Computer Networking: A Comprehensive Guide
Class: Computer Science 102
Date: February 23, 2024
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a system of interconnected computing devices that can
exchange data and share resources. These devices, called nodes, use a common
communication protocol to interact with each other. Networks can range from small,
private connections to the global network of the internet.
Types of Networks
Networks are typically categorized by their scale and geographical scope.
LAN (Local Area Network): Connects devices in a single, limited geographical area,
such as a home, school, or office building. They are owned and managed by a single
organization or individual.
WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects networks over a large geographical area, spanning
cities, countries, or even continents. The internet is the largest example of a
WAN. WANs are often managed by multiple organizations.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network that spans a metropolitan area or a
campus. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
PAN (Personal Area Network): A network connecting personal devices within a small
range (e.g., a few meters), such as a smartphone, laptop, and Bluetooth headset.
The OSI and TCP/IP Models
These are conceptual frameworks used to describe how data travels across a network.
The OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection)
The OSI model is a theoretical, seven-layer model that describes how network
protocols interact to enable communication. It's excellent for troubleshooting and
understanding network functions.
Physical Layer: Deals with the physical transmission medium (cables, wireless
signals) and raw data bits.
Data Link Layer: Manages node-to-node data transfer and detects/corrects errors.
Network Layer: Handles logical addressing (IP addresses) and routing data packets
across different networks.
Transport Layer: Ensures reliable data delivery between applications, handling
segmentation and reassembly of data. TCP and UDP operate here.
Session Layer: Manages and terminates communication sessions between applications.
Presentation Layer: Translates data into a format that the application can use
(e.g., encryption, compression).
Application Layer: The layer that interacts directly with user applications and
provides network services (e.g., HTTP for web browsing).
The TCP/IP Model (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
The TCP/IP model is a more practical, four-layer model used in the internet today.
It is a simplified version of the OSI model.
Network Access Layer: Combines the physical and data link layers of the OSI model.
Internet Layer: Corresponds to the OSI Network Layer, handling addressing and
routing.
Transport Layer: Corresponds to the OSI Transport Layer, managing data
transmission.
Application Layer: Combines the session, presentation, and application layers of
the OSI model.
Key Networking Devices
Router: A device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It uses IP
addresses to determine the best path for data to travel.
Switch: Connects devices on a single LAN. It learns the MAC addresses of connected
devices and forwards data only to the correct destination, improving efficiency.
Modem: A device that converts digital signals into analog signals (and vice versa)
for transmission over communication lines like telephone or cable. It allows your
computer to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Essential Protocols
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): A connection-oriented protocol that ensures
reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data. Used for applications that
require high reliability, such as email and file transfers.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol): A connection-less protocol that is faster but less
reliable than TCP. It doesn't guarantee delivery or order. Used for applications
where speed is more important than reliability, such as streaming video and online
gaming.
IP (Internet Protocol): The fundamental protocol for routing data. Every device on
a network has a unique IP address that identifies it. IP is responsible for sending
data packets from a source host to a destination host.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The protocol used for communication on the
World Wide Web. It defines the rules for how web browsers and web servers exchange
data.
Network Topologies
Network topology describes the arrangement of the elements of a communication
network.
Star Topology: All devices are connected to a central hub or switch. This is the
most common topology in modern LANs.
Bus Topology: All devices are connected to a single central cable. If the main
cable fails, the entire network goes down.
Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a closed loop, with data traveling in a
single direction.
Mesh Topology: Each device is connected to every other device, providing high
redundancy but being complex and expensive to set up.
