Detailed Notes on Computer Networks
1. Elements of Computer Networks
1.1 Nodes (Workstations)
Multiple terminals connected to a network sharing resources.
Examples: Computers, Laptops, Smartphones.
1.2 Server
A designated central node that supports the network.
Maintains and manages network resources.
Examples: File servers, Database servers.
1.3 Sender & Receiver
Sender: The device that initiates communication by sending data.
Receiver: The device that accepts and processes the data.
1.4 Communication Medium
The channel through which data is transmitted between sender and receiver.
Can be wired (Ethernet cables, Fiber optics) or wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
1.5 Protocols
Set of rules governing data exchange.
Examples: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP.
2. Uses of Computer Networks
2.1 Resource Sharing
Enables access to shared resources like files, printers, and databases.
Example: A network printer used by multiple computers.
2.2 Simultaneous Access
Multiple users can access and modify shared data at the same time.
Example: Cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox).
3. Components of Computer Networks
3.1 Hardware Components
Servers: High-performance computers managing network resources.
Clients: Devices that request services from a server.
Peers: Devices that both provide and receive services.
Transmission Media: Wired (Fiber optics, Coaxial cables) & Wireless (Wi-Fi, Radio
waves).
Connecting Devices: Hubs, Switches, Routers, Gateways.
3.2 Software Components
Networking Operating System: Facilitates file sharing, user management.
Protocol Suite: OSI Model, TCP/IP Model.
4. Data Representation
4.1 Forms of Data
Text: ASCII, Unicode.
Numbers: Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal.
Images: JPEG, PNG.
Audio & Video: MP3, MP4, WAV.
4.2 Storage Units
Bit: Smallest unit (0 or 1).
Byte: 8 bits.
KB, MB, GB, TB: Storage hierarchy.
5. Data Flow (Transmission Modes)
5.1 Simplex Mode
Unidirectional (One-way communication).
Example: TV broadcasting.
5.2 Half-Duplex Mode
Data flows in both directions, but one at a time.
Example: Walkie-talkies.
5.3 Full-Duplex Mode
Simultaneous two-way communication.
Example: Telephone conversation.
6. Transmission Media
6.1 Guided Media (Wired)
Twisted Pair: UTP & STP (Used in Ethernet, Telephony).
Coaxial Cable: Used in Cable TV.
Fiber Optics: High-speed, long-distance communication.
6.2 Unguided Media (Wireless)
Radio Waves: Wi-Fi, AM/FM radio.
Microwaves: Mobile communication.
Infrared: Remote controls.
7. Distributed Processing
Method of splitting computational tasks across multiple systems.
Example: Cloud computing.
8. Network Criteria
8.1 Performance
Factors: Transit time, Throughput, Bandwidth, Delay.
8.2 Reliability
Measured by failure rate and recovery time.
8.3 Security
Protection against unauthorized access and data breaches.
9. Physical Structure
9.1 Connection Types
Point-to-Point: Dedicated connection.
Multipoint: Shared link among multiple devices.
9.2 Network Topologies
Mesh: Every device connected to every other device.
Star: Central hub connecting all devices.
Bus: Single backbone cable.
Ring: Data flows in a closed loop.
Hybrid: Combination of multiple topologies.
10. Categories of Networks
PAN: Personal networks (Bluetooth, USB).
LAN: Local networks (Home, Office).
CAN: Campus-wide networks (Universities).
MAN: City-wide networks (Cable TV, ISPs).
WAN: Wide-area networks (Internet).
11. Network Protocols & Standards
11.1 Common Protocols
Network Layer: IP, ICMP.
Transport Layer: TCP, UDP.
Application Layer: HTTP, FTP, SMTP.
11.2 Network Standards
De Facto: Informal but widely used.
De Jure: Officially recognized (ISO, IEEE).
12. Network Models
12.1 Layered Architecture
Modularity: Easier maintenance and troubleshooting.
12.2 OSI Model (7 Layers)
1. Physical: Hardware, cables.
2. Data Link: MAC addressing, Error detection.
3. Network: Routing, IP addressing.
4. Transport: Reliable data delivery (TCP/UDP).
5. Session: Connection management.
6. Presentation: Encryption, Compression.
7. Application: User interfaces (Web browsers, Email clients).
Conclusion
Computer networks facilitate communication, data transfer, and resource sharing.
Understanding network components, transmission modes, and protocols is
essential for network security and performance optimization.
The OSI model provides a structured approach to data communication.
This document provides detailed and structured notes on computer networks for
reference. Let me know if you need any modifications! 🚀
