Lecture 1: Introduction to computer

Network
Module Objectives
chapter Title: Introduction to network

chapter Objective: Explain the advances in modern technologies.

Topic Title Topic Objective

Networks Affect our Lives Explain how networks affect our daily lives.
Network Components Explain how host and network devices are used.
Network Representations and Topologies Explain network representations and how they are used in network topologies.
Common Types of Networks Compare the characteristics of common types of networks.
Internet Connections Explain how LANs and WANs interconnect to the internet.
Reliable Networks Describe the four basic requirements of a reliable network.

Network Trends Explain how trends such as BYOD, online collaboration, video, and cloud computing
are changing the way we interact.
Network Security Identify some basic security threats and solution for all networks.

The IT Professional Explain employment opportunities in the networking field.

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1.1 Networks Affect Our
Lives

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Networking Today
Networks Connect Us

Communication is almost as important to us as our reliance on air, water, food, and

shelter. In today’s world, through the use of networks, we are connected like never
before.

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Networking Today
No Boundaries
• World without boundaries

• Global communities

• Human network

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What is a computer network?
 A set of computers connected together for sharing information &resources

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Benefits of a Network
 Information sharing: Authorized users can use other computers on the network to access and share
information and data. This could include special group projects, databases, etc.

 Hardware sharing: One device connected to a network, can be shared by many users.

 Software sharing: Instead of purchasing and installing a software program on each computer, it can
be installed on the server. All of the users can then access the program from a single location.

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1.2 Network History

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ARPANET - the First Network
 ARPANET − Advanced Research Projects Agency Network − the granddad of Internet was a
network established by the US Department of Defense (DOD). The work for establishing the
network started in the early 1960s and DOD sponsored major research work, which resulted in
development on initial protocols, languages and frameworks for network communication.

 ARPANET expanded to connect DOD with those universities of the US that were carrying out
defense-related research. It covered most of the major universities across the country. The concept
of networking got a boost when University College of London (UK) and Royal Radar Network
(Norway) connected to the ARPANET and a network of networks was formed.

 The term Internet was coined by Vinton Cerf, Yogen Dalal and Carl Sunshine of Stanford University
to describe this network of networks. Together they also developed protocols to facilitate
information exchange over the Internet. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) still forms the
backbone of networking.

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World Wide Web
 More and more networks were developed in different part of the world.
Each network used different protocols for communicating over the
network. This prevented different networks from connecting together
seamlessly. In the 1980s, Tim Berners-Lee led a group of Computer
scientists at CERN, Switzerland, to create a seamless network of varied
networks, called the World Wide Web (WWW).

 World Wide Web is a complex web of websites and web pages

connected together through hypertexts. Hypertext is a word or group of
words linking to another web page of the same or different website.
When the hypertext is clicked, another web page opens.
 The evolution from ARPANET to WWW was possible due to many new
achievements by researchers and computer scientists all over the world.

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Year Milestone

1957 Advanced Research Project Agency formed by US

1969 ARPANET became functional

1970 ARPANET connected to BBNs

Roy Tomlinson develops network messaging or E-mail. Symbol @ comes to mean "at"
1972

1973 APRANET connected to Royal Radar Network of Norway

Term Internet coined

1974 First commercial use of ARPANET, Telenet, is approved

1982 TCP/IP introduced as standard protocol on ARPANET

1983 Domain Name System introduced

National Science Foundation brings connectivity to more people with its NSFNET program
1986

ARPANET decommissioned
1990 First web browser Nexus developed
HTML developed

2002-2004 Web 2.0 is born

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1.2 Network Components

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Network Components
End Devices
An end device is where a message originates from or where it is received. Data originates with an
end device, flows through the network, and arrives at an end device.

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Network Components
Intermediary Network Devices
An intermediary device interconnects end devices. Examples include switches, wireless
access points, routers, and firewalls.

Management of data as it flows through a network is also the role of an intermediary

device, including:
• Regenerate and retransmit data signals.
• Maintain information about what pathways exist in the network.
• Notify other devices of errors and communication failures.

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Network Components
Network Media
Communication across a network is carried through a medium which allows a message to
travel from source to destination.

Media Types Description

Metal wires within cables Uses electrical impulses

Glass or plastic fibers Uses pulses of light.

within cables (fiber-optic
cable)

Wireless transmission Uses modulation of

specific frequencies of
electromagnetic waves.

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Client-Server and Peer-to-
Peer Network

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client –server Network
Every computer on a network is
called a host or end device.
Servers are computers that provide
information to end devices:
• email servers
• web servers Server Description
Type
• file server
Email Email server runs email server software.
Clients are computers that send Clients use client software to access email.
requests to the servers to retrieve
Web Web server runs web server software.
information: Clients use browser software to access web pages.
• web page from a web server
• email from an email server File File server stores corporate and user files.
The client devices access these files.
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Peer-to-Peer Network
It is possible to have a device be a client and a server in a Peer-to-Peer Network. This type of
network design is only recommended for very small networks.

Advantages Disadvantages
Easy to set up No centralized administration
Less complex Not as secure
Lower cost Not scalable

Used for simple tasks: transferring files and sharing Slower performance
printers
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Difference between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Network
Client-Server Network Peer-to-Peer Network

distinguish When it comes to a Client-Server Network, clients and When it comes to the Peer-to-Peer Network, both clients and servers
servers are distinguished because of the distinctive are not distinguished.
servers and clients present.

centralization It majorly concentrates on sharing the information. It majorly concentrates on the connectivity part.

data Here, we mainly prefer the centralised server to keep Here, every peer stores its own data.
the data.

services In the case of the Client-Server network, the server In the case of a Peer-to-Peer network, every node can accomplish both
replies to the services which are asked by the client. request and response.

Cost The Client-Server network is expensive as compared The Peer-to-Peer network is affordable as compared to the Client-
to the Peer-to-Peer network. Server network.

stability They are a more stable network form. They are comparatively less stable.

width These can be used both in small and large networks. It is mostly preferred for short networks.

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1.3 Network Representations and
Topologies

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Network Representations and Topologies
Network Representations

Network diagrams, often called topology

diagrams, use symbols to represent
devices within the network.
Important terms to know include:
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Physical Port
• Interface

Note: Often, the terms port and

interface are used interchangeably

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Network Representations and Topologies
Topology Diagrams
Physical topology diagrams illustrate the Logical topology diagrams illustrate devices,
physical location of intermediary devices ports, and the addressing scheme of the
and cable installation. network.

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NetworkTopology

Tree

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1.23
 MESH Topology
• Every device has a dedicated point-to-
point link to every other devices
• Dedicated Link carries traffic only between the
two devices it connects
• A fully connected mesh network has n(n-1)/2
physical channels to link n devices
• Every device on the network must have n-1
input/output (I/O) ports
• Advantage
• Less traffic, robust, secure, easy to maintain
• Disadvantage n(n-1)/2 physical duplex links
• Need more resource (cable and ports),
expensive
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1.24
 STAR Topology
• Each device has a dedicated point-to-point link only to a central controller,
usually called a hub.
• No direct traffic and link between devices
• Advantages
• Less expensive
• Easy to install and reconfigure
• Robustness
• Disadvantage
• Single point of failure

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1.25
 BUS Topology
• A multipoint topology
• All devices are linked through a backbone cable
• Nodes are connected to the bus cable by drop lines and taps.
• Drop line
• A connection running between the device and the main cable
• Tap
• A connector that either splices into the main cable or punctures the
sheathing of a cable to create a contact with the metallic core
• Advantage:
• Ease of installation
 Disadvantages:
• Difficult reconnection and fault isolation
• Broken or fault of the bus cable stops all transmission
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1.26
 RING Topology

• Each device is dedicated point-to-point connection only with the two devices on either
side of it
• A signal is passed along the ring in the direction, from device to device, until it reaches
its destination
• Each device in the ring incorporates a repeater

• Advantages
• Relatively easy to install and reconfigure
• Fault isolation is simplified
• Disadvantage
• Unidirectional traffic
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1.27
 Tree Topology
Tree topologies integrate multiple topologies together
Example: Tree topology
integrates multiple star
topologies together onto
a bus
• Advantages:
• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
• Supported by several hardware and software venders.
• Disadvantages:
• Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
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• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies. 1.28

A hybrid topology: a star backbone with three bus networks

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1.29
1.4 Common Types of Networks

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Common Types of Networks
Networks of Many Sizes
• Small Home Networks – connect a few
computers to each other and the Internet
• Small Office/Home Office – enables
computer within a home or remote office
to connect to a corporate network
Small Home SOHO • Medium to Large Networks – many
locations with hundreds or thousands of
interconnected computers
• World Wide Networks – connects
hundreds of millions of computers world-
wide – such as the internet

Medium/Large World Wide

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Common Types of Networks
 There are various types of Computer Networking options available. The classification of network in
computers can be done according to their size as well as their purpose.

 The size of a network should be expressed by the geographic area and number of computers,
which are a part of their networks. It includes devices housed in a single room to millions of devices
spread across the world. Following are the popular types of Computer Network:

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Personal Area Network
 PAN (Personal Area Network) is a computer network formed around a person. It generally consists
of a computer, mobile, or personal digital assistant. PAN can be used for establishing
communication among these personal devices for connecting to a digital network and the internet.
 Characteristics of PAN

 It is mostly personal devices network equipped within a limited area.

 Allows you to handle the interconnection of IT devices at the surrounding of a single user.

 PAN includes mobile devices, tablet, and laptop.

 It can be wirelessly connected to the internet called WPAN.

 Appliances use for PAN: cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth systems

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 Advantages of PAN

 PAN networks are relatively secure and safe

 It offers only short-range solution up to ten meters

 Strictly restricted to a small area

 Disadvantages of PAN

 It may establish a bad connection to other networks at the same radio bands.

 Distance limits.

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LAN (Local Area Network)
 A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group
of computer and peripheral devices
which are connected in a limited area
such as school, laboratory, home, and
office building. It is a widely useful
network for sharing resources like files,
printers, games, and other application.
The simplest type of LAN network is to
connect computers and a printer in
someone’s home or office. In general,
LAN will be used as one type of
transmission medium. It is a network
which consists of less than 5000
interconnected devices across several
buildings.

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 Characteristics of LAN

 It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.

 LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.

 There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and Ethernet.

 Advantages of LAN

 Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can share local area networks. This
significantly reduces the cost of hardware purchases.

 You can use the same software over the network instead of purchasing the licensed software for
each client in the network.

 Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server computer.

 You can easily transfer data and messages over networked computers.

 It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more secure.

 Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet connection among all the LAN users.
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 Disadvantages of LAN

 LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources, but the initial cost of installing
Local Area Networks is quite high.

 The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so it does not offer good privacy.

 Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in case LAN admin is not able to
secure centralized data repository.
 Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration as there are issues related to software
setup and hardware failures

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WAN (Wide Area Network)
 WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which is spread across a
large geographical area. WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which connects with
other LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an
organization.

 Characteristics of WAN

 The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can access to the latest files.

 Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.

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Example of Wide area network (WAN)
 Internet is the example of WAN.

 A WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made from several LANs connected
together.

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 Advantages of WAN

 WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore business offices situated at longer
distances can easily communicate.

 Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers, gaming consoles, etc.

 WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built into client devices.

 Disadvantages of WAN

 The initial setup cost of investment is very high.

 It is difficult to maintain the WAN network. You need skilled technicians and network administrators.

 There are more errors and issues because of the wide coverage and the use of different
technologies.

 It requires more time to resolve issues because of the involvement of multiple wired and wireless
technologies.
 Offers lower security compared to other types of network in computer.

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MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
 A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is consisting of a computer network across an entire city,
college campus, or a small region. This type of network is large than a LAN, which is mostly limited
to a single building or site. Depending upon the type of configuration, this type of network allows
you to cover an area from several miles to tens of miles.

 Characteristics of MAN

 It mostly covers towns and cities in a maximum 50 km range

 Mostly used medium is optical fibers, cables

 Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications.

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 Advantages of MAN

 It offers fast communication using high-speed carriers, like fiber optic cables.

 It provides excellent support for an extensive size network and greater access to WANs.

 The dual bus in MAN network provides support to transmit data in both directions concurrently.

 A MAN network mostly includes some areas of a city or an entire city.

 Disadvantages of MAN

 You need more cable to establish MAN connection from one place to another.

 In MAN network it is tough to make the system secure from hackers

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Common Types of Networks
LANs and WANs
Network infrastructures vary greatly in
terms of:
• Size of the area covered
• Number of users connected
• Number and types of services
available
• Area of responsibility

Two most common types of networks:

• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN).

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Common Types of Networks
LANs and WANs (cont.)
A LAN is a network infrastructure that spans A WAN is a network infrastructure that spans
a small geographical area. a wide geographical area.

LAN WAN
Interconnect end devices in a limited area. Interconnect LANs over wide geographical areas.
Administered by a single organization or Typically administered by one or more service
individual. providers.
Provide high-speed bandwidth to internal Typically provide slower speed links between LANs.
devices.

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Common Types of Networks
The Internet
The internet is a worldwide collection of
interconnected LANs and WANs.
• LANs are connected to each other using
WANs.
• WANs may use copper wires, fiber optic
cables, and wireless transmissions.
The internet is not owned by any individual
or group. The following groups were
developed to help maintain structure on
the internet:
• IETF
• ICANN
• IAB
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1.5 Network Trends

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Network Trends
Recent Trends
The role of the network must adjust
and continually transform in order to
be able to keep up with new
technologies and end user devices as
they constantly come to the market.

Several new networking trends that

effect organizations and consumers:
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
• Online collaboration
• Video communications
• Cloud computing

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Network Trends
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Bring Your Own Device allows users to use their own devices
giving them more opportunities and
greater flexibility.

BYOD allows end users to have the

freedom to use personal tools to
access information and communicate
using their:
• Laptops
• Netbooks
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• E-readers
BYOD means any device, with any
ownership, used anywhere.

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Network Trends
Online Collaboration
 Collaborate and work with others
over the network on joint projects.

 Collaboration tools including Cisco

WebEx (shown in the figure) gives
users a way to instantly connect and
interact.

 Collaboration is a very high priority

for businesses and in education.

 Cisco Webex Teams is a

multifunctional collaboration tool.
• send instant messages
• post images
• post videos and links

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Network Trends
Video Communication
• Video calls are made to anyone, regardless of where they are located.

• Video conferencing is a powerful tool for communicating with others.

• Video is becoming a critical requirement for effective collaboration.

• Cisco TelePresence powers is one way of working where everyone,

everywhere.

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Network Trends
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing allows us to store personal files or backup our data on servers over the internet.
• Applications can also be accessed using the Cloud.
• Allows businesses to deliver to any device anywhere in the world.

Cloud computing is made possible by data centers.

• Smaller companies that can’t afford their own data centers, lease server and storage services from larger
data center organizations in the Cloud.

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Network Trends
Cloud Computing (Cont.)
Four types of Clouds:
• Public Clouds
• Available to the general public through a pay-per-use model or for free.
• Private Clouds
• Intended for a specific organization or entity such as the government.
• Hybrid Clouds
• Made up of two or more Cloud types – for example, part custom and part public.
• Each part remains a distinctive object but both are connected using the same architecture.
• Custom Clouds
• Built to meet the needs of a specific industry, such as healthcare or media.
• Can be private or public.
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Network Trends
Technology Trends in the Home
• Smart home technology is a
growing trend that allows
technology to be integrated into
every-day appliances which
allows them to interconnect with
other devices.
• Ovens might know what time to
cook a meal for you by
communicating with your calendar
on what time you are scheduled
to be home.
• Smart home technology is
currently being developed for all
rooms within a house.

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Network Trends • Powerline networking can
Powerline Networking allow devices to connect to a
LAN where data network
cables or wireless
communications are not a
viable option.
• Using a standard powerline
adapter, devices can connect
to the LAN wherever there is
an electrical outlet by
sending data on certain
frequencies.
• Powerline networking is
especially useful when
wireless access points
cannot reach all the devices
in the home.

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1.9 The IT Professional

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The IT Professional
The Cisco Certified Network Associate
CCNA (CCNA) certification:
• demonstrates that you have a knowledge of
foundational technologies
• ensures you stay relevant with skills needed
for the adoption of next-generation
technologies.
The new CCNA focus:
• IP foundation and security topics
• Wireless, virtualization, automation, and
network programmability.
New DevNet certifications at the
associate, specialist and professional
levels, to validate your software
development skills.
Specialist certification validate your skills
in line with your job role and interests.

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The IT Professional
Networking Jobs

At www.netacad.com you can click the

Careers menu and then select Employment
opportunities.
• Find employment opportunities by
using the Talent Bridge Matching
Engine.
• Search for jobs with Cisco, Cisco
partners and distributors seeking
Cisco Networking Academy students
and alumni.

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1.10 Module Practice and
Quiz

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Module Practice and Quiz
What did I learn in this module?
• Through the use of networks, we are connected like never before.
• All computers that are connected to a network and participate directly in network
communication are classified as hosts.
• Diagrams of networks often use symbols to represent the different devices and
connections that make up a network.
• A diagram provides an easy way to understand how devices connect in a large network.
• The two types of network infrastructures are Local Area Networks (LANs), and Wide Area
Networks (WANs).
• SOHO internet connections include cable, DSL, Cellular, Satellite, and Dial-up telephone.
• Business internet connections include Dedicated Leased Line, Metro Ethernet, Business
DSL, and Satellite.

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Module Practice and Quiz
What did I learn in this module? (Cont.)
• Network architecture refers to the technologies that support the infrastructure and the
programmed services and rules, or protocols, that move data across the network.
• There are four basic characteristics of network architecture: Fault Tolerance, Scalability,
Quality of Service (QoS), and Security.
• Recent networking trends that affect organizations and consumers: Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD), online collaboration, video communications, and cloud computing.
• There are several common external and internal threats to networks.
• Larger networks and corporate networks use antivirus, antispyware, and firewall filtering, but
they also have other security requirements: Dedicated firewall systems, Access control lists
(ACL), Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and Virtual private networks (VPN)
• The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification demonstrates your knowledge of
foundational technologies.

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Contact : [email protected]