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Introduction To Computer Networks

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Introduction To Computer Networks

Uploaded by

Kamal Lamichhane
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Computer Networks

### What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a set of computers connected together for the purpose of sharing resources.

The most common resource shared today is a connection to the Internet. Other shared resources

can include a printer or a file server. The computers on a network may be linked through cables,

telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

### Types of Computer Networks

1. **Local Area Network (LAN)**: A LAN is a network that is limited to a small geographic area, such

as a single building or a campus. LANs are often used to connect personal computers and

workstations in company offices and factories to share resources and exchange information.

2. **Wide Area Network (WAN)**: A WAN spans a large geographic area, often a country or

continent. WANs are often established with leased telecommunication circuits.

3. **Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)**: A MAN is a network that spans a city or a large campus. A

MAN usually interconnects a number of local area networks using a high-capacity backbone

technology, such as fiber-optic links.

4. **Personal Area Network (PAN)**: A PAN is a network that consists of personal devices such as

smartphones, tablets, and laptops that are connected to each other within a range of a few meters.
### Network Topologies

The topology of a network refers to the layout of the network. The way different nodes in a network

are connected to each other and the way they communicate are determined by the network's

topology. Common network topologies include:

1. **Bus Topology**: In a bus topology, all the devices are connected to a single central cable,

called the bus or backbone. Data sent from a device travels along the bus to all other devices.

2. **Star Topology**: In a star topology, all the devices are connected to a central hub. The hub acts

as a repeater for data flow.

3. **Ring Topology**: In a ring topology, each device is connected to two other devices, forming a

circular pathway for signals.

4. **Mesh Topology**: In a mesh topology, each device is connected to every other device in the

network. This provides high redundancy and reliability.

### Protocols and Standards

Protocols are rules that define how data is transmitted and received over a network. Standards

ensure that products from different manufacturers can work together. Important protocols and

standards include:

1. **TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)**: The basic communication language

of the Internet.
2. **Ethernet**: A family of computer networking technologies commonly used in LANs.

3. **Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)**: A technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a wireless

LAN.

4. **Bluetooth**: A standard for short-range wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers,

and other electronic devices.

### Network Security

Network security involves measures to protect data during their transmission. Important concepts in

network security include:

1. **Encryption**: Encoding data to prevent unauthorized access.

2. **Firewalls**: Systems designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network.

3. **Antivirus Software**: Programs designed to detect and destroy computer viruses.

4. **Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)**: Devices or software applications that monitor a network for

malicious activity.

### Conclusion

Understanding computer networks is fundamental for IT professionals. Networks enable the sharing
of resources, efficient communication, and connectivity of devices across different locations. As

technology evolves, so do network technologies and their applications, making it essential to stay

updated with the latest trends and developments in this field.

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