A computer network is a system that connects two or more computing devices for transmitting and

sharing information.
Application of Computer Network
Data Sharing It is the capability of sharing data with multiple users over the network. In order to share
the data among multiple users, it is generally stored on servers. Different applications can therefore
access the data from these servers easily.
1. Data Sharing
Cloud Storage Services: Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive allow users to
store their files and share them with others.
Collaboration Tools: Applications such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Slack facilitate real-time
collaboration by allowing users to share documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other files with
colleagues.
Social Media Platforms: Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users to
share various types of data, including text posts, photos, videos, and links.
File Transfer Protocols: File transfer protocols like FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SFTP (SSH File Transfer
Protocol), and HTTP(S) facilitate the transfer of files between computers over a network.
Remote Data Access
Remote data access is the process of accessing the data from remote location in an efficient way.
Different software programs are used to provide an interface to the end users for accessing the data
remotely.
Examples of remote storage devices Example Remote Desktop Application
Microsoft OneDrive. Teamviewer
Google Drive. AnyDesk
Dropbox. RemotePC
iCloud.
Direct remote access is the most common and simplest type of remote access. It involves using a
computer or other device to connect directly to another computer or device over the internet. (sample
teamviewer)
Indirect remote access usually requires some intermediary server, such as a web-based email service, to
relay messages between two computers or devices.
2. Resource Sharing
Resource sharing is the process of sharing the resources such as storage devices, input/output
devices, etc. over the network. For example, printer can be shared among the computers connected
in a network by attaching it to the server computer.
3. Communication The far-reaching applications of network are electronic mail and
teleconferencing. These applications allow individuals as well as organizations to use networks
for exchanging messages (written, voice and video) extensively.
Main Components of a Computer Network
1. Network Devices Network devices or nodes are computing devices that need to be linked in the
network. Some network devices include: Computers, mobiles, and other consumer devices
Servers: These are application or storage servers where the main computation and data storage occur.
All requests for specific tasks or data come to the servers.
Here are some common examples of servers:
1. File Server: A file server is a computer or software system that stores files and provides access to them
over a network. It allows users to centrally store and share documents, media files, and other data.
2. Web Server: A web server is a computer or software system that hosts websites and web
applications. It receives requests from clients (such as web browsers) and delivers web pages, images,
videos, and other web content over the internet
3. Email Server: An email server is a computer or software system that handles email communication. It
stores incoming and outgoing emails, manages user mailboxes, and routes emails between senders and
recipients.
4. Database Server: A database server is a computer or software system that stores and manages
databases. It allows users and applications to store, retrieve, and manipulate data in structured formats.
5. Application Server: An application server is a computer or software system that hosts and manages
applications for client computers or devices.
6. Print Server: A print server is a computer or software system that manages printers and print queues
on a network. It allows multiple users to share and access printers over the network.
7. Domain Name System (DNS) Server: A DNS server is a computer or software system that translates
domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses and vice versa.
8. FTP Server: An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server is a computer or software system that facilitates file
transfers between clients and servers over a network. It allows users to upload, download, and manage
files remotely.
9. DHCP Server: A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is a computer or software system
that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a
network.
10. Virtual Private Network (VPN) Server: A VPN server is a computer or software system that allows
remote users to securely connect to a private network over the internet. It creates encrypted tunnels for
secure communication and remote access to network resources.
Servers
1. File Server 6. Print Server
2. Web Server 7. Domain Name System (DNS) Server
3. Email Server 8. FTP Server
4. Database Server 9. DHCP Server
5. Application Server 10. Virtual Private Network (VPN) Server
Modem is a box that connects your home network to your internet service provider, or ISP. a network
device that both modulates and demodulates analog carrier signals
Router A router is a box that lets all of your wired and wireless devices use that internet connection at
once and allows them to talk to one another directly.
Ethernet hub An Ethernet hub, active hub, network hub, repeater hub, multiport repeater, or simply hub
is a network hardware device for connecting multiple Ethernet devices together and making them act as
a single network segment.
Ethernet switch An Ethernet switch creates networks and uses multiple ports to communicate between
devices in the LAN.
A network hub is a node that broadcasts data to every computer or Ethernet-based device connected to
it.
Gateways: Gateways are hardware devices that act as ‘gates’ between two distinct networks. They can
be firewalls, routers, or servers.
LINKS
Wired links wireless links
1.ethernet cable 1.wireless connection(WIFI)
2.fiber optic cable 2.bluetooth
3.coaxial cable 3.satellite link
4.DSL connection 4.infrared
The OSI stands for Open System Interconnection, which was developed in 1980s. It describes how
information from a software application in one computer moves through a physical medium to the
software application in another computer.
7 Layers of OSI Model There are the seven OSI layers. Each layer has different functions.
1. Physical Layer 5. Session Layer
2. Data-Link Layer 6. Presentation Layer
3. Network Layer 7. Application Layer
4. Transport Layer
1. Physical Layer The main functionality of the physical layer is to transmit the individual bits from one
node to another node. Ex. Cables, Connectors, Hubs , Modems, NIC, Wireless Technology
2. Data-Link Layer This layer is responsible for the error-free transfer of data frames. It defines the
format of the data on the network.
It contains two sub-layers:
Logical Link Control Layer
Media Access Control Layer
3. Network Layer It is a layer 3 that manages device addressing, tracks the location of devices on the
network. The Data link layer is responsible for routing and forwarding the packets.
4. Transport Layer The Transport layer is a Layer 4 ensures that messages are transmitted in the order in
which they are sent and there is no duplication of data. The main responsibility of the transport layer is
to transfer the data completely.
The two protocols used in this layer are:
Transmission Control Protocol
User Datagram Protocol
5. Session Layer The Session layer is used to establish, maintain and synchronizes the interaction
between communicating devices.
Functions of Session layer:
Dialog control
Synchronization
6. Presentation Layer A Presentation layer is mainly concerned with the syntax and semantics of the
information exchanged between the two systems.
Functions of Presentation layer:
Translation
Encryption
compression
7. Application Layer An application layer serves as a window for users and application processes to
access network service.
7 Layers
7. Application Layer All
 6. Presentation Layer People
5. Session Layer Seem
4. Transport Layer To
3. Network Layer Need
2. Data Link Layer Data
1. Physical Layer Processing
Unlike OSI reference model, TCP/IP reference model has only 4 layers. They are,
1. Host-to-Network Layer 2. Internet Layer 3. Transport Layer 4. Application Layer
Subnet A logical subdivision of an IP network that allows for efficient management of IP addresses and
network resources. Subnetting involves dividing a larger network into smaller, more manageable
segments.
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a network management protocol used to
automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network.
IP Address stands for Internet Protocol A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a
computer network that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) for communication.
MAC Address stands for Media Access Control address. It is a unique identifier assigned to network
interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. Every device that can connect to a
network, such as computers, smartphones, routers, and printers, has a MAC address.
Firewall A security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic
based on predetermined security rules.
Gateway A gateway is a network node that serves as an entry point between two different networks or
protocols.
TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol It is one of the core protocols of the Internet Protocol
Suite (TCP/IP), which governs how data is transmitted over networks, including the internet.
ISP Internet Service Providers is an organization that provides services for accessing, using, managing, or
participating in the Internet.
DNS (Domain Name System) A hierarchical decentralized naming system for computers, services, or
other resources connected to the Internet or a private network. Ex. it's much simpler to remember
"facebook.com" than it is to remember "31.13.65.36”
Personal area network (PAN): PAN refers to a network used by just one person to connect multiple
devices, such as laptops to scanners, etc
Local area network (LAN): The local area network connects devices within a limited geographical area,
such as schools, hospitals, or office buildings.
Campus area network (CAN): Campus area networks are a collection of interconnected LANs. They are
used by larger entities such as universities and governments.
Metropolitan area network (MAN): It is a type of network that covers a larger geographic area than a
local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).
Wide area network (WAN): Wide area networks cover larger areas such as large cities, states, and even
countries.
Virtual private network (VPN): VPN is an overlay private network stretched on top of a public network.
Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed on a
computer so it can connect to a network.
Unshielded Twisted Pair UTP cables are widely used in Ethernet networks for connecting devices such as
computers, routers, switches, and other networked peripherals.
Registered Jack RJ45 is a type of connector commonly used with Ethernet cables. It is the most widely
used connector for Ethernet networking and is found on the ends of twisted pair cables, typically
terminated with eight pins.
coaxial cable is a type of electrical cable consisting of an inner conductor surrounded by a concentric
conducting shield, with the two separated by a dielectric.
BNC Connector (initialism of "Bayonet Neill–Concelman") is a miniature quick connect/disconnect radio
frequency connector used for coaxial cable.
topology refers to the layout or structure of a network, including how different nodes or devices are
connected to each other.
a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single backbone cable. Data is transmitted along the cable,
and each device listens for its own address.
A media converter is a networking device that converts signals from one media type to another.
In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. The central hub acts as a
mediator for data transmission between devices.
Ring Topology all computers have two network connectors and each connector runs either clockwise or
anticlockwise onto the next node.
Tree Topology is a special type of structure where many connected elements are arranged like the
branches of a tree.
Tree topology can be categories as follows:
Bus Tree Topology: You connect PCs to central hubs or switches, and a backbone cable handles
communication throughout the tree network.
Cluster Tree Topology: The most crucial concept in cluster tree topology is the parent-child link between
nodes.
A mesh topology is mostly used in ad-hoc networks or home networks.
A hybrid topology refers to a combination of two or more different basic network topologies to form a
more complex overall network structure. Basic network topologies include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree
topologies.
G1
Subnetting involves dividing a network into smaller subnetworks (subnets). It offers benefits in
performance, scalability, and security.
IP addresses are unique numerical identifiers assigned to devices on a network. They allow
communication between devices through network interfaces
A public IP address, or external-facing IP address, applies to the main device people use to connect their
business or home internet network to their internet service provider (ISP).
A private IP address, or internal-facing IP address, is assigned by an office or home intranet (or local area
network) to devices, or by the internet service provider (ISP).
Static IP Address All public and private addresses are defined as static or dynamic. An IP address that a
person manually configures and fixes to their device’s network is referred to as a static IP address.
A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to a network when a router is set up.
G3
3 types of signal:
Digital signal
Analog signal
Hybrid signal
System can be classifies into 3 modes:
Simplex
Half duplex
Full duplex
An ISP (internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals and organizations access to the
internet and other related services.
Tier 1 ISPs. These ISPs have the most global reach and own enough physical network lines to carry most
traffic on their own
Tier 2 ISPs. These ISPs have regional or national reach and are service providers that connect tier 1 and
tier 3 ISPs.
Tier 3 ISPs. These ISPs connect customers to the internet using another ISP' s network.
Different networking device:
HUB Is a node that broadcasts data to every computer or Ethernet-based device connected to it
SWITCH connects devices in a network to each other, enabling them to talk by exchanging data packets.
GATEWAY Is a network node used in telecommunications that connects two networks with different
transmission protocols together.
BRIDGE Is a network device that connects multiple subnetworks to create a single network.
ROUTER Is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnetworks.
REPEATER Is a type of network node that amplifies incoming signals and rebroadcasts them over a wider
area or higher network layer than the original signal