Computer Network - Comprehensive Notes for Competitive Exams
1. Introduction to Computer Networks
- A computer network is a system of interconnected devices for communication and resource
sharing.
- Types: LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN.
- Advantages: Resource sharing, fast communication, cost efficiency.
2. Network Topologies
- Bus: Single backbone cable; failure disrupts communication.
- Star: Devices connect to a central hub; reliable but costly.
- Ring: Data travels in a loop; failure in one device affects all.
- Mesh: Every device connects to every other; expensive but fault-tolerant.
- Hybrid: Combination of two or more topologies.
3. Network Devices
- Router: Connects different networks and routes data.
- Switch: Directs data packets within a network.
- Hub: Broadcasts data to all connected devices.
- Modem: Converts digital signals to analog and vice versa.
- Repeater: Amplifies weak signals.
- Gateway: Connects networks with different protocols.
- Access Point: Provides wireless connectivity.
4. Network Models
- OSI Model (7 Layers): Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application.
- TCP/IP Model (4 Layers): Network Interface, Internet, Transport, Application.
5. Networking Protocols
- IP: Addressing and routing data.
- TCP: Reliable data transmission.
- UDP: Faster but unreliable data transfer.
- HTTP/HTTPS: Web browsing.
- FTP: File sharing.
- SMTP: Email transmission.
- DNS: Converts domain names to IP addresses.
- ICMP: Error reporting & diagnostics.
6. IP Addressing
- IPv4: 32-bit, four decimal numbers (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
- IPv6: 128-bit, hexadecimal notation (e.g., 2001:db8::1).
- IP Classes: A, B, C, D, E.
7. Subnetting & CIDR
- Subnetting: Dividing a network into smaller networks.
- CIDR: Flexible subnetting (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24).
8. Network Security
- Firewall: Filters incoming & outgoing traffic.
- Antivirus: Protects against malware.
- Encryption: Secures data (SSL, TLS).
- VPN: Encrypts internet connections.
- IDS/IPS: Detects and prevents cyber threats.
9. Wireless Networking
- Wi-Fi: Wireless LAN using radio waves.
- Bluetooth: Short-range communication.
- 3G/4G/5G: Mobile network generations.
- Access Point: Extends Wi-Fi coverage.
10. Cloud Computing & Virtualization
- Cloud Computing: Internet-based computing services (AWS, Azure).
- Virtualization: Running multiple virtual machines on a single server.
11. Internet of Things (IoT)
- IoT: Interconnected smart devices communicating via the internet.
- Examples: Smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare devices.
12. Important Network Commands
- ping: Checks network connectivity.
- ipconfig / ifconfig: Displays IP configuration.
- tracert / traceroute: Shows path to a destination.
- netstat: Displays network connections.
- nslookup: Queries DNS information.
- arp -a: Displays ARP table.
- telnet: Remote login to another computer.
13. Common Network Issues & Troubleshooting
- No internet: Restart router, check cables.
- Slow network: Limit bandwidth usage, upgrade hardware.
- IP conflict: Assign static IP or use DHCP.
- DNS error: Flush DNS cache, use different DNS.
- Packet loss: Check for faulty cables, interference.