1.

Basics of Computer Networking

Computer networking is a cornerstone of modern technology, enabling the interconnected systems

that power the Internet, business communications, and everyday digital interactions.
Understanding the fundamentals of computer networking is essential for anyone involved in
technology, from enthusiasts to professionals. This article will explore the basics of computer
networking, including network types, components, protocols, and essential services like the
Domain Name System (DNS).

2. What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices that share resources and information.
These devices can include computers, servers, printers, and other hardware. Networks allow for
the efficient exchange of data, enabling various applications such as email, file sharing, and
internet browsing.

3. How Does a Computer Network Work?

Basics building blocks of a Computer network are Nodes and Links. A Network Node can be
illustrated as Equipment for Data Communication like a Modem, Router, etc., or Equipment of a
Data Terminal like connecting two computers or more. Link in Computer Networks can be
defined as wires or cables or free space of wireless networks.

The working of Computer Networks can be simply defined as rules or protocols which help in
sending and receiving data via the links which allow Computer networks to communicate. Each
device has an IP Address, that helps in identifying a device.

4. Basic Terminologies of Computer Networks

a. Network: A network is a collection of computers and devices that are connected together to
enable communication and data exchange.
b. Nodes: Nodes are devices that are connected to a network. These can include computers,
Servers, Printers, Routers, Switches, and other devices.
c. Protocol: A protocol is a set of rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted over
a network. Examples of protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
d. Topology: Network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of nodes on a
network. The common network typologies include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree.
e. Service Provider Networks: These types of Networks give permission to take Network
Capacity and Functionality on lease from the Provider. Service Provider Networks include
Wireless Communications, Data Carriers, etc.
f. IP Address: An IP address is a unique numerical identifier that is assigned to every device
on a network. IP addresses are used to identify devices and enable communication between
them.
g. DNS: The Domain Name System (DNS) is a protocol that is used to translate human-
readable domain names (such as www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers can
understand.
h. Firewall: A firewall is a security device that is used to monitor and control incoming and
outgoing network traffic. Firewalls are used to protect networks from unauthorized access and
other security threats.

5. Types of Enterprise Computer Networks

i. LAN: A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that covers a small area, such as an office
or a home. LANs are typically used to connect computers and other devices within a building
or a campus.
j. WAN: A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographic area, such
as a city, country, or even the entire world. WANs are used to connect LANs together and are
typically used for long-distance communication.
k. Cloud Networks: Cloud Networks can be visualized with a Wide Area Network (WAN) as
they can be hosted on public or private cloud service providers and cloud networks are
available if there is a demand. Cloud Networks consist of Virtual Routers, Firewalls,
etc.These are just a few basic concepts of computer networking. Networking is a vast and
complex field, and there are many more concepts and technologies involved in building and
maintaining networks. Now we are going to discuss some more concepts on Computer
Networking.
l. Open system: A system that is connected to the network and is ready for communication.
m. Closed system: A system that is not connected to the network and can’t be communicated
with.

6. Types of Computer Network Architecture

Computer Network falls under these broad Categories:

 Client-Server Architecture:
Client-Server Architecture is a type of Computer Network Architecture in which Nodes can be
Servers or Clients. Here, the server node can manage the Client Node Behaviour.
 Peer-to-Peer Architecture:
In P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Architecture, there is not any concept of a Central Server. Each device is
free for working as either client or server.

7. Network Devices
An interconnection of multiple devices, also known as hosts, that are connected using multiple
paths for the purpose of sending/receiving data or media. Computer networks can also include
multiple devices/mediums which help in the communication between two different devices; these
are known as Network devices and include things such as routers, switches, hubs, and bridges.
 Network Devices

8. Network Topology
The Network Topology is the layout arrangement of the different devices in a network. Common
examples include Bus, Star, Mesh, Ring, and Daisy chain.

Network Topology

9. Network Protocols
A protocol is a set of rules or algorithms which define the way how two entities can communicate
across the network and there exists a different protocol defined at each layer of the OSI model. A
few such protocols are TCP, IP, UDP, ARP, DHCP, FTP, and so on.

10. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Function: The foundational protocol suite of the internet, enabling reliable communication.
TCP: Ensures data is delivered reliably and in order.
IP: Routes data packets to their destination based on IP addresses.

11. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and HTTPS

Function: The protocols used for transmitting web pages.

HTTP: Unsecured communication.

HTTPS: Secured communication using SSL/TLS encryption.

12. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

Function: Protocol for sending email.

Components: Works with other protocols like POP3 and IMAP for email retrieval.

13. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Function: Protocol for transferring files between computers.

Components: Includes commands for uploading, downloading, and managing files on a remote
server.

14. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Function: Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

Components: Reduces manual configuration and IP address conflicts.

15. Domain Name System (DNS)

Function: Translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses.

Components: Ensures seamless navigation on the internet.

16. Unique Identifiers of Network

Hostname: Each device in the network is associated with a unique device name known as
Hostname. Type “hostname” in the command prompt(Administrator Mode) and press ‘Enter’, this
displays the hostname of your machine.

17. IP Address (Internet Protocol address): Also known as the Logical Address, the IP
Address is the network address of the system across the network. To identify each device in
the world-wide-web, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) assigns an IPV4
(Version 4) address as a unique identifier to each device on the Internet. The length of an
IPv4 address is 32 bits, hence, we have 232 IP addresses available. The length of an IPv6
address is 128 bits.

In Windows Type “ipconfig” in the command prompt and press ‘Enter’, this gives us the IP
address of the device. For Linux, Type “ifconfig” in the terminal and press ‘Enter’ this gives us
the IP address of the device.
18. MAC Address (Media Access Control address): Also known as physical address,

the MAC Address is the unique identifier of each host and is associated with its NIC
(Network Interface Card). A MAC address is assigned to the NIC at the time of
manufacturing. The length of the MAC address is: 12-nibble/ 6 bytes/ 48 bits Type
“ipconfig/all” in the command prompt and press ‘Enter’, this gives us the MAC address.

19. Port: A port can be referred to as a logical channel through which data can be sent/received
to an application. Any host may have multiple applications running, and each of these
applications is identified using the port number on which they are running. A port number is
a 16-bit integer, hence, we have 216 ports available which are categorized as shown below:

Port Types Range

Well known Ports 0 – 1023

Registered Ports 1024 – 49151

Ephemeral Ports 49152 – 65535

Number of ports: 65,536
Range: 0 – 65535