Computer Networking Notes
1. Introduction to Computer Networking
A computer network is a system of interconnected devices (computers, servers,
routers, etc.) that communicate and share resources.
Purpose: Data exchange, resource sharing (files, printers, internet), communication
(email, video calls).
Types of Networks
1. PAN (Personal Area Network) – Small (e.g., Bluetooth, USB).
2. LAN (Local Area Network) – Limited area (e.g., home, office).
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – Covers a city (e.g., ISP networks).
4. WAN (Wide Area Network) – Large-scale (e.g., the Internet).
2. Network Topologies
Bus – Single cable connects all devices (cheap but prone to failure).
Star – All devices connect to a central hub/switch (easy to manage).
Ring – Devices form a closed loop (rare, used in token ring networks).
Mesh – Every device connects to every other (redundant but complex).
Hybrid – Combination of two or more topologies.
3. Network Devices
Device Function
Router Connects different networks (e.g., home network to the Internet).
Switch Connects devices in a LAN, forwards data to correct device.
Hub Basic device that broadcasts data to all connected devices (obsolete).
Modem Converts digital data to analog (for DSL/cable internet).
Access Point (AP) Allows wireless devices to connect to a network.
4. OSI Model (7 Layers)
Layer Function Example Protocols/Devices
7. Application User interface (HTTP, FTP, SMTP). Web browsers, email clients
6. Data translation, encryption (SSL,
Encryption, compression
Presentation JPEG).
Establishes and terminates
5. Session Manages connections (RPC, NetBIOS).
sessions
Reliable vs. unreliable
4. Transport Ensures data delivery (TCP, UDP).
transmission
Routing & logical addressing (IP,
3. Network Routers, IP addresses
ICMP).
2. Data Link Physical addressing (MAC, Ethernet). Switches, NICs
1. Physical Transmits raw bits (cables, Wi-Fi). Hubs, cables, signals
5. TCP/IP Model (4 Layers)
Layer Corresponding OSI Layers Protocols
Application (Layers 5-7) HTTP, FTP, DNS, SMTP
Transport (Layer 4) TCP (reliable), UDP (fast)
Internet (Layer 3) IP, ICMP, ARP
Network Access (Layers 1-2) Ethernet, Wi-Fi
6. IP Addressing
IPv4: 32-bit address (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
IPv6: 128-bit address (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).
Private IPs: Non-routable (e.g., 10.0.0.0, 192.168.0.0).
Public IPs: Routable on the Internet.
Subnetting
Divides a network into smaller sub-networks.
Subnet Mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0) defines network vs. host portions.
7. Protocols & Ports
Protocol Port Use
HTTP 80 Web browsing
HTTPS 443 Secure web browsing
FTP 20, 21 File transfer
SSH 22 Secure remote login
DNS 53 Domain name resolution
DHCP 67, 68 Automatic IP assignment
8. Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi Standards:
o 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) – Different speeds & frequencies.
Security Protocols:
o WEP (Weak, outdated)
o WPA/WPA2/WPA3 (Secure encryption)
9. Network Security
Firewall: Blocks unauthorized access.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts internet traffic.
Malware Protection: Antivirus, anti-spyware.
Encryption: SSL/TLS, HTTPS.
10. Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Internet? Check:
o Physical connections (cables, Wi-Fi).
o Router/modem status (restart if needed).
o IP configuration (ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew).
Slow Speeds? Check:
o Bandwidth usage (streaming/downloading).
o Interference (Wi-Fi channels).
11. Key Terms
Bandwidth: Max data transfer rate (Mbps).
Latency: Delay in data transmission (ping).
Packet: A unit of data sent over a network.
MAC Address: Unique hardware identifier (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
