Introduction to network:-

Network is defined as a set of devices connected to each other using a physical

transmission medium. For Example, A computer network is a group of computers
connected with each other to communicate and share information and resources
like hardware, data, and software.
A network consists of two or more computers that
are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or
allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked
through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
Internet Vs Intranet:-

The Internet is a globally-connected network of computers that enables people to

share information and communicate with each other. Internet with a capital "I"
refers to the entire Internet (meaning the biggest collection of networks on the
planet). The internet is a global system that uses TCP/IP protocol suite to link
various types of electric devices worldwide. The internet is a collection of
interconnected devices that are spread across the globe. The internet is a network
of networks which consist of public, private, sales, finance, academic, business,
and government networks. The internet is a type of network and called a network
of networks.

An intranet, on the other hand, is a local or restricted network that enables people
to store, organize, and share information within an organization. An intranet is a
private network which gives employees in a company the ability to organize
information, manage documents, shares calendars and to-do list. It normally runs
in a client/server environment in a local area network.

Types of Connectivity:-
There exist several ways to connect to the internet. Following are these connection
types available:-
 Dial-up Connection.
 ISDN.
 DSL.
 Cable TV Internet connections.
 Satellite Internet connections.
  Wireless Internet Connections.
Dial-up Connection
Dial-up connection uses telephone line to connect PC to the internet. It requires a
modem to setup dial-up connection. This modem works as an interface between
PC and the telephone line.
There is also a communication program that instructs the modem to make a call to
specific number provided by an ISP.
Dial-up connection uses either of the following protocols:
1. Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)
2. Point to Point Protocol (PPP)
The following diagram shows the accessing internet using modem:

ISDN
ISDN is acronym of Integrated Services Digital Network. It establishes the
connection using the phone lines which carry digital signals instead of analog
signals.
There are two techniques to deliver ISDN services:
1. Basic Rate Interface (BRI)
2. Primary Rate Interface (PRI)
Key points:
 The BRI ISDN consists of three distinct channels on a single ISDN line: t1o
64kbps B (Bearer) channel and one 16kbps D (Delta or Data) channels.
 The PRI ISDN consists of 23 B channels and one D channels with both have
operating capacity of 64kbps individually making a total transmission rate
of 1.54Mbps.
The following diagram shows accessing internet using ISDN connection:
DSL
DSL is acronym of Digital Subscriber Line. It is a form of broadband connection
as it provides connection over ordinary telephone lines.
Following are the several versions of DSL technique available today:
1. Asymmetric DSL (ADSL)
2. Symmetric DSL (SDSL)
3. High bit-rate DSL (HDSL)
4. Rate adaptive DSL (RDSL)
5. Very high bit-rate DSL (VDSL)
6. ISDN DSL (IDSL)
All of the above mentioned technologies differ in their upload and download
speed, bit transfer rate and level of service.
The following diagram shows that how we can connect to internet using DSL
technology:
Cable TV Internet Connection
Cable TV Internet connection is provided through Cable TV lines. It uses coaxial
cable which is capable of transferring data at much higher speed than common
telephone line.
Key Points:
 A cable modem is used to access this service, provided by the cable
operator.
 The Cable modem comprises of two connections: one for internet service
and other for Cable TV signals.
 Since Cable TV internet connections share a set amount of bandwidth with a
group of customers, therefore, data transfer rate also depends on number of
customers using the internet at the same time.
The following diagram shows that how internet is accessed using Cable TV
connection:
Satellite Internet Connection
Satellite Internet connection offers high speed connection to the internet. There
are two types of satellite internet connection: one way connection or two way
connection.
In one way connection, we can only download data but if we want to upload, we
need a dialup access through ISP over telephone line.
In two way connection, we can download and upload the data by the satellite. It
does not require any dialup connection.
The following diagram shows how internet is accessed using satellite internet
connection:
Wireless Internet Connection
Wireless Internet Connection makes use of radio frequency bands to connect to
the internet and offers a very high speed. The wireless internet connection can be
obtained by either Wifi or Bluetooth.
Key Points:
 Wi-Fi wireless technology is based on IEEE 802.11 standards which allow
the electronic device to connect to the internet.
 Bluetooth wireless technology makes use of short-wavelength radio waves
and helps to create personal area network (PAN).
Enabling Internet Connection Sharing on a Network Connection:-

To enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), you must be an Administrator for the
machine. Ensure that the machine has at least one RAS connection configured and
has a network connection to the rest of your computers. Then perform the
following steps:-

 Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Network and Dial-up Connections, \

[RAS connection\].
 Click Properties.
 Select the Sharing tab.
 Select "Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection."

 If the connection is a dial-up connection and you want it to automatically

dial out if another machine makes a connection request, also select "Enable
on-demand dialing."
 Click OK.
 You will see a confirmation dialog box that explains that the IP address will
change to 192.168.0.1. Click Yes to confirm.
 Close the RAS Properties dialog box.
Configuring Internet options for Internet connection sharing:-
perform the following steps:-

 Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Network Connections.

 Right-click Local Area Connection (the network card that you just
installed), and then rename it The Internet Connection.

 In the Network and Dial-up Connections dialog box, two connections are
displayed (for different network adapters): The Internet Connection and
Local Area Connection.

 Right-click The Internet Connection and then click Properties.

 Click the General tab, and then verify that Client for Microsoft
Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) are displayed.

 Click the Advanced tab, and then click to select the Enable Internet
Connection Sharing for this Connection check box.

What is a Proxy Server:-

A proxy server acts as a gateway between you and the internet. It’s an intermediary
server separating end users from the websites they browse. Proxy servers provide
varying levels of functionality, security, and privacy depending on your use case,
needs, or company policy.

If you’re using a proxy server, internet traffic

flows through the proxy server on its way to the address you requested. The
request then comes back through that same proxy server (there are exceptions to
this rule), and then the proxy server forwards the data received from the website to
you.

Modern proxy servers do much more than forwarding web

requests, all in the name of data security and network performance. Proxy servers
act as a firewall and web filter, provide shared network connections, and cache
data to speed up common requests. A good proxy server keeps users and the
internal network protected from the bad stuff that lives out in the wild internet.
Lastly, proxy servers can provide a high level of privacy.