Basics of Computer Networking
A computer network is a group of connected devices that communicate with each
other to share data and resources. It enables efficient communication and supports
services like email, file sharing, and internet access.
Connects multiple devices such as computers, servers, and printers
Enables data and resource sharing
Supports communication services (email, messaging)
Allows internet and network-based applications
Improves efficiency and collaboration
Basic Terminologies
Network: A group of connected computers and devices that can
communicate and share data.
Node: Any device that can send, receive, or forward data in a network.
This includes laptops, mobiles, printers, earbuds, servers, etc.
Networking Devices: Devices that manage and support networking
functions. This includes routers, switches, hubs, and access points.
Transmission Media: The physical or wireless medium through which
data travels between devices.
Wired media: Ethernet cables, optical fibre.
Wireless media: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared
Service Provider Networks: Networks offered by external providers
that allow users or organisations to lease network access and
capabilities. This includes internet providers, mobile carriers, etc.
Basic of Computer Networks
Working Of a Computer Network
The basic building blocks of a Computer network are Nodes and Links.
Network Node: Any device in a network, such as a modem, router, or
computer, that sends or receives data.
Link: The medium that connects nodes, like cables, wires, or wireless
signals.
Working: Networks use rules called protocols to send and receive data
between devices. Each device is identified by a unique IP Address.
Firewall: A security tool (hardware or software) that monitors traffic.
Based on set rules, it either allows, blocks, or drops data.
Working Structure
Types of Computer Network Architecture
Computer Network falls under these broad Categories:
Client-Server Architecture:Client-Server Architecture is a type of
Computer Network Architecture in which Nodes can be Servers or
Clients. Here, the server node can manage the Client Node Behaviour.
Peer-to-Peer Architecture: In P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Architecture , there
is not any concept of a Central Server. Each device is free for working
as either client or server.
Network Devices
Computer networks can also include multiple devices/mediums which help in the
communication between two different devices; these are known as Network
devices and include things such as routers, switches, hubs, and bridges. Various
Network devices are:
1. Router
Connects multiple networks (like home network to the internet).
Directs data packets to their correct destination.
2. Switch
Connects devices within a network (like computers in an office).
Forwards data only to the specific device it is meant for.
3. Hub
Basic device that connects multiple devices in a network.
Sends data to all devices (less efficient than a switch).
4. Bridge
Connects and filters traffic between two networks or segments.
Helps reduce network traffic.
5. Gateway
Connects two different types of networks.
Translates data between different protocols.
6. Access Point (AP)
Provides wireless connectivity to devices.
Extends a wired network into a Wi-Fi network.
7. Modem
Converts digital data from a computer into signals for phone/cable lines
and vice versa.
Provides internet access.
8. Firewall
Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Provides security by blocking unauthorized access.
Network Devices
Goals of Networks
Convenience: Make computer use easier for users.
Efficiency: Manage hardware resources effectively for better
performance.
Resource Management: Allocate CPU, memory, I/O, and storage
fairly and efficiently.
Security & Protection: Protect data and resources from unauthorized
access.
Reliability & Fault Tolerance: Ensure system runs smoothly and
recovers from failures.
Scalability: Support growth in users, processes, and resources.
Uses of Computer Networks
Communication: Email, chat, and video conferencing.
Resource Sharing: Share printers, scanners, and files to save cost and
effort.
Remote Access: Access data and systems from anywhere.
Collaboration: Work together on projects, share ideas, and review
work.
E-commerce: Enable online shopping and secure payments.
Education: Support online learning, research, and student–teacher
collaboration.
The Network allows computers to connect and communicate with different
computers via any medium. LAN, MAN, and WAN are the three major types of
networks designed to operate over the area they cover.
Types of Networks
The different types of networks can be categorised based on the area they cover
(ranging from personal connections to global networks), the type of
communication they use, and their architectural design.
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
A PAN is a short-range network that connects personal devices like smartphones,
tablets, and computers. It typically covers less than 10 meters (about 33 feet) and
usually uses wireless technologies such as Bluetooth. PAN is smaller than other
networks like LAN or WAN and is mainly used for data sharing between a few
devices.
Fig. PAN
Advantages:
Allows for easy communication between personal devices in close
proximity.
Uses wireless technology, which eliminates the need for wires and
cables.
PANs are designed to be energy efficient, which means that devices can
communicate with each other without draining their batteries quickly.
Disadvantages:
Limited coverage area.
PANs have limited bandwidth, so they are not suitable for large-scale or
high-speed data transfer.
May experience interference from other wireless devices.
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN connects computers and devices within a small area like a home, office,
school, or hospital. It usually uses switches, routers, and private IP addresses.
LANs are high-speed, inexpensive to set up, and easy to maintain.
Coverage: Up to 2 km (limited area).
Speed: Earlier 4–16 Mbps; now 100–1000 Mbps.
Medium: Mostly wired (Ethernet cables, twisted-pair, coaxial), though
wireless can also be used.
Example: Students playing a multiplayer game in the same room
without internet.
Fig. LAN
Advantages:
Provides fast data transfer rates and high-speed communication.
Easy to set up and manage.
Can be used to share peripheral devices such as printers and scanners.
Disadvantages:
Limited geographical coverage.
Limited scalability and may require significant infrastructure upgrades
to accommodate growth.
May experience congestion and network performance issues with
increased usage.
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN spans 5–50 km, covering more area than a LAN but less than a WAN. It
connects computers across a city or between nearby cities. MANs provide high-
speed connectivity (in Mbps), can act as ISPs, and are useful for organizations
needing fast communication. However, they are costly, complex to design, and
harder to maintain.
FIG. MAN
Advantages:
Provides high-speed connectivity over a larger geographical area than
LAN.
Can be used as an ISP for multiple customers.
Offers higher data transfer rates than WAN in some cases.
Disadvantages:
Can be expensive to set up and maintain.
May experience congestion and network performance issues with
increased usage.
May have limited fault tolerance and security compared to LANs.
4. Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN covers large geographical areas (above 50 km), often connecting
multiple LANs through telephone lines, radio waves, or satellites. It can be
private (for organizations) or public (like the internet). WANs offer high-speed
communication but are costly to set up and maintain.
Fig. Covers large geographical areas, connecting networks across countries or continents.
Advantages:
Covers large geographical areas and can connect remote locations.
Provides connectivity to the internet.
Offers remote access to resources and applications.
Disadvantages:
Can be expensive to set up and maintain.
Offers slower data transfer rates than LAN or MAN.
May have lower fault tolerance and security compared to LANs.
Based on Types of Communication
Networks can also be divided based on the types of communication they use:
1. Point-to-Point
A Point-to-Point network creates a direct connection between two devices (e.g.,
computer and printer). Data is transmitted without intermediaries, using either
wired (cables) or wireless (infrared, radio) links. It is simple, dedicated, and
commonly used for two-device communication.
Fig. Point-to-Point Network
Advantages:
Provides a dedicated and direct connection, ensuring reliable
communication between two devices.
Simple to set up and configure due to the limited number of devices
involved.
Offers low latency as there are no intermediate devices or complex
routing.
Disadvantages:
Not scalable, as adding more devices requires additional dedicated
links.
May require physical cables for wired connections, which can limit
flexibility.
Lacks fault tolerance; if the direct link fails, communication is
disrupted.
2. Multipoint Networks
A multipoint network allows more than two devices to share a single
communication link. The channel capacity is either shared at the same time
(spatially) or in turns (temporally).
Multipoint Network
Advantages:
Allows multiple devices to share a single communication channel,
reducing the need for multiple dedicated links.
More cost-effective than point-to-point networks for connecting
multiple devices.
Supports dynamic communication, where devices can join or leave the
network easily.
Disadvantages:
Shared bandwidth can lead to congestion and reduced performance
when many devices are active.
Potential for interference or collisions in spatially shared connections.
Security risks may increase as multiple devices access the same
communication medium.
3. Broadcast Networks
Broadcast networks use a single communication channel where one sender
transmits data that can be received by multiple parties simultaneously. In this
setup, data travels in one direction, from the sender to all potential receivers. A
common example is a radio station, where the station broadcasts signals that can
be picked up by any radio receiver within range. Another example is a television
network broadcasting to multiple viewers.
Broadcast Networks
Advantages:
Efficient for distributing data to a large number of recipients
simultaneously.
Simple to implement for one-to-many communication scenarios.
Reduces the need for individual connections to each receiver, saving
resources.
Disadvantages:
Data is sent in one direction, limiting two-way communication.
No guarantee that all intended recipients receive the data reliably.
Can lead to bandwidth wastage if not all receivers need the transmitted
data.
