After reading this chapter, you should have a fundamental understanding of how computer networks work. Specifically, it's important to understand how TCP and UDP differ and how port scanning itself functions. Now that you know that the Internet works as a very large computer network—and that you can also scan machines locally on your LAN—you should have a solid foundation to continue learning how Nmap works, and the advanced features that you can use in a plethora of situations.

In the next chapter, we will learn how to conduct a basic Nmap scan in order to get results in the most common situations. This next chapter will get you on your feet and scanning different types of ports and services!