Computer Networks – Unit 1 Simple Notes (Based
on JNTUGV R23 Syllabus)
1. Computer Network – Introduction
• A Computer Network is a group of interconnected computers that communicate with each other.
• The main purpose of networking is resource sharing and communication.
• Resources like files, printers, applications and internet can be shared between computers.
• Networks allow fast communication and reduce cost of hardware resources.
2. Network Hardware and Software
• Network hardware refers to physical devices used to connect computers.
• Examples include router, switch, hub, modem and network interface card (NIC).
• Router connects different networks and forwards data packets.
• Switch connects devices within a LAN and sends data to the correct device.
• Hub broadcasts data to all devices in a network.
• Network software includes protocols and operating systems used for communication.
• Protocols are rules that define how data is transmitted between devices.
3. OSI Reference Model
• The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a layered framework used to understand
network communication.
• It divides networking tasks into seven layers.
• Each layer performs a specific function and communicates with the layer above and below it.
OSI Model Layers
7 Application
6 Presentation
5 Session
4 Transport
3 Network
2 Data Link
1 Physical
Functions of OSI Layers
• Application Layer provides services to user applications such as web browsing and email.
• Presentation Layer performs encryption, compression and data format conversion.
• Session Layer manages sessions and connections between computers.
• Transport Layer ensures reliable end-to-end data delivery.
• Network Layer handles routing and logical addressing (IP addresses).
• Data Link Layer handles framing, error detection and flow control.
• Physical Layer transmits raw bits through cables or wireless signals.
4. TCP/IP Reference Model
• The TCP/IP model is the practical model used in the Internet.
• It has four layers compared to the seven layers of OSI.
• The layers are Application Layer, Transport Layer, Internet Layer and Network Access Layer.
• Protocols like HTTP, FTP and DNS work in the Application Layer.
• TCP and UDP protocols operate in the Transport Layer.
• IP protocol works in the Internet Layer.
TCP/IP Model
Application
Transport
Internet
Network Access
5. Comparison between OSI and TCP/IP Models
• OSI model has 7 layers while TCP/IP model has 4 layers.
• OSI model is mainly theoretical while TCP/IP model is practical and used in the Internet.
• Transport layer in both models handles end■to■end communication.
• TCP/IP combines several OSI layers into fewer layers.
6. Examples of Networks
• ARPANET was the first packet switching network developed by the US Department of Defense.
• The Internet is the largest global network connecting millions of computers worldwide.
• Novell Networks were early LAN systems used for file sharing in organizations.
7. Network Topologies
• Network topology refers to the physical arrangement of devices in a network.
• Common topologies include Bus, Star, Ring and Mesh.
Bus Topology
PC ---- PC ---- PC ---- PC
Star Topology
PC
|
PC ---SWITCH--- PC
|
PC
Ring Topology
PC -> PC -> PC
^ |
|-----------|
8. Types of Networks
• LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small area like a room, building or campus.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a city.
• WAN (Wide Area Network) covers large geographical areas such as countries or continents.
• The Internet is an example of WAN.
9. Physical Layer
• The Physical Layer is the lowest layer in the OSI model.
• It is responsible for transmitting raw bits over the communication channel.
• It defines electrical signals, cables, connectors and transmission methods.
10. Guided Transmission Media
• Guided media means signals travel through physical cables.
• Twisted Pair Cable contains two copper wires twisted together and is used in Ethernet.
• Coaxial Cable has a central conductor and is used in cable TV networks.
• Fiber Optic Cable uses light signals and provides very high speed communication.
11. Multiplexing
• Multiplexing is a technique used to transmit multiple signals through a single communication
channel.
• Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) divides the bandwidth into different frequency ranges.
• Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is used in fiber optic communication.
• Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) divides the channel into time slots.
Time Division Multiplexing Example
|A|B|C|A|B|C|A|B|C|
Time Slots