Class 11 Web Applications (803)
Chapter 1: Networking Concepts – Detailed Notes
1. What is Networking?
Networking is the interconnection of devices such as computers, phones, printers and servers
through wired or wireless media for sharing data and resources. Devices connected in a network
are called nodes.
Concept of Communication
Data communication is the transfer of digital data between devices. Benefits include resource
sharing, email, file transfer, video conferencing, instant messaging, cloud services and online
streaming.
Components of Data Communication
Five components: (1) Message – data being sent, (2) Sender – source device, (3) Receiver –
destination device, (4) Transmission Medium – path such as cable, fiber, radio waves, (5) Protocol
– rules for communication such as TCP/IP, HTTPS, SMTP, IMAP and POP3.
Internet
The Internet is a global network of interconnected networks. Uses include email, file sharing, online
meetings, social networking, entertainment, shopping and banking.
Advantages of Networking
Resource sharing, lower cost, centralized backup, increased storage through servers/cloud and
better security through centralized management.
Disadvantages of Networking
High setup cost, complex management, security threats, virus spread and possible information loss
during failures.
Communication Channel
A communication channel carries data from sender to receiver. It may be physical (twisted pair,
coaxial, fiber optic) or wireless (radio, microwave, infrared, satellite).
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred in a given time. Measured in
bps, Kbps, Mbps and Gbps. Higher bandwidth allows more data transfer.
Data Transfer Rate (DTR)
DTR refers to the actual speed at which data moves across a network. 1 Kbps = 10³ bps, 1 Mbps =
10■ bps, 1 Gbps = 10■ bps, 1 Tbps = 10¹² bps.
IP Address
An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network. It consists of a network part and a host
part. Example: [Link].
Network Devices
Modem: Converts analog and digital signals. Router: Connects networks and forwards packets.
Gateway: Connects different network architectures. Repeater: Regenerates weak signals. Hub:
Multiport repeater that broadcasts data. Switch: Intelligent device that forwards data to the correct
destination. Wi■Fi Card: Enables wireless connectivity.
Types of Networks
PAN (up to 10 m), LAN (up to ~10 km), MAN (city-wide), WAN (countries/continents). VPN creates
a secure virtual connection over public networks.
Web Architecture
Main components: Client, Server, Network, Database and Website/Application Structure.
Peer-to-Peer Architecture
Devices communicate directly and share resources without a central server.
Client-Server Architecture
Clients request services and a central server processes requests and provides resources.
Network Threats
Virus: Self-replicating malicious code. Malware: Any harmful software including spyware,
ransomware, trojans, worms and adware.
Exam Quick Revision
Networking = Connecting devices. Protocol = Rules. Bandwidth = Capacity. DTR = Actual transfer
speed. IP Address = Unique network identity. Hub broadcasts, Switch selectively forwards. PAN <
LAN < MAN < WAN in size.
Important 2–5 Mark Questions
• Define computer network and explain its advantages.
• Explain the five components of data communication.
• What is bandwidth? Differentiate bandwidth and data transfer rate.
• Explain the structure of an IP address.
• Differentiate modem and router.
• Differentiate hub and switch.
• Explain PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN with examples.
• Explain Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server architecture.
• What are viruses and malware?