloud computing beneficial, such as for businesses requiring scalability? When may it not be suitable due to regulatory or stability reasons? What needs do the service models SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS serve? Which deployment model fits certain business scenarios? How does virtualization support cloud computing?

      • Cloud Computing vs. On-Premise Solutions Page

        Watch this video, which discusses the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing and when it makes sense for companies to move to the cloud.

    • 7.5: AAA Protocol, Network Remote Access, and Directory Services

      • AAA Protocol Page

        Read this article and make sure you can describe when and where authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) are used.

      • Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) Page

        Authentication services act as the first line of defense to confirm identities through credentials like usernames and passwords. The AAA validates user access, authorizes resource use, and logs activity. The Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) protocol manages remote access authentication. What are its security implications, particularly the potential risks of only encrypting passwords? What are the potential consequences of authentication failure?

      • Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus (TACACS+) Page

        Watch this video from 16:26 to 28:09. Consider the distinctions between TACACS+ and RADIUS. TACACS+ is the go-to for WAN environments, with its robust logging and TCP-based encryption encompassing the whole packet. RADIUS is UDP-based and is favored in LAN settings for its speed and selective encryption of user credentials.

        TACACS+ is relatively complex, while RADIUS has a more straightforward configuration process and improved resource efficiency. Both protocols are compatible with various authentication methods and directory services, but TACACS+ typically stands out for comprehensive accounting. Is the complexity of TACACS+ justified by its benefits? How often do network professionals use debugging tools to scrutinize authentication logs and maintain network security?

      • Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and Directory Services Page

        Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) manages and accesses directory information over a network. LDAP is structured hierarchically within the Directory Information Tree. How might this hierarchy influence the way you query and retrieve information?

        LDAP communications are not encrypted by default. Therefore, while LDAP is useful for authentication and directory services, securing LDAP communications with SSL or TLS is essential due to its unencrypted nature. Why it might be crucial to implement SSL or TLS in LDAP interactions? What are the roles of directory schemas and query mechanisms?

    • 7.6: Network Reliability and Fault Tolerance

      • Network Reliability Page

        Watch this video on TCP and reliable data delivery. Why does TCP divide a file into packets, and how do sequence numbers aid in reconstruction at the destination? Consider TCP's response to packet loss and the role of acknowledgments in ensuring complete data transfer. How does TCP determine when to resend packets, and how does the timeout mechanism deal with delayed or out-of-order packets? Each element of TCP's design is essential for the protocol's ability to deliver data reliably over the Internet.

    • 7.7: Network Security Techniques

      • Network Security Scanner Nmap Page

        If you want to practice, follow these steps, which will instruct you on using port-scanning techniques to administrate a large network.

      • Virtual Networks Page

        Read this detailed description of VPNs and how they can be used to improve network security.

      • Virtual Network Computing (VNC) Page

        If you would like to practice, follow these steps to control your computer from a mobile device via Virtual Network Computing. Virtual Network Computing is a graphical desktop sharing system. It uses the Remote Frame Butter Protocol to control another computer remotely. Even if you choose not to try this activity, reading it can still be valuable since it explains the difference between RDP and VNC.

      • Enabling Remote Desktops on Windows Page

        If you have a Windows computer, you can try following these steps to control your computer from a mobile device.

    • Unit 7 Assessment

      • Unit 7 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.