UGC1101- COMPUTER LITERACY 1
LECTURE NOTES BASED ON COMPUTER NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET
COMPUTER NETWORKS
COMPUTER NETWORKS
• A computer network is a system
of interconnected computers
and peripheral devices with the
ability to communicate and
exchange data. For example, it
may connect computers,
printers, scanners and cameras.
COMPUTER NETWORKS
• Connections between computers in a
network are usually made using physical
wires or cables.
• However, some connections are
wireless, using radio waves or infrared
signals.
COMPUTER NETWORKS
• The generic term node or host refers to any device
on a network
• Data transfer rate The speed with which data is
moved from one place on a network to another .
• Data transfer rate is a key issue in computer
networks.
TYPES OF NETWORKS
• Network in small Network in a City is call
geographical Area (Room, MAN (Metropolitan Area
Building or a Campus) is
called LAN (Local Area Network)
Network)
Network spread geographically (Country or
across Globe) is called WAN (Wide Area
Network .
TOPOLOGIES
Various configurations, called topologies, have
been used to administer LANs
The network topology defines the way in
which computers, printers, and other devices
are connected. A network’s topology describes
the layout of the wire and devices (physical) as
well as the paths used by data
transmissions(logical).
TYPES OF TOPOLOGIES
BUS TOPOLOGY
¡ All the devices on a bus
topology are connected by
one single cable or
communication line that
carries messages in both
directions.
Introduction to Computer Networks
STAR TOPOLOGY
¡ In the star topology all
nodes connect to a central
device through which all
messages are sent.
¡ When installed, the star
topology resembles spokes
on a bicycle wheel.
¡ Larger networks use the
extended star topology also
called tree topology.
RING TOPOLOGY
• Cables form closed ring
or loop, with all devices
arranged along the ring.
• Data travels in one
direction from device to
device around entire ring.
MESH TOPOLOGY
In the mesh topology each computer is
connected with the other by a separate cable.
Introduction to Computer Networks
NETWORK COMPONENTS
• Physical Media ( cables, wireless )
• Interconnecting Devices ( hubs, switches,
router)
• Computers
• Networking Software
TO DO - QUESTIONS
• Differentiate between the physical and
logical topology of a network.
• Identify the advantages and
disadvantages of each network
topology given.
