What is Computer Networking?

Computer networking is like having a group of friends who all have phones
and can call or text each other. In computer networking, instead of phones, we
have computers and instead of phone lines, we use cables, Wi-Fi, or other
methods to connect them. When computers are connected to a network, they
can share information and resources, like files, printers, and internet
connections. This allows them to communicate with each other quickly and
easily, just like friends talking on their phones.
A computer network consists of various kinds of nodes. Servers, networking
hardware, personal computers, and other specialized or general-purpose
hosts can all be nodes in a computer network. Hostnames and network
addresses are used to identify them. In this article, we are going to discuss
computer networking in detail.

Computer Networking

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system that connects many independent computers
to share information (data) and resources. The integration of computers and
other different devices allows users to communicate more easily. A computer
network is a collection of two or more computer systems that are linked
together. A network connection can be established using
either cable or wireless media. Hardware and software are used to connect
computers and tools in any network.

What Do Computer Networks Do?

Computer Networks are one of the important aspects of Computer Science. In
the early days, it is used for data transmission on telephone lines and had a
very limited use, but nowadays, it is used in a variety of places.
Computer Networks help in providing better connectivity that helps nowadays.
Modern computer networks have the following functionality:
 Computer Networks help in operating virtually
 Computer Networks integrate on a large scale
 Computer Networks respond very quickly in case of conditions change
 Computer Networks help in providing data security

Key Components of a Computer Network

In simple terms, a computer network is made up of two main parts: devices
(called nodes) and connections (called links). The links connect the devices to
each other. The rules for how these connections send information are called
communication protocols. The starting and ending points of these
communications are often called ports.

Key Components of Computer Network

1. Network Devices
Basic hardware interconnecting network nodes, such as Network Interface
Cards (NICs), Bridges, Hubs, Switches, and Routers, are used in all networks.
In addition, a mechanism for connecting these building parts is necessary,
which is usually galvanic cable and optical cable are less popular (“optical
fiber”)The following are the network devices :
 NIC (Network Interface Card): A network card, often known as a network
adapter or NIC (network interface card), is computer hardware that enables
computers to communicate via a network. It offers physical access to
networking media and, in many cases, MAC addresses serve as a low-
level addressing scheme. Each network interface card has a distinct
identifier. This is stored on a chip that is attached to the card.
 Repeater: A repeater is an electrical device that receives a signal, cleans it
of unwanted noise, regenerates it, and retransmits it at a higher power
level or to the opposite side of an obstruction, allowing the signal to travel
greater distances without degradation. In the majority of twisted pair
Ethernet networks, Repeaters are necessary for cable lengths longer than
100 meters in some systems. Repeaters are based on physics.
 Hub: A hub is a device that joins together many twisted pairs or fiber optic
Ethernet devices to give the illusion of a formation of a single network
segment. The device can be visualized as a multiport repeater. A network
hub is a relatively simple broadcast device. Any packet entering any port is
regenerated and broadcast out on all other ports, and hubs do not control
any of the traffic that passes through them. Packet collisions occur as a
result of every packet being sent out through all other ports, substantially
impeding the smooth flow of communication.
 Bridges: Bridges broadcast data to all the ports but not to the one that
received the transmission. Bridges, on the other hand, learn which MAC
addresses are reachable through specific ports rather than copying
messages to all ports as hubs do. Once a port and an address are
associated, the bridge will only transport traffic from that address to that
port.
 Switches: A switch differs from a hub in that it only forwards frames to the
ports that are participating in the communication, rather than all of the ports
that are connected. The collision domain is broken by a switch, yet the
switch depicts itself as a broadcast domain. Frame-forwarding decisions
are made by switches based on MAC addresses.
 Routers: Routers are networking devices that use headers and forwarding
tables to find the optimal way to forward data packets between networks. A
router is a computer networking device that links two or more computer
networks and selectively exchanges data packets between them. A router
can use address information in each data packet to determine if the source
 and destination are on the same network or if the data packet has to be
transported between networks. When numerous routers are deployed in a
wide collection of interconnected networks, the routers share target system
addresses so that each router can develop a table displaying the preferred
pathways between any two systems on the associated networks.
 Gateways: To provide system compatibility, a gateway may contain
devices such as protocol translators, impedance-matching devices, rate
converters, fault isolators, or signal translators. It also necessitates the
development of administrative procedures that are acceptable to both
networks. By completing the necessary protocol conversions, a protocol
translation/mapping gateway joins networks that use distinct network
protocol technologies.

2. Links
Links are the ways information travels between devices, and they can be of
two types:
 Wired: Communication done in a wired medium. Copper wire, twisted pair,
or fiber optic cables are all options. A wired network employs wires to link
devices to the Internet or another network, such as laptops or desktop
PCs.
 Wireless: Wireless means without wire, media that is made up of
electromagnetic waves (EM Waves) or infrared waves. Antennas or
sensors will be present on all wireless devices. For data or voice
communication, a wireless network uses radio frequency waves rather than
wires.

3. Communication Protocols
A communication protocol is a set of rules that all devices follow when they
share information. Some common protocols are TCP/IP, IEEE 802, Ethernet,
wireless LAN, and cellular standards. TCP/IP is a model that organizes how
communication works in modern networks. It has four functional layers for
these communication links:
 Network Access Layer: This layer controls how data is physically
transferred, including how hardware sends data through wires or fibers.
 Internet Layer: This layer packages data into understandable packets and
ensures it can be sent and received.
 Transport Layer: This layer keeps the communication between devices
steady and reliable.
 Application Layer: This layer allows high-level applications to access the
network to start data transfer.
Most of the modern internet structure is based on the TCP/IP model, although
the similar seven-layer OSI model still has a strong influence.
IEEE 802 is a group of standards for local area networks (LAN) and
metropolitan area networks (MAN). The most well-known member of the IEEE
802 family is wireless LAN, commonly known as WLAN or Wi-Fi.

4. Network Defense
While nodes, links, and protocols are the building blocks of a network, a
modern network also needs strong defenses. Security is crucial because huge
amounts of data are constantly being created, moved, and processed. Some
examples of network defense tools are firewalls, intrusion detection systems
(IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), network access control (NAC),
content filters, proxy servers, anti-DDoS devices, and load balancers.

Criteria of a Good Network

 Performance: It can be measured in many ways, including transmit time
and response time. The performance of the network depends on a number
of factors, including the number of users, the type of medium & Hardware.
 Reliability: In addition to accuracy is measured by frequency of failure, the
time it takes a link to recover from failure, and the network’s robustness in
catastrophe.
 Security: Network security issues include protecting data from
unauthorized access, protecting data from damage and development, and
implementing policies and procedures for recovery from breaches and data
loss.
Division Based on Area Covered
 Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network that covers
an area of around 10 kilometers. For example, a college network or an
office network. Depending upon the needs of the organization, a LAN can
be a single office, building, or Campus. We can have two PCs and one
printer in-home office or it can extend throughout the company and include
audio and video devices. Each host in LAN has an identifier, an address
that defines hosts in LAN. A packet sent by the host to another host carries
both the source host’s and the destination host’s address
.
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MAN refers to a
network that covers an entire city. For example: consider the cable
television network.

 Wide Area Network (WAN): WAN refers to a network that

connects countries or continents. For example, the Internet allows users to
access a distributed system called www from anywhere around the
globe.WAN interconnects connecting devices such as switches, routers, or
modems. A LAN is normally privately owned by an organization that uses
it. We see two distinct examples of WANs today: point-to-point WANs and
Switched WANs
o Point To Point: Connects two connecting devices through
transmission media.
o Switched: A switched WAN is a network with more than two
ends.
Based on Types of Communication
 Point To Point networks: Point-to-Point networking is a type of data
networking that establishes a direct link between two networking nodes.
A direct link between two devices, such as a computer and a printer, is
known as a point-to-point connection.
 Multipoint: is the one in which more than two specific devices share links.
In the multipoint environment, the capacity of the channel is shared, either
spatially or temporally. If several devices can use the link simultaneously, it
is a spatially shared connection.
 Broadcast networks: In broadcast networks, a signal method in which
numerous parties can hear a single sender. Radio stations are an excellent
illustration of the “Broadcast Network” in everyday life. The radio station is
a sender of data/signal in this scenario, and data is only intended to travel
in one direction. Away from the radio transmission tower, to be precise.

Based on the Type of Architecture

 P2P Networks: Computers with similar capabilities and configurations are
referred to as peers.
The “peers” in a peer-to-peer network are computer systems that are
connected to each other over the Internet. Without the use of a central
server, files can be shared directly between systems on the network.
 Client-Server Networks: Each computer or process on the network is
either a client or a server in a client-server architecture (client/server). The
client asks for services from the server, which the server provides. Servers
are high-performance computers or processes that manage disc drives (file
servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers)
 Hybrid Networks: The hybrid model uses a combination of client-server
and peer-to-peer architecture. Eg: Torrent.
Types of Computer Network Architecture
Computer Network Architecture is of two types. These types are mentioned
below.
 Client-Server Architecture: Client-Server Architecture is basically the
architecture where the clients and the server are connected as two clients
can communicate with each other and the devices present work as servers
in the network.
 Peer-to-Peer Architecture: Peer-to-Peer Architecture, computers are
connected to each other and each computer is equally capable of working
as there is no central server here. Each device present here can be used
as a client or server.
Types of Enterprise Computer Networks
There are three main types of Enterprise Computer Networks which are
mentioned below.
 Local Area Network (LAN): Local Area Networks are small-scale
networks used in small companies or as test networks. It has a limited size.
 Wide Area Networks (WAN): Wide Area Networks are networks that are
used for a larger area than local area networks and are used for long-
distance communication.
 Service Provider Networks: Service Provider Networks are the networks
that help in wireless communication, high-speed internet access, etc.

Key Objectives of Creating a Computer

Network
No industry—whether it’s education, retail, finance, tech, government, or
healthcare—can function without well-designed computer networks. The
larger the organization, the more complex the network becomes. Before
starting the challenging job of creating and setting up a computer network,
here are some key objectives to consider.
1. Resource Sharing
Today’s enterprises are spread across the globe, with critical assets being
shared across departments, geographies, and time zones. Clients are no
more bound by location. A network allows data and hardware to be accessible
to every pertinent user. This also helps with interdepartmental data
processing. For example, the marketing team analyzes customer data and
product development cycles to enable executive decisions at the top level.

2. Resource Availability & Reliability

A network ensures that resources are not stuck in isolated areas and can be
accessed from multiple locations. High reliability comes from having various
sources of supply. Important resources are backed up across multiple
machines, so they remain accessible even if there are hardware problems.

3. Performance Management
As a company grows, its workload increases. Adding one or more processors
to the network boosts the overall performance of the system and allows it to
handle this growth. Storing data in well-designed databases can significantly
speed up searching and retrieving information.

4.Cost Savings
Big mainframe computers are costly, so it’s smarter to add processors
strategically throughout the system. This boosts performance and saves
money. Networks let employees access information quickly, saving
operational time and costs. Centralized network administration means fewer
investments are needed for IT support.

5. Increased Storage Capacity

Network-attached storage devices are great for employees who handle lots of
data. For instance, the data science team doesn’t each need their own data
storage for the large number of records they process. Centralized repositories
are more efficient. As businesses deal with record amounts of customer data,
the ability to expand storage capacity is crucial.

6. Streamlined Collaboration & Communication

Networks greatly influence how companies operate daily. Employees can
share files, see each other’s work, sync calendars, and exchange ideas more
efficiently. Internal messaging systems like Slack facilitate easy flow of
information and conversations within modern enterprises. However, emails
remain the formal mode of communication with clients, partners, and vendors.

7. Reduction of Errors
Networks decrease errors by ensuring everyone gets information from one
source, even if they’re in different places. Backed-up data ensures
consistency and continuity. Standard versions of customer and employee
manuals can be easily accessed by many people without much trouble.

8. Secured Remote Access

Computer networks offer flexibility, which is crucial during uncertain times like
now when natural disasters and pandemics are affecting the world. A secure
network guarantees that users can access and work on sensitive data safely,
even when they’re not at the company’s location. Mobile devices registered to
the network can also provide multiple layers of authentication, ensuring that
unauthorized users can’t access the system.
What is Network Topology?
The structure of the network and how each component is connected to the
others are defined by the network topology. Different types of network
topology are mentioned below:
 Bus Topology
 Ring Topology
 Star Topology
 Mesh Topology
 Tree Topology

Bus Topology
Every computer and network device is connected to a single cable in a bus
topology network. Linear Bus topology is defined as having exactly two
terminals.
Advantages
 Installation is simple
 Compared to mesh, star, and tree topologies, the bus utilizes less cabling
Disadvantages
 Difficulty in reconfiguring and isolating faults
 A bus cable malfunction or break interrupts all communication
For more, you can refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus
Topology.
Ring Topology
The topology is named ring topology because one computer is connected to
another, with the final one being connected to the first. Exactly two neighbors
for each device. A signal is passed along the ring in one direction. Each ring
incorporates a repeater.
Advantages
 Data transmission is relatively straightforward because packets only move
in one direction
 There is no requirement for a central controller to manage communication
between nodes
 Easy installation & Reconfiguration
 Simplified Faulty connections
Disadvantages
 In a Unidirectional Ring, a data packet must traverse through all nodes
 All computers must be turned on in order for them to connect with one
another
Star Topology
Each device in a star topology has a dedicated point-to-point link to a central
controller, which is commonly referred to as the HUB. There is no direct
connection between the devices. Traffic between the devices is not allowed in
this topology. As an exchange, the controller is used.
Advantages
 When attaching or disconnecting devices, there are no network
interruptions
 It’s simple to set up and configure
 Identifying and isolating faults is simple
 Less Expensive than mesh
 Easy to install & configure
Disadvantages
 Nodes attached to the hub, switch, or concentrator is failed if they fail
 Because of the expense of the hubs, it is more expensive than linear bus
topologies
 More cable is required compared to a bus or ring
 Too much dependency on Hub
For more, you can refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Star
Topology.
Example: Used in high-speed LANs
Mesh Topology
Every device in a mesh topology has dedicated point-to-point connectivity to
every other device. The term “dedicated” refers to the fact that the link
exclusively transports data between the two devices it links. To connect n
devices, a fully connected mesh network contains n *(n-1)/2 physical
channels.
Advantages
 Data can be sent from multiple devices at the same time. This topology can
handle a lot of traffic.
 Even if one of the connections fails, a backup is always available. As a
result, data transit is unaffected.
 Physical boundaries prevent other users from gaining access to messages.
 Point to Point links make fault transmission & fault isolation easy.
Disadvantages
 The amount of cabling and the number of I/O ports that are necessary.
 The sheer bulk of wiring can be greater than the available space can
accommodate.
 It is difficult to install and reconfigure.
For more, you can refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Mesh
Topology.
Example: connection of telephone regional office in which each regional
office needs to be connected to every other regional office.
Tree Topology
The topology of a tree is similar to that of a star. Nodes in a tree, like those in
a star, are connected to a central hub that manages network traffic. It has a
root node, which is connected to all other nodes, producing a hierarchy.
Hierarchical topology is another name for it. The number of Star networks is
connected via Bus in Tree Topology.
Advantages
 Network expansion is both possible and simple.
 We partition the entire network into pieces (star networks) that are easier to
manage and maintain.
 Other segments are unaffected if one segment is damaged.
Disadvantages
 Tree topology relies largely on the main bus cable because of its basic
structure, and if it fails, the entire network is handicapped.
 Maintenance becomes more challenging when more nodes and segments
are added.