INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
NETWORKS AND
COMMUNICATIONS
AT THE END OF THIS LESSON STUDENT
SHOULD BE ABLE TO :
I-
Define computer networks
A computer networks is a collection of
computers and devices connected together via
communication devices and transmission
media.
Devices : printer, scanner, cameras
Communications Devices : NIC, Hub, Router, Switch, Modem
Transmission media : i-physical :wire,cable,atmosphere.
ii-?????? : infrared,radiowave,sattelite
Define communication
Communication describes a process in which two
or more computer or devices transfer data,
instruction and information.
Two types of signals :
• telephones
Analog • radio
• computers
Digital
Modem (modulator / demodulator) – converts
digital signal into analog and back again into digital
signal.
Connections For Networking
For communications in a network to be possible, there
must be:
Physical medium – allow data to travel across it
from device to device.
Protocol – ensure that interconnected computing
devices have the same standards for exchange of
information to occur smoothly
System application - ensure that data
transmission sent from one device is received by the
intended receiver.
Internetwork : two or more networks are linked or
connected and are able to communicate with one
another using suitable hardware and software.
Protocol - is a set of rules or standards designed so
that computers can exchange information with a
minimal errors.
Components of Communications
Hardware Sotware
• Computer • Operating system
• Hub • Application software
• Switch
• NIC
• Router
• Wired / wireless
NETWORK COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
communications channel @ communications Link
@communications line @ communications medium.
Some common types of network communications
channels are the:
twisted-pair wire
coaxial cable
fiber-optic cable
satelite systems
wireless systems (namely using radiowaves,
microwaves and infrared)
