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Lecture1-Introducing Basic Network Concepts

This document introduces basic network concepts, explaining the definition, need, and classification of networks. It highlights the importance of networks in enhancing communication, sharing resources, and facilitating centralized management. Networks are classified based on geographical boundaries (LAN, MAN, WAN) and component roles (peer-to-peer, server-based, client-based).

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views

Lecture1-Introducing Basic Network Concepts

This document introduces basic network concepts, explaining the definition, need, and classification of networks. It highlights the importance of networks in enhancing communication, sharing resources, and facilitating centralized management. Networks are classified based on geographical boundaries (LAN, MAN, WAN) and component roles (peer-to-peer, server-based, client-based).

Uploaded by

harrymayo786
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 1

Introducing
Basic Network Concepts
Dated: 04-March-2025
Overview
• Introduction to networks.
• Need for networks.
• Classification of networks.
Introduction to Networks
• A network consists of two or more entities or
objects sharing resources and information.
• A computer network consists of two or more
computing devices connected to each other to
share resources and information.
• The network becomes a powerful tool when
computers communicate and share resources
with other computers on the same network or
entirely distinct networks.
Introduction to Networks
• Computers on a network can act as a
client or a server.
• A client is a computer that requests for
resources.
• A server is a computer that controls and
provides access to resources.
Introduction to Networks

• Data is a piece of information.

• The computing concept ‘hierarchy of data’ is used when

planning a network.

• It is essential to maintain a hierarchy of data to manage

and control resources among computers.

• Network access to data must be evaluated carefully to

avoid security issues.


Need for Networks
• A computer that operates independently
from other computers is called a stand-
alone computer.
• The process of printing or transferring data
from one system to another using various
storage devices is called sneakernet.
Need for Networks
• Enhance communication.
• Share resources.
• Facilitate centralized management.
Enhance Communication
• Computer networks use electronic mail (e-
mail) as the choice for most of the
communication.
• By using networks, information can be
sent to a larger audience in an extremely
fast and efficient manner.
Share Resources

• A copy of data or application stored at a single

central location is shared over a network.

• Computer peripheral devices, referred to as

additional components, can be attached to a

computer and be shared in a network.


Share Resources
• Peripheral devices include faxes,
modems, scanners, plotters, and any other
device that connects to the computers.
• Equipments having common requirements
can be shared in order to reduce
maintenance cost.
Share Resources
• Important data can also be stored centrally
to make it accessible to users, thereby
saving storage space on individual
computers.
• Computer applications, which take up a
considerable amount of storage space,
can be installed centrally on the network,
saving storage space.
Facilitate Centralized
Management
• Networks are used to assist in
management tasks associated with their
own operation and maintenance.
• Using networks results in increased
efficiency and a resultant reduction in
maintenance costs.
Facilitate Centralized
Management
Software:
– Software is a set of instructions or programs
that control the operation of a computer.
– Software can be installed at a central location
using servers, where the installation files are
made accessible over the network.
Classification of Networks
• Classification by network geography.
• Classification by component roles.
Classification by Network
Geography
• Networks are frequently classified
according to the geographical boundaries
spanned by the network itself.
• LAN, WAN, and MAN are the basic types
of classification, of which LAN and WAN
are frequently used.
Classification by Network
Geography
Local area network (LAN):
– A LAN covers a relatively small area such as
a classroom, school, or a single building.
– LANs are inexpensive to install and also
provide higher speeds.
Classification by Network
Geography

Local area network


Classification by Network
Geography
Metropolitan area network (MAN):
– A MAN spans the distance of a typical
metropolitan city.
– The cost of installation and operation is
higher.
– MANs use high-speed connections such as
fiber optics to achieve higher speeds.
Classification by Network
Geography

Metropolitan area network


Classification by Network
Geography
Wide area network (WAN):
– WANs span a larger area than a single city.
– These use long distance telecommunication
networks for connection, thereby increasing
the cost.
– The Internet is a good example of a WAN.
Classification by Network
Geography

Wide area network


Classification by Component
Roles
• Networks can also be classified according
to the roles that the networked computers
play in the network’s operation.
• Peer-to-peer, server-based, and client-
based are the types of roles into which
networks are classified.
Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-peer:
– In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are

considered equal.

– Each computer controls its own information

and is capable of functioning as either a client

or a server depending upon the requirement.

– Peer-to-peer networks are inexpensive and


Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-peer (continued):
– Most operating systems come with built-in
peer-to-peer networking capability.
– The maximum number of peers that can
operate on a peer-to-peer network is ten.
– Each peer shares resources and allows
others open access to them.
Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-peer (continued):
– Peer-to-peer networks become difficult to
manage when more security is added to
resources, since the users control their
security by password-protecting shares.
– Shares can be document folders, printers,
peripherals, and any other resource that they
control on their computers.
Classification by Component
Roles

Peer-to-peer network
Classification by Component
Roles
Server-based:
– A server-based network offers centralized
control and is designed for secure operations.
– In a server-based network, a dedicated server
controls the network.
Classification by Component
Roles
Server-based (continued):
– A dedicated server is one that services the
network by storing data, applications,
resources, and also provides access to
resources required by the client.
– These servers can also control the network’s
security from one centralized location or share
it with other specially configured servers.
Classification by Component
Roles

Server-based network
Classification by Component
Roles
Client-based:
– Client-based network servers process
requests from clients and return just the
results.
– These networks take advantage of the
powerful processing capabilities of both the
client and the server.
– Application servers and communications
servers are examples of client-based
networks.
Classification by Component
Roles

Client-based network
Summary
• A network consists of two or more entities
sharing resources and information.
• A computer network consists of two or
more computers that are connected and
are able to communicate.
Summary
• The basic purpose of networks is to
enable effective communication, share
resources, and facilitate centralized
management of data.
• Networks can be classified according to
their geographical boundaries or their
component roles.

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