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Computer

ASSIGNMENT

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Computer

ASSIGNMENT

Uploaded by

kecosakisiiuniversity
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

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