SIT 104: Fundamental of

Computer Networks
Department of Information Technology
Year 1 Semester 2
Introduction
• Define Computer network-A computer network refers to a group of
computing devices linked together to share data and resources.
• The main aim of computer networks is to facilitate communication
between the interconnected devices.
• Examples of shared resources are printers and file servers.
• A Network has any of the following Components Interconnected:
personal computers, mobile phones, electronic gadgets, smart
Television, printer, Switches, etc.
• In networking all these interconnected devices are known as nodes.
Sample Computer Network
• This figure shows a sample computer network.
Computer Networks and The Internet
• The internet is actually a network of networks that connects billions
of digital devices worldwide.
• Standard protocols allow communication between these devices.
Those protocols include:
• hypertext transfer protocol (the ‘http’ in front of all website addresses).
• Internet protocol (or IP addresses) are the unique identifying numbers
required of every device that accesses the internet.
• IP addresses are comparable to your mailing address, providing unique
location information so that information can be delivered correctly.
Cont.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Network Service Providers (NSPs)
provide the infrastructure that allows the transmission of packets of
data or information over the internet.
• Every bit of information sent over the internet doesn’t go to every
device connected to the internet. It’s the combination of protocols
and infrastructure that tells information exactly where to go.
• The Web itself is regarded as a form of computer network.
• Computers are connected to a network through nodes.
• The linkage between computers is possible through cabling, most
importantly the Ethernet cable, and or WiFi (wireless).
Cont.
• This figure shows the internet technology that connects computers
from all over the world
History of Networking
• Computer networking as we know it today may be said to have gotten
its start with the ARPANET development in the late 1960s and early
1970s.
• Prior to that time there were computer vendor" networks" designed
primarily to connect terminals and remote job entry stations to a
mainframe.
• But the notion of networking between computers viewing each other
as equal peers to achieve "resource sharing" was fundamental to the
ARPANET design.
• The other strong emphasis of the ARPANET work was
• its reliance on the then novel technique of packet switching to efficiently
share communication resources among" bursty" users, instead of the more
traditional message or circuit switching.
Cont.
• Although the term "network architecture" was not yet widely used,
• the initial ARPANET design did have a definite structure and
introduced another key concept:
• protocol layering, or the idea that the total communications functions could
be divided into several layers, each building upon the services of the one
below.
• The original design had three major layers:
a) A network layer, which included the network access and switch-to-switch
(IMP-to-IMP) protocols.
b) A host-to-host layer (the Network Control Protocolor NCP).
c) A "function-oriented protocol" layer, where specific applications such as file
transfer, mail, speech, and remote terminal support were provided
Cont.
• By the late 1970s, a new major influence was emerging in the
computer network community.
• The computer manufacturers realized that multivendor systems could
no longer be avoided, and began to take action to satisfy the growing
user demand for interoperability.
• Working through their traditional international body, the ISO, a new
group (SC16) was created to develop standards in the networking
area.
• Their initial charter was to define an explicit "architecture" for "Open
Systems Interconnection" (OSI). The OSI Model is still in use UpToDate
Importance of Computer Networks
• In the world of Information Technology (IT) information is building
block for effective communication.
• Communication is medium that helps us to drive our day to day
professional and personal operations. Where computer networking
acts as base of everything as the best and most important IT
solutions.
• Below is list of points that we do with the help of computer networks,
or things that we get benefited with the help of computer networks
or it has become possible or effective due to computer network.
Cont.
• Provides best way of business communication.
• Streamline communication.
• Cost-effective resource sharing.
• Improving storage efficiency and volume.
• Cut costs on software due to sharing.
• Cut costs on hardware.
• Utilizes Centralized Database.
• Increase in efficiency.
• Optimize convenience and flexibility.
• Allows File sharing.
Cont.
• sharing of peripherals and internet access.
• Network gaming.
• Voice over the Internet (VOIP): is a technology that allowing you to make
voice calls over a broadband Internet connection instead of an analog
(regular) phone line.
• Media Center Server.
• Centralize network administration, meaning less IT support.
• Flexibility.
• Allowing information sharing.
• Supporting distributed processing.
• User communication.
• Overcoming geographic separation.