BASIC COMPUTER NETWORKING
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic, learners should be able to:
1. Describe computer networking
2. Describe types of computer networks
3. Explain the importance of networking
4. Identify various computer networking components
5. Configure a computer to work in a network
1. What Is Computer Networking?
Definition
Computer networking is the practice of connecting two or more computers and other
devices together so they can share data, resources, and services.
Explanation (Simple Terms)
When computers are connected:
They can send and receive information
They can share files
They can share hardware like printers
They can access the internet together
Example
Computers in a school lab connected to one printer
Office computers sharing files over a network
Phones and laptops connected to Wi-Fi
2. Types of Computer Networks
Computer networks are classified based on size and coverage area.
a) Local Area Network (LAN)
Definition
A LAN connects computers within a small geographical area.
Examples
School computer lab
Office building
Home network
Characteristics
Covers a small area
High data transfer speed
Owned and controlled by one organization or person
Uses cables (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi
b) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Definition
A MAN covers a city or large town.
Examples
Network connecting multiple campuses in a city
City government offices connected together
Characteristics
Larger than LAN, smaller than WAN
Often managed by large organizations or ISPs
Uses fiber optic cables
c) Wide Area Network (WAN)
Definition
A WAN connects computers over a large geographical area, even across countries or
continents.
Examples
Bank branches across different countries
Mobile network providers
The Internet
Characteristics
Covers very large areas
Slower than LAN (due to distance)
Uses satellites, fiber optics, telephone lines
3. Internet, Intranet, and Extranet
a) Internet
Definition
The Internet is a global network that connects millions of computers worldwide.
Uses
Email
Browsing websites
Online learning
Social media
Cloud services
b) Intranet
Definition
An Intranet is a private network used within an organization.
Examples
Internal company website
School internal portal
Features
Accessible only to authorized users
Improves internal communication
More secure than the internet
c) Extranet
Definition
An Extranet is an intranet that is partially accessible to external users.
Examples
Suppliers accessing company stock systems
Partners accessing shared documents
4. Importance of Computer Networking
Computer networking is important because it allows:
1. Resource Sharing
Printers
Scanners
Internet connection
2. File Sharing
Easy sharing of documents
Faster collaboration
3. Communication
Emails
Video calls
Instant messaging
4. Cost Reduction
Shared hardware reduces expenses
Centralized software licensing
5. Centralized Management
Easy data backup
Security control
User management
6. Remote Access
Work from home
Access files from different locations
5. Networking Components (LAN & WAN)
a) Network Interface Card (NIC)
Allows a computer to connect to a network
Can be wired or wireless
Built into most computers
b) Cables (Wired Media)
Ethernet cable (UTP)
Fiber optic cable
Used mainly in LANs and WANs
c) Switch
Connects multiple devices in a LAN
Sends data only to the intended device
More efficient than a hub
d) Hub
Basic device for connecting computers
Sends data to all connected devices
Mostly obsolete today
e) Router
Connects different networks together
Directs data between LAN and WAN
Used to connect to the Internet
f) Modem
Converts digital signals to analog and vice versa
Used to connect to Internet Service Provider (ISP)
g) Access Point (AP)
Provides wireless network access
Used in Wi-Fi networks
h) Server
Powerful computer that provides services
Stores files, applications, and data
Manages users and security
i) Client Computers
Regular computers that use network services
Depend on servers for resources
6. Configuring a Computer to Work in a Network
Step 1: Connect the Hardware
Plug Ethernet cable or connect to Wi-Fi
Ensure network device is powered on
Step 2: Configure IP Address
An IP address uniquely identifies a computer on a network.
Methods
1. Automatic (DHCP) – Assigned automatically by router
2. Manual (Static IP) – Set manually
Step 3: Set Network Parameters
IP Address
Subnet Mask
Default Gateway
DNS Server
Step 4: Test the Network
Ping another computer
Open a website
Check shared folders or printers
Step 5: Enable File and Printer Sharing
Turn on network discovery
Allow file and printer sharing
Set permissions
7. Common Networking Terms (Basic Vocabulary)
IP Address – Unique identifier of a device
Bandwidth – Amount of data transmitted
Protocol – Rules for communication (e.g., TCP/IP)
Firewall – Security system that controls network traffic
ISP – Internet Service Provider
REVISION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Section A: Short Answer Questions
1. What is computer networking?
Answer:
Computer networking is the process of connecting two or more computers and devices
together to share data, resources, and services.
2. Give two examples of resources that can be shared in a network.
Answer:
Printers
Internet connection
3. What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?
Answer:
A LAN is a network that connects computers within a small geographical area such as a
home, school, or office.
4. State one difference between LAN and WAN.
Answer:
LAN covers a small area, while WAN covers a large geographical area such as
countries or continents.
5. What is the Internet?
Answer:
The Internet is a global network that connects millions of computers and devices worldwide
to share information.
Section B: Structured Questions
6. Describe three types of computer networks.
Answer:
1. LAN (Local Area Network): Connects computers in a small area like a school or
office.
2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a city or large town.
3. WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large areas such as countries or continents.
7. What is the importance of computer networking? Give three points.
Answer:
Enables sharing of resources like printers and files
Improves communication through email and video calls
Reduces costs by sharing hardware and software
8. Differentiate between Internet and Intranet.
Answer:
Internet Intranet
Global network Private internal network
Open to everyone Restricted to organization members
Less secure More secure
Section C: Identification Questions
9. Identify the networking component described below:
a) Connects different networks together
Answer: Router
b) Allows a computer to connect to a network
Answer: Network Interface Card (NIC)
c) Connects multiple devices in a LAN efficiently
Answer: Switch
d) Converts digital signals to analog signals
Answer: Modem
Section D: Application Questions
10. List the steps involved in configuring a computer to work in a network.
Answer:
1. Connect the computer using a cable or Wi-Fi
2. Configure the IP address (automatic or manual)
3. Set network parameters (IP, subnet mask, gateway, DNS)
4. Test the network connection
5. Enable file and printer sharing
11. Why is an IP address important in a network?
Answer:
An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network and allows it to communicate with
other devices.
12. What will happen if two computers have the same IP address?
Answer:
There will be an IP conflict, and one or both computers may fail to connect to the network
properly.
Section E: True or False
13. State whether True or False
a) A hub sends data only to the intended device
Answer: False
b) WAN is smaller than LAN
Answer: False
c) A server provides services to client computers
Answer: True
d) An intranet is accessible to everyone on the internet
Answer: False
Section F: Essay Question
14. Explain the importance of computer networking in schools.
Answer:
Computer networking in schools allows sharing of learning resources, easy access to the
internet, communication between teachers and students, centralized data management, and
reduced costs by sharing devices like printers and servers.