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Sec1 - Introduction To Computer Networks

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32 views17 pages

Sec1 - Introduction To Computer Networks

Uploaded by

maxiprok7
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to Computer

Networks
Computer Network

A computer network is a collection of


interconnected devices (like computers,
servers, smartphones, etc.) that share
data and resources, such as files,
printers, and the internet. The main
goal of a computer network is to allow
communication between devices and to
share resources efficiently.
Key Concepts in Networking

Nodes: Devices like Links: The physical or Protocols: Set of


computers, wireless connections rules that define how
smartphones, routers, between nodes. data is transmitted
or printers connected across the network
to the network. (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP,
FTP).
1. Network Interface Card (NIC)
2. Repeater
Networking 3. Bridge
Component 4. Switch
5. Router
s 6. Hub
7. Modem
8. Access Point (AP)
9. Firewall
10. Cables
Network
Interface
Card
A Network Interface
Card (NIC) is a hardware
component that enables a
computer or other device
to connect to a network. It
is sometimes referred to
as a network adapter,
network card, or Ethernet
card. The NIC is essential
for both wired (Ethernet)
and wireless (Wi-Fi)
network connections.
Repeater

Repeaters – Also called


extenders because they
regenerate the signal so
it can be sent further.
Hub

Receives data on one


port and sends to all
other ports.
Bridge

Divides a network into


two or more segments
and tracks which
device is on each
segment.
Switches

Ethernet switches
record MAC addresses
for each device
connected to the
switch.
Data is sent to a
specific device if
the MAC address
of that device is in
the MAC address
table.
Wireless access
points (APs)

provide access to a wireless


network for a limited range.
Routers

Routers connect networks.


Use an IP address to
forward traffic to other
networks
Can be a multipurpose
device (integrated router)
that includes switching
and wireless capabilities
Routers can have all the
functionality of a switch or a
wireless AP
Firewalls

A firewall protects data


and devices connected
to a network.
Firewalls use access
control lists (ACLs)
which are rules used to
determine whether
data is permitted
(allowed through) or
denied.
modem

A modem converts digital data from a computer into


analog signals for transmission over telephone lines (or
other mediums) and vice versa.

Example: A cable modem used by internet service


providers (ISP) to provide internet access.

Types:

Cable modem: Used with cable TV networks.


DSL modem: Used with phone lines for internet.
Fiber modem: Converts optical signals into
electrical signals for fiber-optic networks.
Patch Panel

A centralized place where network cables attach


to the back. Patch cables are used to make a
connection to another patch panel which
connects to a different wiring closet, or to a
device such as a switch mounted nearby.
Cables

Cables are the physical medium through which data is


transmitted between devices in a wired network.
Types:
Twisted Pair Cable (Ethernet): Common in LANs, often used with
RJ45 connectors.
Coaxial Cable: Used for broadband and cable TV connections.
Fiber Optic Cable: Used for high-speed, long-distance data
transmission using light signals.
Types of Networks

PAN (personal area network) –


Commonly uses Bluetooth to connect
mice, keyboards, phones, and tablets.
LAN (local area network) – A wired
network consisting of a switch and
network devices in a limited
geographical area.
VLAN (virtual LAN) – Extends beyond
a traditional LAN and groups users
based on administratively defined
boundaries such as department or floor.
WLAN (wireless LAN) – Connects
multiple wireless devices and uses an
access point.
Types of Networks CONT..

WMN (wireless mesh network) –


Connects multiple wireless access points
together to expand the wireless network.

MAN (metropolitan area network) – A


network that spans a city.

WAN (wide area network) – A network


that spans a large geographical area.

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