1.

Network

 Definition: A network is a group of devices (like computers, printers, or

smartphones) connected together to share data and resources.
 How It Works: Devices in a network can communicate with each other by
sending and receiving data packets over various communication channels (like
Wi-Fi, cables, or fiber optics).
 Key Point to Remember: The purpose of a network is to allow devices to share
information, resources (like files and printers), and access the internet.

2. Components of Network

 Devices:

o Computers and Servers: Devices that send or receive data.

o Routers: Direct data between networks.

o Switches: Connect devices within a network.

 Links:

o Cables: Like Ethernet cables for wired connections.

o Wireless Signals: Like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for wireless communication.

 Protocols:
o Rules that define how data is transmitted. For example, TCP/IP ensures
reliable communication between devices.
 Services: Resources shared across the network like files, printers, and internet
access.
 Key Point to Remember: Devices, protocols, and links work together to ensure
that data can be shared between devices.

3. Mode of Communication

 Unicast: A communication method where one device sends data to only one
specific device.
o Example: Sending an email from one person to another.
  Broadcast: A communication method where one device sends data to all devices
in a network.
o Example: A TV broadcast sends data to all TVs.
 Multicast: A communication method where one device sends data to a group of
devices.
o Example: A video conference call.

 Key Point to Remember:

o Unicast = One-to-one

o Broadcast = One-to-all

o Multicast = One-to-many

4. Types of Network

 LAN (Local Area Network): A small network, usually within a building or

campus.
o Example: The network in your school or home.

 WAN (Wide Area Network): A large network that spans a large geographical
area, like a city or country.
o Example: The internet.
 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network that covers a city or large
campus.
o Example: A university campus network.

 PAN (Personal Area Network): A very small network, usually within a range of a
few meters.
o Example: Bluetooth devices (like your phone and wireless speaker).

 Key Point to Remember: Networks range from small (PAN, LAN) to large (MAN,
WAN).

5. Fundamentals of Networking

 Data Transmission: Sending data between devices.

 o Example: Sending an email or uploading a photo.

 Routing: Deciding the best path for data to travel across a network.

o Example: A router directing your web request to the correct server.

 Protocols: Set of rules that manage how devices communicate.

o Example: TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS.

 IP Addressing: Giving each device a unique identifier so it can be found on the

network.
o Example: 192.168.1.1.

 Key Point to Remember: Networks work by sending data, routing it properly,

and using protocols to ensure reliable communication.

6. Protocol Models

 OSI Model: A conceptual framework that divides network communication into 7

layers.
o Physical Layer: Deals with physical connections (cables, hardware).

o Data Link Layer: Handles error detection and framing of data.

o Network Layer: Manages IP addresses and routing.

o Transport Layer: Ensures reliable data transfer (TCP/UDP).

o Session Layer: Manages connections between devices.

o Presentation Layer: Translates data into a readable format.

o Application Layer: End-user protocols (HTTP, FTP).

 TCP/IP Model: A simplified 4-layer model used in internet communication.

o Link Layer: Similar to OSI’s Physical + Data Link layers.

o Internet Layer: Handles IP addressing and routing.

o Transport Layer: Manages data transfer (TCP, UDP).

o Application Layer: Handles application protocols.

 Key Point to Remember: The OSI model divides communication into layers, and
each layer has its own responsibilities.
7. Communication Channel

 Definition: The medium through which data is transmitted from one device to
another.
 Types:

o Wired Channels: Cables (Ethernet, fiber optics).

o Wireless Channels: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio waves.

 Key Point to Remember: Communication channels are the highways for data,
and their type affects the speed and reliability of data transfer.

8. Networking Functionality

 Routing: Directing data from source to destination across networks.

o Example: Data from your computer goes through multiple routers to reach
a website.
 Switching: Directing data within a single network.

o Example: A switch connects devices within your home network.

 Error Detection: Ensuring data is correctly transmitted.

o Example: A checksum ensures that no bits were lost or corrupted during

transfer.
 Key Point to Remember: Routing moves data across networks, switching
moves data within a network, and error detection ensures data integrity.

9. Topologies

 Bus Topology: All devices are connected to a single central cable (the "bus").

o Pros: Simple and cost-effective.

o Cons: A single cable failure can bring down the entire network.

 Star Topology: Devices are connected to a central hub or switch.

o Pros: Easy to manage and troubleshoot.

o Cons: If the hub fails, the whole network is affected.

  Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circle, and data travels in one
direction.
o Pros: Data travels quickly in one direction.
o Cons: A single device failure can disrupt the whole network.

 Mesh Topology: Every device is connected to every other device.

o Pros: High fault tolerance and reliability.

o Cons: Expensive and complex.

 Key Point to Remember: Topologies define how devices are arranged, and
each type has its own pros and cons.

10. Circuit Switching

 Definition: A dedicated communication path is established between two devices

for the entire duration of their communication.
o Example: Traditional telephone systems.

 Key Point to Remember: Circuit switching is reliable but inefficient for modern
data communication.

11. Packet Switching

 Definition: Data is divided into small packets, which travel independently across
the network and are reassembled at the destination.
o Example: Internet data transmission.

 Key Point to Remember: Packet switching is efficient and allows multiple users
to share the same network.

12. Types of Packet Switching

 Datagram Switching: Each packet is sent independently, without prior setup.

o Pros: Flexible and fast.

o Cons: Packets can take different paths, causing potential order issues.
  Virtual Circuit Switching: A logical path is established before data transmission
begins, and packets follow the same path.
o Pros: Reliable, with packets arriving in order.
o Cons: Less flexible.

 Key Point to Remember: Datagram is independent; virtual circuit ensures

ordered delivery.

13. OSI Model

 7 Layers (as discussed earlier in Protocol Models).

 Key Point to Remember: The OSI model helps standardize communication and
ensures that each layer has a specific function, from physical hardware to the
applications we use.

14. Network Devices

 Router: Routes data between different networks (like the internet).

 Switch: Connects devices within the same network and directs data to the right
device.
 Hub: A basic device that connects multiple devices but doesn't have the
intelligence of a switch.
 Modem: Converts digital data to analog for transmission over phone lines.

 Key Point to Remember: Each device has a specific role—routers connect

networks, switches connect devices, hubs distribute data, and modems provide
internet access.

15. Performance of Network

 Bandwidth: The maximum data transfer rate of the network.

o Example: A 100 Mbps connection means data can transfer at a maximum

of 100 megabits per second.
 Latency: The delay in data transmission between devices.

o Example: Video calls suffer if latency is too high.

 Throughput: The actual speed at which data is transmitted.