Lecture 1

Introduction to Computer Networks
INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTER NETWORKS
DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Data communications are the exchange of data between

two devices via some form of transmission medium
such as a wire cable.
The word data refers to information presented in
whatever form is agreed upon by the parties creating
and using the data.
The term telecommunication means communication at a
distance.
 Tele means Far .
Components of a data communication system
Data flow (simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex)
Computer Networks
Computer network connects
two or more autonomous
(independent) computers.
A network is a set of devices
(often referred to as nodes)
connected by communication
links.
A node can be a computer,
printer, or any other device
capable of sending and/or
receiving data generated by
other nodes on the network.
A link can be a cable, air,
optical fiber, or any medium
which can transport a signal
carrying information.
LAN, MAN & WAN

Local Area Networks (LANs)
 Short distances
 Designed to provide local interconnectivity
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
 Long distances
 Provide connectivity over large areas
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)
 Provide connectivity over areas such as a city, a campus
Applications of Networks
Resource Sharing
Hardware (computing resources, disks, printers)
Software (application software)
Information Sharing
Easy accessibility from anywhere (files, databases)
Communication
Email
Message broadcast
Remote computing
Distributed processing (GRID Computing)
An isolated LAN connecting 12 computers to a hub in a closet
WANs: a switched WAN and a point-to-point WAN
Network Topology
The network topology

defines the way in
which computers,
printers, and other
devices are
connected.
A network topology
describes the layout
of the wire and
devices as well as the
paths used by data
transmissions.
Bus Topology
Commonly referred
to as a linear bus, all
the devices on a bus
topology are
connected by one
single cable.
Star & Tree Topology
The star topology is the most

commonly used architecture
in Ethernet LANs.
Larger networks use the

extended star topology also
called tree topology.
Ring Topology
A frame travels around the
ring, stopping at each node. If a
node wants to transmit data, it
adds the data as well as the
destination address to the
frame.
The frame then continues
around the ring until it finds
the destination node, which
takes the data out of the frame.
Mesh Topology
The mesh topology

connects all devices
(nodes) to each other
for redundancy and
fault tolerance.
It is used in WANs to
interconnect LANs
and for mission
critical networks like
those used by banks
and financial
institutions.
Implementing the
mesh topology is
expensive and
difficult.
Network Components
Computers
Networking Media
Interconnecting Devices
Protocol/Networking Software
Applications
Computers: Clients and Servers

In a client/server network
arrangement, network
services are located in a
dedicated computer
whose only function is to
respond to the requests
of clients.
The server contains the

file, print, application,
security, and other
services in a central
computer that is
continuously available to
respond to client
requests.
Networking Media
Networking media can be

defined simply as the
means by which signals
(data) are sent from one
computer to another
(either by cable or
wireless means).
Networking Devices
HUB, Switches, Routers,

Wireless Access Points,
Modems etc.
Networking Protocol
 A protocol is synonymous with rule.
 It consists of a set of rules that govern data
communications. It determines what is communicated, how
it is communicated and when it is communicated.
 The key elements of a protocol are syntax, semantics and
timing
Elements of a Protocol
Syntax
 Structure or format of the data
 Indicates how to read the bits - field delineation
Semantics
 Interprets the meaning of the bits
 Knows which fields define what action
Timing
 When data should be sent and what
 Speed at which data should be sent or speed at which it is
being received.
Networking Protocol: TCP/IP

Applications
E-mail
Searchable Data (Web
Sites)
E-Commerce
News Groups
Internet Telephony (VoIP)
Video Conferencing
Chat Groups
Instant Messengers
Internet Radio
Network Criteria
 Performance
 Depends on Network Elements
 Measured in terms of Delay and Throughput
 Reliability
 Failure rate of network components
 Measured in terms of availability/robustness
 Security
 Data protection against corruption/loss of data due to:
 Errors
 Malicious users

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Introduction to Computer Networks

Data communications are the exchange of data between

LAN, MAN & WAN

The network topology

Star & Tree Topology

The star topology is the most

Larger networks use the

The mesh topology

Computers: Clients and Servers

The server contains the

Networking media can be

HUB, Switches, Routers,

Networking Protocol: TCP/IP

 Measured in terms of availability/robustness

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