# Introduction In this lab, we'll explore the fundamentals of network communication using a versatile networking tool called Netcat. Imagine you're a secret agent needing to send messages to your headquarters through a secure channel. How would you establish a direct connection and exchange information? This is where Netcat comes into play. Netcat, often called the "Swiss Army knife" of networking tools, allows you to read from and write to network connections using TCP or UDP protocols. It's a simple yet powerful tool used by IT professionals and security experts for various tasks, from debugging network issues to creating basic chat systems. In this hands-on lab, you'll learn: 1. How to install and set up Netcat 2. The basics of client-server communication 3. How to use Netcat to create a simple chat system 4. The concept of ports in network communication 5. How to implement basic encryption for secure communication Let's embark on this journey into the world of network communication!
Click the virtual machine below to start practicing