BASICS OF COMPUTER NETWORKING UNIT I TOPICS Networking

BASICS OF COMPUTER NETWORKING UNIT I

TOPICS • Networking basics • Need for computer networks • Types of networks-LAN, MAN, WAN • Network Components – H/W, Software • Communication channels • Network Devices • Network topologies.

NETWORKING INTRODUCTION • A network is a collection of independent computers which are connected together to share information and resources. • In addition to computers, a network also consists of peripheral devices and data communication devices with transmission media used for the purpose of exchanging data and information. • Need for computer networking – To share computer Data/Programs – To share computer Resources • Bandwidth refers to the maximum volume of information that can be transferred over any communication medium.

TYPES OF NETWORKS • Based on the geographical area covered by the network, networks can be classified as follows: Local Area Network (LAN): – A data communication network that connects computers together in a room, building or a campus is called a ‘Local area network’. A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): – A MAN typically covers an area of between 5 to 50 kms. A wide area network (WAN): – It is a system of interconnecting many computers over a large geographical area such as cities, states, countries or even the whole world.

NETWORK COMPONENTS • Hardware • Software • Communication Channels • Network Devices

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS • Communication Channels refers to the physical media through which communication signals are transmitted. • The two commonly used types of cables (Wired TM) to connect computers are coaxial cables and fiber optic cables.

WIRELESS TM- MICROWAVE SYSTEMS COMMUNICATION SATELLITE

NETWORK DEVICES • Different networking devices have different roles to play in a computer network. These network devices also work at different segments of a computer network performing different functions. • Examples of Network devices are: – Hub – Switch – Router – Bridge – Gateway – Modem, etc.

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES • A network topology is the arrangement of a network, including its nodes and connecting lines. • It defines the way different nodes are placed and interconnected with each other. • Types of Network Topologies: – Bus Topology – Star Topology – Ring Topology – Mesh Topology