Topic: Computer Networks, Communication,
and the Internet
1. Introduction to Computer Networks
Definition
A computer network is a group of two or more computers connected together to share resources
(like files, printers, and internet access) and communicate with each other.
______________________________________________________________________________
Types of Networks
a). Based on Size
Network Type Description Example
Covers a small area like a room,
LAN (Local Area Network) School computer lab
building, or school.
MAN (Metropolitan Area City-wide internet café
Covers a city or town.
Network) network
Covers a large area like a country or
WAN (Wide Area Network) The Internet
world.
b). Based on Architecture
Type Description
Client-Server Network
One main computer (server) provides services to others (clients).
Type Description
Peer-to-Peer Network
All computers share resources equally without a central server.
______________________________________________________________________________
Network Devices
Device Function
Router Connects different networks and directs data.
Switch
Connects multiple devices in a LAN and sends data to the correct
device.
Firstly, when these networking devices receive information,
network hubs broadcast the data to all connected devices. In
contrast, network switches identify the Media Access Control
(MAC) address in the data packet header to transmit the data
only to the single device that requested it.
Hub Like a switch, but sends data to all devices. Less efficient.
Modem Connects a computer to the internet via telephone or fiber lines.
Device Function
Network Interface Card
(NIC)
Allows a computer to connect to a network.
Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
MODEM ROUTER
COMPARISON
Meaning Modem is a device that has a Router is a device that
combination of a signal connects multiple
modulator and a signal networks together.
demodulator.
Work A modem converts digital Router examines a data
signal of your computer to the packet and determine it's
analog signal of telephone line path to reach the
and vice-versa. destination computer.
BASIS FOR
MODEM ROUTER
COMPARISON
Purpose Modem brings in the requested Router distributes that
information from the internet to requested information to
your network. your computer.
Internet Modem is essential to access You can access the
the internet as it connects your internet without using a
computer to ISP. router.
Layer Modem operates on Data link Router operates at the
layer. Physical Layer, Data Link
Layer, Network Layer.
Security Modem does not examine data Router examine every
packet; hence, security threat data packet before
is always there. forwarding it, to determine
the threat.
Placed A modem is placed between a A router is placed between
telephone line and a router or a modem and a computer
directly to the computer. network.
BASIS FOR
MODEM ROUTER
COMPARISON
Registered Jack Modem connects to a router Router connects to the
using RJ45 and to the computer network via
telephone line using RJ11. RJ45.
Communication Media (Transmission Media)
A. Wired (Physical) Media
Type Description
Twisted Pair Cable Common in LANs. Cheap but slow.
Coaxial Cable Used in TV and some networks. Faster than twisted pair.
Fiber Optic Cable Very fast, uses light to transmit data. Expensive and used in WANs.
B. Wireless Media
Type Description
Wi-Fi Wireless local area network. Used in homes and schools.
Bluetooth Short-range wireless communication.
Infrared Line-of-sight communication. Rarely used now.
Satellite Used for communication in remote areas.
Type Description
Microwave
Used in long-distance wireless transmission..e.g. radios, phones
, TVs
______________________________________________________________________________
Network Topologies
A topology is the layout or structure of a network.
Topology Description Diagram
Bus All devices connected to a single cable.
Star All devices connect to a central hub/switch.
Ring Devices are connected in a circular fashion.
Mesh Every device is connected to every other device.
Tree Combination of star and bus. Hierarchical structure.
______________________________________________________________________________
Internet and its Services
Definition
The Internet is a global network of computers that are connected and communicate using
standard protocols.
Common Internet Services
Service Description
Email Sending and receiving messages over the internet.
World Wide Web
Collection of web pages accessible via browsers.
(WWW)
Platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter/X for
Social Media
communication.
Video Conferencing Real-time video communication (e.g., Zoom, Skype).
File Transfer Downloading and uploading files (e.g., Google Drive).
Online Education Learning through online platforms like Moodle, Khan Academy.
Web-Related Terms
Term Meaning
Website A collection of related web pages.
The web browser is an example of application software that is
developed to retrieve and view the information from web pages
or HTML files present on the web servers. The first web browser
was invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1990 and the very first
Web Browser
graphical web browser was developed in 1993 and is named the
mosaic. After that, various web browsers were developed. Some
of them are: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox,
Opera, and Apple safari.
A search engine is a kind of website through which users can
search information or content available on the Internet. For this
purpose, users enter the desired keywords into the search field.
Then the search engine looks through its index for relevant web
Search Engine pages and displays them in the form of a list. The Internet is a
huge source of information & resources and to access the
resource from the Internet there are some kinds of software, this
software is known as a Search Engine. Some of the popular ones
are Google, Bing, Yahoo, Duckduckgo, Baidu, etc.
URL (Uniform Resource
Address of a web page.
Locator)
HTTP / HTTPS Protocols used to access websites. HTTPS is secure.
ISP (Internet Service
Company that provides internet (e.g., MTN, Airtel).
Provider)
Communication Services and Devices
Types of Communication
Type Example
One-to-One Phone call
One-to-Many TV broadcast
Many-to-Many Group chat
Communication Devices
Device Use
Mobile Phone Voice, text, internet access
Fax Machine Sends documents over phone lines
Device Use
Modem Connects to internet
Walkie-Talkie Short-range voice communication
Smartphones Combines many communication services
Advantages of Networks and Internet
Easy communication (email, chat, video call)
Sharing of files and resources
Access to vast information
Online learning and collaboration
Entertainment (games, music, movies)
Disadvantages of Networks and Internet
Cybersecurity threats (hacking, viruses)
Spread of harmful content
Internet addiction
Cost of setup and maintenance
Privacy concerns
Network Security
Method Description
Firewall Protects network from unauthorized access.
Antivirus Software Detects and removes viruses.
Password Protection Prevents unauthorized access.
Encryption Secures data by converting it into unreadable format.
Internet Etiquette and Safety
Do’s:
Use respectful language online.
Protect your password.
Report cyberbullying.
Be cautious with strangers.
Don’ts:
Don’t share personal information carelessly.
Don’t open suspicious links or emails. (HTTP &HTTPS)
Don’t engage in illegal downloading.
Emerging Trends in Networking
Cloud Computing – Using online servers to store and access data.
IoT (Internet of Things) – Devices like smart TVs, watches, and fridges connected to
the internet.
5G Networks – Faster wireless internet.
Artificial Intelligence in Communication – Chatbots, voice assistants.
Summary
A computer network connects computers for communication and sharing.
Networks vary in size (LAN, MAN, WAN) and design (topology).
The internet provides services like email, browsing, file sharing, and online education.
Communication devices and technologies have improved how we connect.
Always use the internet responsibly and securely
