Computer Networks
Network Basic / Overview
What is Network?
A network is a collection of interconnected devices and
systems that communicate with each other to share
resources, information, or services.
In the context of computing and telecommunications, a
network typically refers to a group of computers, servers,
routers, switches, and other devices that are connected
together to facilitate data transmission and communication.
Network can be a Local Area Network spanned across an office
or Metro Area Network spanned across a city or Wide Area
Network which can be spanned across cities and provinces.
Why We Use Computer Networks?
Computer networks are used for various purposes, and they provide numerous benefits
that contribute to the efficiency, productivity, and connectivity of individuals,
organizations, and society as a whole.
Reasons why computer networks are widely used:
1. Resource Sharing (Network printers, network cameras)
2. Communication
3. Data Transfer
4. Remote Access
5. Cost Savings
6. Scalability
7. Improved Productivity
8. Global Connectivity
Components in computer network
Server − In computing, a server is a computer program or a device
that provides functionality for other programs or devices,
called "clients".
Components in computer network
Server
Components in computer network
Hosts − Hosts can include computers, servers, routers, switches, printers, and
any other network-capable device.
Hosts can both initiate communication (as a client) and respond to communication
requests (as a server), depending on the context of the network interaction.
OR
Client − A client is a type of
host that initiates
communication requests or
services from other hosts,
typically servers, within a
network.
Clients are often end-user
devices such as computers,
smartphones, tablets, or IoT
devices that request
resources or services from
servers.
Components in computer network
NIC − A network interface controller (NIC, also known as a
network interface card, network adapter, LAN adapter or
physical network interface, and by similar terms) is a
computer hardware component that connects a computer
to a computer network.
Components in computer network
NIC
What is a MAC address?
A media access control address (MAC address) is a unique
identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for
use as a network address in communications within a
network segment.
This use is common in most IEEE 802 networking
technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
MAC addresses are recognizable as six groups of two
hexadecimal digits, separated by hyphens, colons, or
without a separator.
What is a MAC address?
MAC addresses are primarily assigned by device
manufacturers, and are therefore commonly known as the
burned-in address, or as an Ethernet hardware address,
hardware address, and physical address.
Each address can be stored in hardware, such as the
card's read only memory, or by a firmware mechanism.
Many network interfaces, however, support changing their
MAC address.
What is a MAC address?
Components in computer network
Hub − A hub is a multiport repeater and it is used to
connect hosts in a LAN segment. Because of low
throughputs hubs are now rarely used. Hub works on
Layer-1 (Physical Layer) of OSI Model.
Components in computer network
Hub
Components in computer network
A will send frame to C and every device will receive it except A whereas, B and D will drop the
frames because the destination is C.
Components in computer network
Switch − A Switch is a multiport bridge and is used to
connect hosts in a LAN segment. Switches are much faster
than Hubs and operate on wire speed. Switch works on
Layer-2 (Data Link Layer), but Layer-3 (Network Layer)
switches are also available.
Components in computer network
Switch:
Layer 2
MAC Address table
Separate collision domain
Single broadcast domain
Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
No degradation performance between two devices
Can move traffic at wire speed
Components in computer network
Switch:
Components in computer network
Layer 3 Switch
Some switches can also forward data at the network layer (layer 3) by
additionally incorporating routing functionality. Such switches are
commonly known as layer-3 switches or multilayer switches.
Cisco 3550 – Supports Routing
Console Cable
Components in computer network
Router − A router is Layer-3 (Network Layer) device which
makes routing decisions for the data/information sent for
some remote destination.
A router is connected to two or more data lines from different IP networks.
When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the network
address information in the packet header to determine the ultimate destination.
Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the
packet to the next network on its journey.
Components in computer network
Routers
Components in computer network
Routers
Components in computer network
Thank you
