Computer Network Notes
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umairaafzal11Computer Network Notes
Uploaded by
umairaafzal11Computer Network Notes
1. Introduction to Computer Networks
• A computer network is a group of interconnected computers that communicate with each other.
• Main purposes: sharing resources, data communication, and remote access.
2. Types of Networks VLANs are implemented using which network device?
basic Which cable type is most commonly used in LAN networks? advanced
• LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area (e.g., home, office). Campus Area Network (CAN)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Spans a city. Storage Area Network (SAN)
• WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large areas (e.g., the Internet). Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
• PAN (Personal Area Network): Used for personal devices (Bluetooth, etc.). Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
3. Network Topologies
• Bus: All devices connected to a single cable. Which topology offers the highest redundancy and
• Star: All devices connected to a central hub. reliability?
• Ring: Each device connects to two others forming a ring.
• Mesh: Every device connects to every other.
Tree Topology Hybrid Topology
4. Network Devices
• Router: Connects different networks. Access Point (AP)
• Switch: Connects devices in a LAN. Bridge
• Hub: Basic device to connect multiple PCs.
Repeater
• Modem: Converts digital signals to analog and vice versa.
5. OSI Model (7 Layers)
device operates at the Network layer ?
1. Physical – Transmission of raw data.
Which layer of the OSI model handles encryption and
2. Data Link – Node-to-node data transfer. decryption of data?
3. Network – Routing (IP address).
4. Transport – Reliable data transfer (TCP/UDP).
5. Session – Manages sessions.
6. Presentation – Data translation & encryption.
7. Application – Interface for end-users (HTTP, FTP).
6. IP Addressing
• IPv4: 32-bit address (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• IPv6: 128-bit address (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).
7. Protocols
• HTTP/HTTPS – Web communication. What is the default port number for HTTP?
• FTP – File transfer.
1
• SMTP/POP3/IMAP – Email.
• TCP/IP – Core protocol for the internet.
8. Transmission Media
• Wired: Twisted Pair, Coaxial, Fiber Optic.
• Wireless: Radio waves, Infrared, Microwaves.
9. Network Security Basics
• Firewall – Filters network traffic.
• Antivirus – Detects/removes malicious software.
• Encryption – Secures data.
• Access Control – Restricts access to resources.
10. Common Network Issues
• IP Conflict
• Slow Connectivity
• Packet Loss
• Hardware Failures
Tip: Practice with real-world examples and networking tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or Wireshark to
enhance understanding.
