Networking Basics Computer Networking refers to the interconnection of two or more computers or devices to share resources, exchange data, or enable communication. This can be done using wired or wireless mediums.
Data Sharing – Files, images, videos.Resource Sharing – Printers, storage devices, internet.Communication – Emails, chats, video calls.Centralized Data Management – Servers for handling data centrally.
Component Description Nodes Devices like computers, printers, phones, etc. NIC (Network Interface Card) Hardware that connects a computer to a network. Router Directs data between networks. Switch Connects multiple devices in a LAN. Modem Connects network to the internet. Cables/Wireless Media Used to transmit data (Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi).
Type Full Form Description LAN Local Area Network Covers a small area like office or home. MAN Metropolitan Area Network Covers a city or campus. WAN Wide Area Network Covers large areas like countries (e.g., the Internet). PAN Personal Area Network Connects devices around one person (Bluetooth, USB).
Topology Description Bus All devices connected to a single backbone cable. Star Devices connected to a central hub or switch. Ring Devices connected in a circular fashion. Mesh Devices are interconnected; reliable but costly.
Most commonly used topology: Star Topology
Wired:
Twisted Pair Cable – Used in LANs.Coaxial Cable – Used in cable TV.Fiber Optic Cable – High-speed and long-distance communication.
Wireless:
Wi-Fi Bluetooth Infrared Microwaves
Device Use Router Connects different networks and manages traffic. Modem Converts digital to analog signals and vice versa. Switch Forwards data to specific devices on a LAN. Hub Broadcasts data to all connected devices (less efficient than switch). Access Point Extends wireless network coverage.
IP (Internet Protocol) Address is a unique number assigned to each device on a network.Example: 192.168.1.1
Two types:
IPv4 – 32-bit (e.g., 192.168.0.1)IPv6 – 128-bit (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
Protocol means a set of rules for communication.
Protocol Use HTTP/HTTPS Web browsing FTP File transfers SMTP Sending emails POP3/IMAP Receiving emails TCP/IP Basic communication protocol for the internet
Resource sharing
Centralized data access
Internet sharing
Easy communication
Security threats (unauthorized access)
Virus spread across the network
Network failure affects all devices
Term Meaning Bandwidth Maximum data that can be transferred over a network in a given time. Latency Delay in data transmission. Packet Small unit of data sent over a network. Firewall Security system to monitor and control network traffic.
Office LAN for file and printer sharing
Public Wi-Fi in airports
Internet banking via WAN
Bluetooth earphones using PAN
