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Introduction to Computer Networks
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices (computers, servers, networking
hardware, IoT devices) that share resources and exchange data through communication
channels.
Purpose:
• Share resources (printers, files, applications)
• Facilitate communication (email, messaging)
• Improve efficiency and collaboration
• Enable distributed computing and cloud services
2. Types of Networks
a) By Geographical Scope
1. PAN (Personal Area Network)
o Very small range (within a few meters)
o Example: Bluetooth headset to smartphone
2. LAN (Local Area Network)
o Covers a small area (office, home, school)
o High speed, low latency
o Example: Ethernet and Wi-Fi in an office
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
o Covers a city or large campus
o Used by ISPs and universities
o Example: Citywide fiber internet
4. WAN (Wide Area Network)
o Covers large distances (country, global)
o Example: The Internet
b) By Ownership
• Private Network – Owned by a single organization
• Public Network – Open to anyone (e.g., public Wi-Fi)
c) By Topology
1. Bus – All devices share one communication line
2. Star – All devices connect to a central hub or switch
3. Ring – Devices connected in a loop
4. Mesh – Every device connects to many others
5. Hybrid – Combination of topologies
3. Network Devices
• Router – Connects networks, routes data packets
• Switch – Connects devices in a LAN, uses MAC addresses
• Hub – Basic device, sends data to all ports
• Access Point – Enables wireless connectivity
• Modem – Converts digital signals to analog for transmission
• Firewall – Security device controlling traffic
4. Transmission Media
a) Guided Media (Wired)
• Twisted Pair Cable – UTP/STP, cheap, common in LANs
• Coaxial Cable – Used in older networks & cable TV
• Fiber Optic Cable – High speed, long distance, immune to interference
b) Unguided Media (Wireless)
• Radio Waves – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Microwaves – Satellite, point-to-point links
• Infrared – Short-range, remote controls
5. Network Models
a) OSI Model (7 Layers)
1. Physical – Bits, cables, signals
2. Data Link – Frames, MAC addresses (Ethernet)
3. Network – Packets, IP addressing, routing
4. Transport – TCP/UDP, reliable delivery
5. Session – Manages sessions between applications
6. Presentation – Data format translation, encryption
7. Application – User-level services (HTTP, FTP, SMTP)
b) TCP/IP Model (4 Layers)
1. Network Access (Link)
2. Internet
3. Transport
4. Application
6. IP Addressing
• IPv4 – 32-bit (e.g., 192.168.0.1)
• IPv6 – 128-bit (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334)
Subnetting – Dividing a network into smaller networks for efficiency.
7. Protocols
• HTTP/HTTPS – Web access
• FTP/SFTP – File transfer
• SMTP/IMAP/POP3 – Email
• DNS – Domain name resolution
• DHCP – Automatic IP assignment
• SNMP – Network management
• ARP – Resolve IP to MAC
8. Network Security
• Threats – Viruses, hacking, phishing, DoS attacks
• Security Measures – Firewalls, encryption (SSL/TLS), VPN, antivirus
• Authentication Methods – Passwords, biometrics, multi-factor authentication
9. Access Methods
• CSMA/CD – Used in Ethernet (collision detection)
• CSMA/CA – Used in Wi-Fi (collision avoidance)
• Token Passing – Only the device with a token transmits
10. Emerging Networking Technologies
• 5G Networks – High-speed mobile internet
• SDN (Software Defined Networking) – Centralized control
• IoT (Internet of Things) – Device-to-device communication
• Cloud Networking – Networking over cloud infrastructure
