What is Networking?
Computer networking refers to the interconnection of two or more computing devices (like
computers, printers, servers) to share resources (like files, internet, printers) and communicate
efficiently.
Types of Networks
1. PAN (Personal Area Network)
Definition: A PAN is the smallest network, used for personal devices within a range of
a few meters.
Range: About 10 meters
Example: Connecting a smartphone to a laptop via Bluetooth or USB.
2. LAN (Local Area Network)
Definition: A LAN is used to connect computers in a limited area like a home, office,
or school.
Range: Up to 1 kilometer
Features:
o High data transfer speed
o Low cost
Example: Network in a computer lab.
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Definition: MAN covers a city or a large campus, larger than LAN but smaller than
WAN.
Range: About 10 to 100 kilometers
Example: Network between branches of a bank in a city.
4. WAN (Wide Area Network)
Definition: WAN connects computers across countries and continents.
Range: Unlimited (World-wide)
Features:
o Low speed compared to LAN
o High cost
Example: The Internet is the largest WAN.
What is Network Topology?
Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of computers, cables, and other
components in a network.
Types of Network Topologies
1. Bus Topology
Description: All devices are connected to a single central cable (the bus).
Advantages:
o Easy to install
o Requires less cable
Disadvantages:
o Difficult to troubleshoot
o A failure in the main cable shuts down the network
2. Star Topology
Description: All devices are connected to a central device (hub or switch).
Advantages:
o Easy to manage and troubleshoot
o Failure of one node doesn’t affect others
Disadvantages:
o Failure of the central hub disables the network
o More cable required
3. Ring Topology
Description: Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular data
path.
Advantages:
o Data flows in a single direction
o No data collisions
Disadvantages:
o A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop
4. Tree Topology
Description: A combination of star and bus topologies; devices are arranged in a
hierarchical structure.
Advantages:
o Scalable and easy to expand
o Well-organized
Disadvantages:
o Difficult to configure and maintain
o Heavily depends on the main bus or root node
Definition:
Network communication refers to the process of transmitting data between two or more
devices (computers, mobiles, etc.) using a communication medium.
Elements of Network Communication:
Sender: The device that sends the message.
Receiver: The device that receives the message.
Medium: The path through which the message travels.
Protocol: Rules that govern data transmission (e.g., TCP/IP).
Message: The data being sent (text, image, video, etc.).
Communication Media
Communication media are the channels used to carry data from one device to another.
Types of Communication Media
A. Wired (Guided) Media
1. Coaxial Cable
Single copper wire with insulation and metal shielding.
Used in: Cable TV, early LANs.
Advantages: Better noise resistance than twisted pair.
2. Ethernet Cable (Twisted Pair)
Most commonly used in LAN.
Two types: UTP (Unshielded) and STP (Shielded).
Used in: Home and office networks.
3. Optical Fiber
Uses light signals to transmit data.
High speed and long-distance communication.
Advantages: Very high bandwidth, immune to electromagnetic interference.
What are Network Devices?
Network devices are the hardware components used to connect computers and other devices
in a network. They help in data transmission, routing, and network management.
Types of Network Devices
1. Hub
A basic device used to connect multiple computers in a network.
Function: Broadcasts data to all connected devices.
Disadvantage: Causes unnecessary traffic; no filtering of data.
2. Switch
Smarter than a hub.
Function: Sends data only to the intended device using MAC addresses.
Advantage: Reduces network traffic, improves efficiency.
3. Bridge
Connects two similar networks (e.g., LAN to LAN).
Function: Filters traffic and reduces collisions.
Used for: Extending or dividing networks.
4. Router
Connects different networks, such as a home network to the internet.
Function: Routes data packets based on IP addresses.
Used in: Homes, offices, and internet gateways.
5. Repeater
Function: Regenerates and amplifies signals** to extend the network range.
Used when: Signals weaken over long distances.
6. Gateway
Acts as a translator between two different network systems.
Function: Converts data formats between different protocols.
Used for: Connecting different architectures (e.g., LAN to mainframe network).
B. Wireless (Unguided) Media
1. Bluetooth
Short-range wireless communication.
Used in: Mobile phones, headsets, laptops.
2. Infrared
Uses infrared light to transmit data.
Line-of-sight is required.
Used in: TV remotes, some wireless keyboards/mice.
3. Microwave
Used for long-distance wireless communication.
Needs line-of-sight.
Used in: Cellular networks, satellite TV.
4. Radio Waves
Can travel long distances, even through walls.
Used in: FM radios, walkie-talkies, wireless LAN.
5. Satellite Communication
Data is sent to a satellite in space and then to the destination.
Used in: GPS, satellite phones, global TV broadcasting.
