unit 3 basic it
unit 3 basic it
• The Internet is the backbone infrastructure connecting devices worldwide, while the WWW is one
of the many services available over the internet.
• Think of the Internet as the highway, and the WWW as the cars traveling on it.
Internet
• A global network connecting millions of private, public, academic, and government systems.
• Operates on the TCP/IP protocol to transmit data.
• Provides a wide range of services like email, web browsing, online banking, and file sharing.
*1. Definition
• A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices (like computers, servers, printers, and
switches) that can communicate and share information with each other over transmission media such
as cables, fiber optics, or wireless signals.
• Local Area Network (LAN): A network that covers a small geographic area, such as a home, office,
or school. LANs typically use Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi for connectivity.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers a large geographic area, such as a city, country, or even
internationally. WANs connect multiple LANs using various technologies, including leased lines,
satellite links, and the internet.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically spans
a city or a large campus.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): A network that connects devices within a very short distance, like
Bluetooth or USB connections.
• Star: All devices are connected to a central hub. It is easy to install and manage but is vulnerable if
the hub fails.
• Bus: Devices are connected along a single central cable. It’s simple and inexpensive but can suffer
from data collisions.
• Ring: Devices are arranged in a circular fashion. It reduces data collisions but can be complex to set
up.
• Mesh: Each device connects to every other device. It offers high reliability and fault tolerance but is
expensive and complex.
• Tree: A hybrid topology combining star and bus topologies. It supports large networks and is easy to
manage but can be expensive.
**4. Protocols
• Wired Media:
o Twisted Pair Cable: Commonly used for telephone lines and Ethernet networks.
o Coaxial Cable: Used in cable TV and some Ethernet networks.
o Fiber Optic Cable: Transmits data as light and offers high speed and long-distance
communication.
• Wireless Media:
o Wi-Fi: Uses radio waves to connect devices without cables.
o Bluetooth: Short-range communication for connecting devices like phones, laptops, and
speakers.
o Cellular Networks: Use radio waves to connect mobile devices to the internet.
• Internet: The global system of interconnected networks that enables communication and data
exchange between devices worldwide.
• World Wide Web (WWW): A subset of the internet consisting of interconnected web pages that
can be accessed via browsers.
• Firewall: A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based
on predetermined security rules.
• Antivirus Software: Protects computers from malware, viruses, and other security threats.
• Encryption: Secures data by converting it into a code that only authorized users can access.
Types of Networks:
Summary:
• LAN is suitable for localized, high-speed networks like offices or homes, while WAN is designed
for large-scale connectivity, such as connecting offices across cities or countries.
• Think of LAN as a neighborhood network and WAN as a global network connecting neighborhoods
together.Network Topology:
1. Star Topology
• Definition: All devices are connected to a central hub or switch. Each node is individually
connected to this central node.
• Advantages:
o Easy to set up and manage.
o Fault isolation—if one device fails, it does not affect the entire network.
o High performance due to direct connection to the central hub.
• Disadvantages:
o If the central hub fails, the entire network goes down.
o Expensive due to the need for a dedicated cable for each device.
• Applications: Suitable for small networks like home networks and small offices.
2. Bus Topology
• Definition: All devices are connected to a single central cable (the backbone) which connects all
nodes in a linear fashion.
• Advantages:
o Easy to install and extend.
o Cost-effective.
o Only one cable is needed.
• Disadvantages:
o Performance degrades as the network load increases.
o If the backbone fails, the entire network goes down.
o Signal degradation over longer distances.
• Applications: Often used in situations where fewer cables are needed, like laboratories or older
offices.
3. Ring Topology
• Definition: Each device connects to two other devices, forming a circular data path. Data
travels around the ring in one direction.
• Advantages:
o Easy to install and extend.
o Data collisions are minimized.
o Provides a dedicated line for each node.
• Disadvantages:
o If one device fails, the whole network is affected.
o Difficult to troubleshoot.
o Complex to install and maintain.
• Applications: Common in older LANs, token ring networks, and broadband networks.
4. Mesh Topology
• Definition: Every device is connected to every other device directly. It provides redundant
paths for data transmission.
• Advantages:
o Highly reliable with multiple paths for data.
o Fault tolerance—if one connection fails, data can still be transmitted through
alternative paths.
o Scalability—easily expandable.
• Disadvantages:
o Expensive to implement due to high cabling costs.
o Complex to set up and manage.
• Applications: Ideal for large, complex networks like WANs and data centers.
5. Tree Topology
• Definition: A hybrid of bus and star topologies, combining multiple star topologies with a
backbone.
• Advantages:
o Easy to manage.
o Supports large networks.
o Fault tolerance—isolates faults within individual branches.
• Disadvantages:
o Expensive to implement due to multiple hubs and switches.
o Complex to set up and maintain.
• Applications: Common in large organizational networks and large-scale WANs.
6. Hybrid Topology
Definition:
A hybrid topology is a combination of two or more basic network topologies, such as star, ring, bus, or tree,
to form a more complex and scalable network structure. It leverages the strengths of multiple topologies to
meet specific requirements and accommodate various network sizes and functionalities.
1. Flexibility:
o Combines the advantages of different topologies to cater to the specific needs of an
organization or setup.
2. Scalability:
o New topologies or nodes can be added to the network without disrupting the existing system.
3. Custom Design:
o Tailored to fit the application, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
1. Adaptability:
o It can be customized based on organizational requirements, such as bandwidth, security, or
fault tolerance.
2. Fault Tolerance:
o Failure in one part of the network does not necessarily affect the entire system, as redundancy
can be built into the design.
3. Scalable:
o New segments can be added without affecting the functionality of the network.
4. Efficient Performance:
o Hybrid topology takes advantage of the strengths of the combined topologies while
minimizing their weaknesses.
1. Complexity:
o The design and management of hybrid networks can be challenging and require skilled
professionals.
2. High Cost:
o Building and maintaining a hybrid network is expensive due to the use of multiple topologies
and network devices like hubs, switches, and routers.
3. Troubleshooting:
o Identifying and resolving issues can be complex due to the mix of multiple topologies.
1. Large Enterprises:
o Organizations with different departments requiring varied network designs use hybrid
topology.
2. Data Centers:
o Combines high-speed, fault-tolerant networks with scalable architecture.
3. Campus Networks:
o Universities and research centers use hybrid topology to connect multiple buildings with
different requirements.
Internet
Definition:
The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices that communicate using
standardized protocols. It enables data sharing, communication, and access to vast resources such as
websites, emails, and cloud-based applications.
1. Global Connectivity:
o Connects millions of private, public, academic, and government networks worldwide.
2. Decentralized Network:
o No central governing authority; multiple nodes manage the traffic and operations.
3. Uses Protocols:
o Communication relies on protocols like TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol) for data exchange.
4. Accessibility:
o Open to all users with a valid connection, offering unrestricted access to information.
5. Dynamic and Evolving:
o Constantly expanding with new technologies, websites, and services.
The internet serves various purposes across different domains. Here’s a detailed look at its applications:
1. Communication
• Email: Exchange messages, documents, and files via services like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail.
• Instant Messaging: Real-time text or voice chats through platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and
Slack.
• Video Conferencing: Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet enable face-to-face
interaction.
• Social Networking: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn connect individuals and
organizations.
• Web Browsing: Access information through search engines like Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo.
• Educational Resources: Platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and Wikipedia provide learning
materials.
• Research Papers and Journals: Scholars access databases like PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and
Springer.
3. Entertainment
4. E-Commerce
• Online Shopping: Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and eBay offer products and services.
• Banking and Financial Services: Internet banking allows money transfers, bill payments, and stock
trading.
• Data Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive store data accessible from any
device.
• SaaS Applications: Software like Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud runs via the
internet.
• Government Portals: Citizens can access services like tax filing, passport applications, and utility
bill payments.
• Public Health: Online platforms provide health information and telemedicine services.
• Work From Home: Tools like Slack, Asana, and Jira facilitate remote team management.
• Document Sharing: Platforms like Google Docs allow collaborative work in real-time.
• Virtual Classrooms: Platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, and Blackboard connect teachers and
students.
• Online Exams and Certifications: Conduct tests and offer accredited certificates through platforms
like edX and Udemy.
9. Navigation
• Maps and GPS Services: Google Maps and Waze provide real-time navigation and traffic updates.
10. Healthcare
• Telemedicine: Patients consult doctors remotely via video calls and specialized apps.
• Health Monitoring: Wearables like Fitbit and Apple Watch sync with the internet for health data
analysis.
• Smart Homes: Devices like smart thermostats, lights, and security systems connect via the internet.
• Industrial IoT: Factories and machinery use the internet for monitoring and automation.
• Digital Marketing: Promote brands via Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and SEO.
• Social Media Marketing: Businesses engage customers through platforms like Instagram and
Twitter.
Website Address
A website address is the location or identity of a website on the internet. It is often represented in the form
of a domain name (e.g., www.google.com). The website address allows users to access a particular website
by typing it into a browser.
Definition:
A URL is the complete web address used to locate a specific resource (like a webpage, image, or document)
on the internet. It provides the exact location of the resource and specifies the protocol used to access it.
Components of a URL
A URL consists of multiple parts, each serving a specific purpose. Below is the breakdown:
1. Protocol:
o Defines the method of communication. Common protocols include:
▪ HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): Used for general websites.
▪ HTTPS: A secure version of HTTP with encryption for secure communication.
o Example: https://
2. Domain Name:
o The name of the website or resource's host.
o Example: www.google.com
3. Subdomain (Optional):
o A part of the domain that can be used to separate sections of the website.
o Example: blog.google.com (where "blog" is the subdomain).
4. Port (Optional):
o Specifies the port number on the server to access the resource. Defaults are often implied
(e.g., 80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS).
o Example: :443
5. Path:
o The specific location of a resource or file on the server.
o Example: /search
6. Query String (Optional):
o Provides additional parameters to the resource, often used for dynamic content or filtering.
o Example: ?q=example
7. Fragment (Optional):
o Refers to a specific section within a webpage.
o Example: #section2
Example of a URL
https://www.google.com/search?q=internet
• Protocol: https://
• Domain Name: www.google.com
• Path: /search
• Query String: ?q=internet
1. Google Chrome:
o Developed by Google.
o Fast and lightweight with extensions and security features.
2. Mozilla Firefox:
o Open-source browser with excellent privacy settings.
3. Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer):
o Integrated with Windows OS, provides fast performance.
4. Opera:
o Known for built-in VPN and data-saving features.
1. Google: The most widely used search engine with advanced algorithms.
2. Bing: Developed by Microsoft, provides visual search features.
3. Yahoo: Offers web search, email, and news services.
4. DuckDuckGo: Focuses on user privacy, does not track searches.
• Search Engines
• Steps to Search
• Open a browser → Go to search engine → Enter keywords → Review results → Refine search if
needed.
• Effective Techniques
• Applications
• Tips