Scribd
Upload
4 views

Computer

ASSIGNMENT

Uploaded by

kecosakisiiuniversity
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

Computer

ASSIGNMENT

Uploaded by

kecosakisiiuniversity
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

KISII UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS

Facility: SOBE

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

COMP101

BRENDA CHERONO

ED15/0009/24

ASSIGNMENT 3

14/10/2024

A. Types of Computer Networks:

1. LAN (Local Area Network):

- A LAN is a network that connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office,
or school.

- LANs are typically used for personal or small-scale networking, where the distance between the
connected devices is relatively short.

- Examples of LANs include home networks, small office networks, and campus networks.

- LANs are often wired, using Ethernet cables to connect devices, but they can also be wireless, using
Wi-Fi technology.

2. WAN (Wide Area Network):

- A WAN is a network that connects devices across a larger geographical area, such as a city, country,
or even the entire world.

- WANs are used for larger-scale networking, where the distance between the connected devices is
much greater than in a LAN.

- Examples of WANs include the internet, national and international telephone networks, and large
corporate networks.

- WANs are typically connected using a combination of wired and wireless technologies, such as fiber
optic cables, satellite links, and cellular networks.

3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):


- A MAN is a network that connects devices within a metropolitan area, such as a city or town.

- MANs are typically used for medium-scale networking, where the distance between the connected
devices is greater than in a LAN but less than in a WAN.

- Examples of MANs include city-wide Wi-Fi networks and cable TV networks.

- MANs are often a combination of wired and wireless technologies, using a mix of fiber optic cables,
coaxial cables, and wireless networks.

4. PAN (Personal Area Network):

- A PAN is a network that connects devices within a personal area, such as a single room or building.

- PANs are used for personal or small-scale networking, where the distance between the connected
devices is very short.

- Examples of PANs include Bluetooth connections between smartphones, laptops, and other personal
devices.

- PANs are typically wireless, using short-range wireless technologies like Bluetooth or Zigbee.

B. OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model:

The OSI model is a conceptual framework that describes the functions of a computer network in seven
layers:

1. Physical Layer: Defines the physical characteristics of the network, such as the type of cables,
connectors, and signaling used.

2. Data Link Layer: Provides error-free transfer of data between adjacent network nodes.

3. Network Layer: Responsible for the routing and forwarding of data between different network
segments.

4. Transport Layer: Ensures the reliable and efficient transfer of data between end systems.

5. Session Layer: Manages the establishment, maintenance, and termination of communication sessions.

6. Presentation Layer: Responsible for the formatting and presentation of data.

7. Application Layer: Provides the the user and the network, and supports various network services.

C. Wired vs. Wireless Networking:

Wired Networking:

- Advantages: Higher bandwidth, more reliable, less interference, better security.


- Disadvantages: Requires physical cables, more expensive, less flexible.

- Applications: Corporate networks, data centers, industrial environments.

Wireless Networking:

- Advantages: No need for physical cables, more flexible, easier to install, lower cost.

- Disadvantages: Lower bandwidth, more susceptible to interference, less secure, shorter range.

- Applications: Home networks, mobile devices, public Wi-Fi networks.

D. Network Protocols and TCP/IP:

Network protocols are a set of rules and standards that define how data is transmitted and received
across a network. The most widely used network protocol is the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP).

TCP/IP is responsible for:

- Addressing and routing data packets

- Breaking data into smaller packets for transmission

- Ensuring reliable and efficient delivery of data

- Controlling the flow of data and error detection

E. Network Security:

Common Network Threats:

- DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks: Overwhelm a network or website with excessive traffic,
causing it to become unavailable.

- Man-in-the-middle attacks: Intercept and modify data transmitted between two parties without their
knowledge.

- Packet sniffing: Monitor and capture data packets transmitted over a network.

Mitigation Strategies:

- Implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems

- Using strong encryption and authentication mechanisms

- Regularly updating and patching software and systems

- Employing redundancy and backup solutions


- Educating users about safe network practices

You might also like