Lecture

sheet: & Networking

A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and other devices that can
communicate and share resources with each other. –Two or more connected computers

Major components in simple network

 Client computer
 Server computer
 Network interfaces (NICs)
 Connection medium
 Network operating system
 Hub or switch

Routers

A router is a device that directs internet traffic between different devices in a network and helps them
connect to the internet.

 Device used to route packets of data through different networks, ensuring that data sent gets
to the correct address.

Components of a Simple Computer Network

A simple computer network typically consists of several basic components:

Devices: These are the computers and devices that are connected to the network. Examples include
desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, and more.

Router: The router is a central device that manages network traffic. It connects the network to the
internet and directs data between devices within the network and the internet. Routers often include
built-in firewalls for security.

Switch or Hub: These devices allow multiple devices within the network to communicate with each
other. A switch is more intelligent and efficient than a hub because it forwards data only to the device
that needs it, whereas a hub sends data to all devices in the network.
Cables/Wireless Connections: Networks can be connected using wired connections (Ethernet
cables) or wireless connections (Wi-Fi). Ethernet cables provide faster and more stable connections,
while Wi-Fi offers mobility and flexibility.

Network Protocol: A set of rules and conventions that devices on the network use to communicate.
The most common protocol for local networks is Ethernet, while the internet relies on the TCP/IP
protocol suite.

These components work together to create a basic computer network that allows devices to
communicate, share resources, and access the internet when needed.

Components of Networks in Large Companies

 Hundreds of local area networks (LANs) linked to firm wide corporate network
 Various powerful servers
• Web site
• Corporate intranet, extranet
 Wi-Fi networks
 Videoconferencing system
 Telephone network
 Wireless cell phones

Internet Services

 E-mail
 Chatting and instant messaging
 Newsgroups
 Telnet
 File transfer protocol (FTP)
 World wide web
 VoIP
 Virtual private network (VPN)
Voice over Internet Protocol

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice communication and multimedia
sessions to be transmitted over the Internet or other IP-based networks. It enables the conversion of
voice signals into digital data packets that can be transmitted over the internet infrastructure, like
how other types of data are sent.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that provides a secure and encrypted connection
over a public network, typically the Internet, to create a private network that allows users to access
resources and services as if they were directly connected to a private network, even if they are
physically located elsewhere. VPNs are commonly used for enhancing security, privacy, and remote
access to resources.

The World Wide Web

1.HTML (Hypertext Markup Language):

• Formats documents for display on Web

2. Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP):

• Communications standard used for transferring Webpages

3. Uniform resource locators (URLs):

• Addresses of Web pages

E.g. http://www.brur.ac.bd

4. Web servers

• Software for locating and managing Web pages

1. Competing standards for cellular service

• CDMA: United States

• GSM (Global system for mobile communication): Rest of world, plus AT&T and T-Mobile

2. Third generation (3G) networks

• HSPA (High speed packet access)

• Suitable for broadband Internet access

• 144 Kbps – 2Mbps

3. 4G networks

• LTE (Long term evolution)

• Entirely packet-switched

• 100 Mbps – 1Gbps

4. 5G networks

• MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output)

• Ultra-low latency

• 10 Gbps

Wireless Computer Networks and Internet Access

1. Bluetooth (802.15)

• Links up to 8 devices in 10-m area

• Useful for personal networking (PANs) and in business

to transmit data from handheld devices to other transmitters

• Set of standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n

• Used for wireless LAN and wireless Internet access

• Use access points: Device with radio receiver/transmitter for connecting wireless devices to
a wired LAN

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

 Use tiny tags with embedded microchips containing data about an item and location, and
antenna.
 Tags transmit radio signals over short distances to special RFID readers, which send data
over network to computer for processing.
 Active RFID: Tags have batteries, data can be rewritten, range is hundreds of feet, more
expensive.
 Passive RFID: Range is shorter, also smaller, less expensive, powered by radio frequency
energy.
 Common uses:

• Automated toll-collection

• Tracking goods in a supply chain