Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer
Networking
1.1 Overview
Networking is crucial for IT careers.
This course builds foundational networking knowledge.
Uses the Internet as an example to explain core concepts.
1.2 What is the Internet?
A global network of networks.
Composed of ISPs (Internet Service Providers), datacenters, enterprise networks, etc.
Uses packet switching for communication.
Hosts (end systems) run applications at the network’s edge.
Communication happens through protocols (rules for data exchange).
1.3 What is a Protocol?
Definition: A set of rules governing message transmission.
Example of human protocol: "Hi" → "Hi" (greeting exchange).
Example of network protocol: TCP handshake, HTTP requests.
Protocols ensure messages are structured correctly and actions are predictable.
Common protocols:
HTTP (Web)
TCP/IP (Data transmission)
WiFi, Ethernet (Network access)
1.4 Network Edge
Hosts (End Systems)
Clients (request data) and servers (provide data).
Servers often reside in datacenters.
Access Networks (Connecting Users to the Internet)
Residential Access Networks:
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Uses telephone lines.
Downstream: 24-52 Mbps.
Upstream: 3.5-16 Mbps.
Cable Internet (HFC - Hybrid Fiber Coax): Uses coaxial cables.
Downstream: Up to 1.2 Gbps.
Upstream: 30-100 Mbps.
Wireless Networks:
WiFi (WLANs): 11-450 Mbps.
4G/5G Cellular Networks: 10+ Mbps over long distances.
Enterprise Networks: Uses Ethernet (wired) and WiFi (wireless).
1.5 Network Core
Mesh of interconnected routers.
Packet Switching vs. Circuit Switching:
Packet Switching: Data is broken into packets, sent independently, reassembled at the destination.
Circuit Switching: End-to-end dedicated resources for a connection (used in traditional telephony).
Packet Transmission Delay Formula:
L
dtrans =
R
Where:
L = Packet length (bits)
R = Transmission rate (bits/sec)
Queueing Delay & Loss:
If incoming packets exceed router buffer capacity, packets are queued or dropped.
1.6 Network Performance Metrics
1.6.1 Packet Delay
dtotal = dproc + dqueue + dtrans + dprop
Where:
dproc = Processing delay (error checking, routing)
dqueue = Queueing delay (waiting in buffer)
dtrans = Transmission delay ( RL )
dprop = Propagation delay ( ds , where d = distance, s = signal speed)
1.6.2 Throughput
Definition: The rate of successful data delivery.
Formula:
R
Throughput = min(Rs , Rc , )
N
Where:
Rs = Server sending rate
Rc = Client receiving rate
R = Bottleneck link rate
N = Number of competing connections
1.7 Internet Structure: A "Network of Networks"
Access ISPs connect homes to the Internet.
Tier-1 ISPs (e.g., AT&T, NTT) provide international coverage.
IXPs (Internet Exchange Points) allow inter-ISP connections.
CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) improve performance by caching content closer to users.
1.8 Protocol Layers and Models
1.8.1 Why Layering?
Organizes complex networks into manageable parts.
Each layer serves a specific function.
A change in one layer doesn’t affect others.
1.8.2 OSI Model (7 Layers)
1. Physical Layer (Bits on wire)
2. Data Link Layer (Ethernet, WiFi)
3. Network Layer (IP, routing)
4. Transport Layer (TCP/UDP)
5. Session Layer (Synchronization, checkpointing)
6. Presentation Layer (Encryption, compression)
7. Application Layer (HTTP, SMTP)
1.8.3 TCP/IP Model (5 Layers)
1. Physical (Cables, radio waves)
2. Link (Ethernet, WiFi)
3. Network (IP, routing)
4. Transport (TCP, UDP)
5. Application (HTTP, DNS, FTP)
1.8.4 Encapsulation
Each layer adds a header to the data from the layer above.
Example:
Application message → Transport segment → Network datagram → Link frame.
1.9 Summary
The Internet is a collection of interconnected networks.
Protocols define communication rules.
Network edge consists of hosts and access networks.
Network core is responsible for packet switching and routing.
Performance is measured by delay, loss, and throughput.
Layered architecture simplifies network design.
