NETWORK BASICS NETWORK COMPONENTS

- A network is defined as two or more Node/Host - any device (like workstation,

computer systems connected by a server, printer) that can communicate on
transmission medium to share information. the network.
- Networks provide services to users, such Transmission Media – the medium used
as file and folder sharing, printer access, to transfer data between nodes, typically
database access, web applications, Voice cables or wireless signals.
over IP, and multimedia conferencing. Intranetwork Devices – devices like hubs
or switches that facilitate connections
TYPES OF NETWORK between nodes.
- Networks have various types based on Segment – a part of a network connected
size and scope. by an intranetwork device, using the same
transmission media and bandwidth.
LAN (Local Area Network) – a Backbone – a high-speed link connecting
network within a limited different segments of a network, ensuring
geographical area (up to 1.25 efficient data flow.
miles). Internetwork Devices – devices like
CAN (Campus Area Network) – a routers that connect separate networks.
multi-building network within a Subnet – a logical grouping of hosts
single geographical location. within a network, using internetwork
MAN (Metropolitan Area devices for communication.
Network) – a network covering a
city area. Protocols
WAN (Wide Area Network) – a - A protocol defines the rules for
network spanning a larger communication between systems,
geographical area, often specifying data format and exchange
connecting multiple LANs. procedures.
Internet – a global network of Addressing – describes where data should
networks based on the TCP/IP be sent.
protocol. Encapsulation – packages data for
Intranet – a private network within transmission by adding header
an organization, using the same information.
technologies as the internet.
Extranet – an intranet that is TCP/IP (Transmission Control
accessible to selected external Protocol/Internet Protocol) – the
parties. foundation of the internet, providing
communication and addressing for
TOPOLOGIES networked devices.
- Network topology describes the shape or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) –
structure of a network. used for transferring web pages and other
Physical Topology – this refers to the content on the internet.
actual layout of the network, showing how FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – used for
devices are physically connected. transferring files between computers.
Logical Topology – describes the flow of SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) –
data through the network. used for sending email messages.
DNS (Domain Name System) –
translates domain names (like
google.com) into IP addresses.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS
Secure) – a secure version of HTTP that - A peer-to-peer network lacks a dedicated
uses encryption for secure server, with each computer acting as both
communication. a client and server.
SSH (Secure Shell) – a secure protocol
for remote access and command Advantages:
execution. - Lower cost due to less hardware and
VPN (Virtual Private Network) – creates software requirements.
a secure connection over a public - Simple installation and management.
network, often used for privacy and Disadvantages:
security. - Lower performance due to shared
resources.
CLIENTS AND SERVERS - Difficult to manage due to individual
Clients – computers or software that user responsibility.
request shared resources from servers. - Security vulnerabilities due to
Servers – computers that provide shared decentralized control.
resources to clients, categorized into
different types: NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
Network Servers – provide Bus Topology – devices connected to a
network services like name single cable, with data transmitted in both
resolution, authentication, or proxy directions.
services. Star Topology – devices connected to a
File and Print Servers – share central point (hub or switch).
resources among clients. Ring Topology – devices connected in a
Application Servers – provide circle, with data transmitted in a single
centralized processing for direction.
applications. Mesh Topology – devices connected to
Messaging Servers – handles multiple other devices, providing
email, chat, and conferencing. redundancy.
Media Servers – host streaming Hybrid Topologies – combine different
audio/video services. topologies for specific advantages.

SERVER-BASED NETWORKS OSI Model

- A server-based network uses a central - The OSI (Open Systems
server to manage resources and security. Interconnection) Model is a conceptual
framework for understanding how network
Advantages: systems function.
- High performance due to optimized - It consists of seven layers:
server software. Physical Layer – handles physical
- Enhanced security through centralized transmission of data.
management. Data Link Layer – organizes data
- Easier administration. into frames for transmission.
- Scalability by adding more servers. Network Layer – routes data
Disadvantages: between networks.
- Higher cost due to dedicated servers Transport Layer – ensures
and software licenses. reliable data delivery.
- Complexity in managing the system.
 Session Layer – manages
communication sessions between
applications.
Presentation Layer – formats
data for presentation.
Application Layer – provides
services to applications.

TCP/IP
- TCP/IP (Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a widely
used protocol suite for internetworking.
- It is an industry standard, routable, and
available on various operating systems.
- The document outlines the history of
TCP/IP development and its advantages.