Introduction to

Networking
Course code :ISN1231

By
Engr. Andrew Agbor (Ph.D. fellow)
 Networking Fundamentals
Definition of a Network:
Definition one:
In the information technology context, a network is the interconnection of two
or more devices, for the purpose of sharing resources.
Definition two:
A computer network is a system that connects two or more computing devices
for transmitting and sharing information. Computing devices include
everything from a mobile phone to a server. These devices are connected
using physical wires such as fiber optics, but they can also be wireless.
Definition Three:
At its core, computer networking is connecting computers and devices so they can
exchange data.
This can happen over short distances like in a home or office or long distances like
the internet. Networks can be wired (using cables) or wireless (using Wi-Fi or
cellular signals).
Importance of Networking
i) Facilitates Communication:
 One of the most significant advantages of computer networking is that it makes
communication easier. We use various tools like emails, messaging apps and video
conferencing to talk to people around the world.
For example, a student can discuss a project with classmates who are miles away or a
business man can hold meetings with clients in different countries.
This ease of communication in both personal and professional settings.
ii) Resource Sharing
 Networking allows multiple users to share resources. For example, in an office,
several employees can use the same printer or scanner, which saves money and
space.
 Similarly, a home network lets family members share a single internet connection like
Wi-Fi connection, which is more efficient than each having their own.
Importance of Networking
iii) Access to Information
 Internet is one of the best sources of collected information. Networking allows
us to access this wealth of knowledge. Whether it’s research for school,
tutorials or online courses, being connected helps us learn and grow.
 This easy access to information has transformed education and made it more
interactive.
iv) Remote Work and Collaboration
 The increase of remote work has made computer networking even more
important. Employees can work from home and still access their company’s
files and applications.
 Networking solutions like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) ensure that these
connections are secure. This flexibility has become essential and especially in
the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Importance of Networking
v) Software Defined Networking (SDN)
 Software Defined Networking is an innovative approach that separates the network
control layer from the physical hardware. In traditional networking, the hardware like
routers and switches controls the flow of data.
 However, in SDN a software application manages the network, allowing for more
flexible and efficient management.
 This means changes can be made quickly without needing to reconfigure the
physical devices. This is especially useful for large organizations with complex
networks.
vi) Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
 Network Function Virtualization involves running network services on virtual
machines instead of dedicated hardware.
 NFV reduces costs and allows for more flexibility. For example, instead of using a
physical firewall, an organization can use a virtual firewall that can be easily updated
and scaled according to need.
 NFV helps in optimizing network resources and improves the speed of deploying
new services.
 Types of Networks
• PAN (Personal Area Network)
• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)
 What is PAN (Personal Area Network)?
PAN (Personal Area Network) is a computer network formed around a person. It generally
consists of a computer, mobile, or personal digital assistant. PAN can be used for establishing
communication among these personal devices for connecting to a digital network and the
internet.
Characteristics of PAN
• It is mostly personal devices network equipped within a limited area.
• Allows you to handle the interconnection of IT devices at the surrounding of a single user.
• PAN includes mobile devices, tablet, and laptop.
• It can be wirelessly connected to the internet called WPAN.
• Appliances use for PAN: cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth systems.
 Types of Networks
 Advantages of PAN
Here are the important pros/benefits of PAN network:
• PAN networks are relatively secure and safe
• It offers only short-range solution up to ten meters
• Strictly restricted to a small area
 Disadvantages of PAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of using PAN network:
• It may establish a bad connection to other networks at the same radio bands.
• Distance limits.
 Types of Networks
What is a LAN (Local Area Network)
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are connected
in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office building. It is a widely useful
network for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other application. The simplest
type of LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in someone’s home or office. In
general, LAN will be used as one type of transmission medium. It is a network which consists of
less than 5000 interconnected devices across several buildings.
 Types of Networks
 Characteristics of LAN
Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:
• It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.
• LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
• There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and ethernet.
 Advantages of LAN
Here are the pros/benefits of LAN:
• Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can share local area networks. This
significantly reduces the cost of hardware purchases.
• You can use the same software over the network instead of purchasing the licensed software for
each client in the network.
• Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server computer.
• You can easily transfer data and messages over networked computers.
• It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more secure.
• Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet connection among all the LAN users.
 Types of Network
 Disadvantages of LAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of LAN:
• LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources, but the initial cost
of installing Local Area Networks is quite high.
• The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so it does not offer
good privacy.
• Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in case LAN admin is
not able to secure centralized data repository.
• Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration as there are issues
related to software setup and hardware failures
 Types of Network
 What is WAN (Wide Area Network)?
WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which is spread
across a large geographical area. WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which
connects with other LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to an
enterprise or an organization.
 Types of Network
 Characteristics of WAN
Below are the characteristics of WAN:
• The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can access to the latest files.
• Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.
 Advantages of WAN
Here are the benefits/pros of WAN:
• WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore business offices situated at longer distances can
easily communicate.
• Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers, gaming consoles, etc.
• WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built into client devices.
 Disadvantages of WAN
Here are the drawbacks/cons of WAN network:
• The initial setup cost of investment is very high.
• It is difficult to maintain the WAN network. You need skilled technicians and network administrators.
• There are more errors and issues because of the wide coverage and the use of different technologies.
• It requires more time to resolve issues because of the involvement of multiple wired and wireless technologies.
• Offers lower security compared to other types of network in computer.