JKBOSE Class 12 – Informatics Practices
Chapter: Computer Networking (Complete & Detailed Notes)
Introduction to Computer Networks
A computer network is a group of connected devices (computers, printers, mobile phones, etc.) that
can share data, applications, and resources. Connections can be Wired (using cables like twisted
pair, coaxial, fiber optic) or Wireless (Wi■Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, Satellite).
Elements of a Network & Client–Server Architecture
Host/Node: Any device on the network. Server: Provides resources or services like files, printing,
internet. Client: Requests and uses services. Transmission Media: Pathways for data. Protocols:
Rules for communication. Network Devices: Tools that connect and manage networks.
Client–Server Model: The server handles tasks and stores data. Clients access services from the
server. Benefits: centralized data, backups, security.
Types of Networks
PAN: ~10m (Bluetooth). LAN: Home, office, school. MAN: Cities/campuses. WAN: Spans large
areas e.g., Internet.
Modes of Data Transmission
Simplex: One-way (TV). Half-Duplex: Two-way, but alternate (walkie-talkie). Full-Duplex: Two-way
simultaneous (phone).
Transmission Media
Wired: Twisted Pair (cheap, limited range), Coaxial (shielded), Fiber Optic (fast, long-distance).
Wireless: Radio Waves (Wi■Fi), Microwaves (mobile/satellite), Infrared (short-range), Satellite
Communication (global coverage).
Wireless Technologies
Wi■Fi: Wireless LAN, short-range. WiMAX: Metropolitan broadband. GPS: Satellite navigation
system. Infrared: Close-range, line-of-sight.
Networking Devices
NIC/LAN Card: Connects computer to network. Modems: DSL, Cable, Wireless. Hub: Sends
packets to all. Switch: Sends to intended device. Router: Connects networks. Repeater: Boosts
signals. Bridge: Connects LANs. Gateway: Translates between protocols. Brouter: Bridge+Router.
Access Point: Connects wireless devices. Disrouter: Distributed routing device.
Network Topologies
Bus: All devices share one cable. Star: All connect to hub/switch. Ring: Circular connection. Mesh:
Each device connects to all others. Tree: Hierarchical mix of star+bus.
Protocols
HTTP/HTTPS: Web browsing. FTP: File transfer. SMTP: Send emails. POP/IMAP: Retrieve emails.
TCP/IP: Internet protocol suite.
Satellite-Based Systems
Used for global communication like TV, internet in remote areas, GPS. Consists of ground stations,
satellites, and receivers.
Other Topics
Bandwidth: Data capacity of a link. Switching: Circuit (dedicated path) & Packet (data split into
packets). Duty/Duplex modes, host definitions, disrouter explained above.
Area Key Points
Network Fundamentals Definition, elements, client-server model
Network Types PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN
Data Modes Simplex, Half-Duplex, Full-Duplex
Media Wired (Twisted, Coaxial, Fiber) & Wireless (Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Satellite)
Wireless Tech Wi■Fi, WiMAX, GPS, Infrared
Network Devices NIC, Modems, Hub, Switch, Repeater, Router, Bridge, Gateway, Brouter, Access Point, Di
Topologies Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree
Protocols HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP/IMAP, TCP/IP
Satellite Systems TV broadcast, GPS, Remote communication
Other Topics Bandwidth, switching, duty modes, host definitions
