1.

Uses of Computer Networks

Computer networks play a crucial role in various fields, including business, home, mobile,
and social applica ons.

a) Business Applica ons

 Resource Sharing: Employees can share files, printers, and storage devices.

 Remote Work: Cloud compu ng enables employees to work from anywhere.

 E-commerce: Online transac ons via websites like Amazon and Flipkart.

 Communica on: Emails, video conferencing (Zoom, Microso Teams).

Example: A mul na onal company uses an internal network (intranet) for secure
communica on among employees.

b) Home Applica ons

 Internet Browsing: Accessing websites, watching videos on YouTube.

 Online Gaming: Mul player games like Fortnite require a network connec on.

 Smart Home Devices: Alexa, Google Home control lights and appliances.

Example: A family watches Ne lix on a smart TV connected to Wi-Fi.

c) Mobile Applica ons

 Cloud Storage: Google Drive and Dropbox store and sync files.

 Social Media: Facebook, Instagram allow users to communicate globally.

Example: A user uploads a photo to Instagram using mobile data.

d) Social Networking

 Pla orms like WhatsApp and LinkedIn connect people worldwide.

Example: A freelancer uses LinkedIn to find job opportuni es.

2. Network Hardware

Network hardware consists of physical devices that facilitate communica on.

a) Router

 Connects different networks (e.g., home network to the internet).

 Directs data packets using IP addresses.

 Can be wired or wireless.

b) Switch

 Connects mul ple devices in a LAN (Local Area Network).

 Operates at the Data Link layer (OSI Model).

 Forwards data only to the intended recipient device.

Example: In an office, a switch connects all computers to the local network.

c) Modem

 Converts digital signals to analog for internet access.

 Required for DSL or cable internet connec ons.

Example: A home broadband connec on uses a modem to access the internet.

d) NIC (Network Interface Card)

 Allows devices to connect to a network.

 Available as wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi).

Example: A laptop has a built-in Wi-Fi NIC to connect to wireless networks.

3. Network So ware

Network so ware manages networking tasks and ensures smooth communica on.

a) Opera ng System with Networking Features

 Windows, macOS, Linux manage network se ngs.

 Provide firewall, VPN, and file-sharing capabili es.

Example: Windows allows file sharing over a home network.

b) Network Protocols

 Define rules for data transmission.

 HTTP/HTTPS: Web browsing.

 FTP: File transfers.

 TCP/IP: Core internet protocol.

Example: A web browser uses HTTP to load a webpage.

c) Security So ware
  Firewalls prevent unauthorized access.

 An virus protects against malware.

Example: A company uses a firewall to block malicious traffic.

4. Protocol Layering

Protocol layering divides network func ons into separate layers, making communica on
more efficient.

Advantages of Layering

 Modularity: Easier to update or replace protocols.

 Interoperability: Devices from different vendors can communicate.

 Simplifies Troubleshoo ng: Issues can be diagnosed layer by layer.

Example of Protocol Layering

 A user sends an email.

 The email is processed by the Applica on layer (SMTP protocol).

 The Transport layer (TCP) ensures reliable delivery.

 The Network layer (IP) routes data to the recipient's email server.

5. Reference Models (OSI & TCP/IP)

a) OSI Model (7 Layers)

Layer Func on Example

1. Physical Transmission of raw bits Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi signals

2. Data Link Error detec on, MAC addressing Switch, MAC address

3. Network Rou ng, IP addressing Router, IP address

4. Transport Reliable data transfer TCP, UDP

5. Session Manages communica on sessions Session establishment in VoIP calls

6. Presenta on Encryp on, data compression SSL/TLS for HTTPS

7. Applica on User applica ons Web browsers, email clients

Layer Func on Example

1. Network Access (Link) Physical transmission Ethernet, Wi-Fi

2. Internet IP addressing, rou ng Routers, IP address

3. Transport Reliable or fast delivery TCP (reliable), UDP (fast)

4. Applica on End-user services HTTP, FTP, Email

Key Differences between OSI & TCP/IP

Feature OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Developed By ISO U.S. Department of Defense

Number of Layers 7 4

Flexibility More theore cal More prac cal

Usage Used for learning Used in real networks

Example: The internet works based on the TCP/IP model.

6. Network Devices

a) Router

 Directs traffic between different networks.

 Uses IP addresses to find the best route.

Example: A home router connects laptops and smartphones to the internet.

b) Switch

 Connects mul ple devices in a LAN.

 Forwards data only to the intended device.

Example: Office computers connected via a switch can share files quickly.

c) Hub

 Broadcasts data to all connected devices (less efficient than a switch).

Example: Used in old LAN setups.

d) Repeater
  Amplifies weak signals over long distances.

Example: Used in Wi-Fi range extenders.

e) Gateway

 Connects networks using different protocols.

Example: A VoIP gateway connects a tradi onal phone system to the internet.

f) Firewall

 Protects networks from unauthorized access.

Example: A business firewall blocks malicious websites.

Conclusion

Computer networks are essen al in daily life, enabling communica on, business opera ons,
and secure data transmission. Understanding hardware, so ware, protocols, models, and
devices helps in designing and managing efficient networks.