Introduction to Computer Networks

► A computer network is a system that connects many independent computers to share

information (data) and resources.
► The integration of computers and other different devices allows users to communicate
more easily.
► A computer network is a collection of two or more computer systems that are linked
together.
► A network connection can be established using either cable or wireless media.
Hardware and software are used to connect computers and tools in any network.
Types of Computer Networks
► There are mainly five types of Computer Networks

❑ Personal Area Network (PAN)

❑ Local Area Network (LAN)
❑ Campus Area Network (CAN)
❑ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
❑ Wide Area Network (WAN)
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
► PAN is the most basic type of computer network. It is a type of network designed to
connect devices within a short range, typically around one person.

Types of PAN
► Wireless Personal Area Networks: Wireless Personal Area Networks are created by
simply utilising wireless technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth. It is a low-range
network.
► Wired Personal Area Network: A wired personal area network is constructed using
a USB.
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is the most frequently used network.
A LAN is a computer network that connects computers through a common communication
path, contained within a limited area, that is, locally.
A LAN encompasses two or more computers connected over a server.
3. Campus Area Network (CAN)
CAN is bigger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN.
This is a type of computer network that is usually used in places like a school or colleges.
This network covers a limited geographical area that is, it spreads across several buildings
within the campus.
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
This is the type of computer network that connects computers over a geographical distance
through a shared communication path over a city, town, or metropolitan area.
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over a large geographical
distance through a shared communication path.
It is not restrained to a single location but extends over many locations.
WAN can also be defined as a group of local area networks that communicate with each
other with a range above 50km.
Network Devices
► Modem :
Modem stands for Modulator/Demodulator.
The modem is defined as a networking device that is used to connect devices connected in
the network to the internet.
The main function of a modem is to convert the analog signals that come from telephone
wire into a digital form.
In digital form, these converted signals are stored in the form of 0s and 1s.
Modems are majorly used to transfer digital data in personal systems.
The modem is also known as a signal translator as it translates one signal into another
signal by modulating the digital signal into an analog signal for transmission and then
demodulates receiving analog signals into digital signals.
► Router :
A Router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
One or more packet-switched networks or subnetworks can be connected using a router.
By sending data packets to their intended IP addresses, it manages traffic between different
networks and permits several devices to share an Internet connection.
► RJ45
RJ45 stands for Registered Jack 45 and is the most commonly used connector in wired
networks.
The jacks are mainly used to connect to the Local Area Network (LAN).
It was earlier devised for telephones but is now widely used in Ethernet Networking.
Repeater
► A repeater is a networking device that helps to regenerate signals to increase the reach
of a network. Also operating at the physical layer of the OSI model, repeaters help
overcome distance-related limitations by strengthening the strength and quality of the
signal. They are instrumental in LANs and WANs as they minimize errors, reduce data
loss, and ensure reliable delivery to specific locations.
Hub
► A hub is a multi-port repeater. A hub connects multiple wires coming from different
branches, for example, the connector in star topology which connects different stations.
Hubs cannot filter data, so data packets are sent to all connected devices.
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Switch
► The Switch is a network device that is used to segment the networks into different
subnetworks called subnets or LAN segments. It is responsible for filtering and
forwarding the packets between LAN segments based on MAC address.
► Switches have many ports, and when data arrives at any port, the destination address is
examined first and some checks are also done and then it is processed to the devices.
Different types of communication are supported here like unicast, multicast, and
broadcast communication.
Gateways
► In computer networking, a gateway is a network node that connects two or more
networks, often with different protocols, acting as a bridge or intermediary for data
transmission between them.
Internet

► The Internet is a vast network that connects computers all over the world.
Through the Internet, people can share information and communicate from
anywhere with an Internet connection.
► It connects millions of computers, webpages, websites, and servers.
Internet is called a network as it creates a network by connecting computers and
servers across the world using routers, switches and telephone lines, and other
communication devices and channels. So, it can be considered a global network
of physical cables such as copper telephone wires, fiber optic cables, tv cables,
etc. Furthermore, even wireless connections like 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi make use of
these cables to access the Internet.
ICANN(Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Located in
USA, Manages the internet & protocols related to it like IP Address.
Domain Name & IP Address

► An Internet Protocol or IP address is different than a domain name.

► A domain name is a unique name that appears in email addresses and web addresses. For
example, the domain name for [Link] is [Link]. Domain names are easier to
remember than IP addresses.
► An IP address is a series of numbers that identifies a device's physical location on the internet. IP
addresses are long and difficult to remember. Most IP addresses are written as four sets of digits,
such as [Link].
► The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing people to
use words instead of numbers to access websites.
World Wide Web

► The world wide web is a collection of all the web pages, and web documents that you can see on the
Internet by searching their URLs (Uniform Resource Locator) on the Internet.
► It provides users with a huge array of documents that are connected to each other by means of hypertext or
hypermedia links.
► World wide web is a project which is created by Timothy Berner’s Lee in 1989, for researchers to work
together effectively at CERN.
► It is an organization, named World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which was developed for further
development in the web.
IOT ( Internet of things)
► The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles,
appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and network
connectivity, enabling them to collect, exchange, and act upon data.
► The internet of things, or IoT, is a network of interrelated devices that connect and
exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud. IoT devices are typically
embedded with technology such as sensors and software and can include mechanical
and digital machines and consumer objects.
1. Malware
► Adware: Display ads (sometimes malicious ads) to users as they work on their
computers or browse the web.

► Spyware : Spyware is malicious software (malware) that secretly installs on a device to

gather information and track user activity without their knowledge or consent,
potentially exposing sensitive data.
Ransomware Attack

► A ransomware attack is a malware that encrypts personal information and documents while demanding a
ransom amount to decrypt them.
► Once the files are encrypted or locked behind a password, a text file is available to the victim, explaining
how to make the ransom payment and unlock the files for it.
► Types of Ransomware
1. Locker ransomware
► It is a type of malware that blocks standard computer functions from being accessed until the payment to the
hackers is not complete.
► It shows a lock screen that doesn't allow the victim to use the computer for primary purposes.
2. Crypto ransomware
► This ransomware encrypts the local files and documents on the computers.
► Once the files are encrypted, finding the decryption key is impossible unless the ransomware variant is old
and the keys are already available on the internet.
3. Scareware
► It is a fake software that claims to have detected a virus or other issue on your computer and directs you to
pay to resolve the problem.
► Some scareware locks the computer, while others flood the screen with pop-up alerts without damaging files.
Antivirus
► Software that is created specifically to help detect, prevent and remove malware
(malicious software) such as viruses.
► Antivirus is a kind of software used to prevent, scan, detect and delete viruses from a
computer.
► Once installed, most antivirus software runs automatically in the background to provide
real-time protection against virus attacks.
► Comprehensive virus protection programs help protect your files and hardware from
malware such as worms, Trojan horses and spyware, and may also offer additional
protection such as customizable firewalls and website blocking.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
► Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a protocol using which hypertext is transferred
over the Web.
► Due to its simplicity, HTTP has been the most widely used protocol for data transfer
over the Web but the data (i.e. hypertext) exchanged using HTTP isn’t as secure as we
would like it to be.
► In fact, hyper-text exchanged using HTTP goes as plain text i.e. anyone between the
browser and server can read it relatively easily if one intercepts this exchange of data.
► The acronym for Hypertext Transfer Protocol is HTTP.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
► Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is an extended version of the Hypertext
Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It is used for secure communication.
► In HTTPS, the communication protocol is encrypted using Transport Layer Security.
► HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.
► While HTTPS guarantees data security, the HTTP protocol does not provide data
security.
► As a result, HTTPS can be defined as a secure variant of the HTTP protocol. Data can
be transferred using this protocol in an encrypted format.
► In most cases, the HTTPS protocol must be used while entering bank account
information.
► The HTTPS protocol is mostly utilised in situations when entering login credentials is
necessary. Modern browsers like Chrome distinguish between the HTTP and HTTPS
protocols based on distinct markings.
Firewall

► A firewall is a network security device either hardware or software-based which

monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and based on a defined set of security rules it
accepts, rejects, or drops that specific traffic. It acts like a security guard that helps keep
your digital world safe from unwanted visitors and potential threats.
► Accept: allow the traffic
► Reject: block the traffic but reply with an “unreachable error”
► Drop: block the traffic with no reply
► A firewall is a type of network security device that filters incoming and outgoing
network traffic with security policies that have previously been set up inside an
organization. A firewall is essentially the wall that separates a private internal network
from the open Internet at its very basic level.
Hackers
► Hackers use their advanced knowledge of computers, programming languages, and
operating systems to explore and improve systems. Their work is typically aimed at
enhancing security and uncovering vulnerabilities so that they can be fixed. Hackers are
generally categorized as “white hats” due to their ethical approach to their work.
Crackers
► Crackers are individuals who engage in illegal activities by breaching systems with
malicious intent. Unlike hackers, crackers are typically driven by personal gain, such as
stealing data or causing harm. They are often referred to as “black hats” due to their
unethical behavior.
Cookies
► Cookies are small text files that websites send to your browser to save information
about your browsing activity. They help websites make your browsing experience more
personalized and easier to use.
► Cookies are small pieces of text sent to your browser by a website you visit. They help
that website remember information about your visit, which can both make it easier to
visit the site again and make the site more useful to you.
NIC (Ethernet Card)
► A Network Interface Card (NIC), also known as a network adapter or network interface
controller, is a computer hardware component that connects a device to a network,
allowing it to transmit and receive data.
► An Ethernet card, also known as a network interface card (NIC) or network adapter, is a
hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network using an Ethernet
cable, enabling data transmission and communication.
Key Loggers
► A keylogger or keystroke logger/keyboard capturing is a form of malware or
hardware that keeps track of and records your keystrokes as you type.
► It takes the information and sends it to a hacker using a command-and-control (C&C)
server.
► The hacker then analyzes the keystrokes to locate usernames and passwords and uses
them to hack into otherwise secure systems.
Threats and Prevention
► Common Cybersecurity Threats:
► Malware: Malicious software designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems.
Types: Viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware.
► Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for its
release.
► Phishing: Deceptive attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords,
and credit card details, by disguising as a legitimate entity.
► Insider Threats: Malicious or accidental actions by employees or individuals with authorized
access that compromise security.
► DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks that overload a network or server with
traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users.
► Social Engineering: Manipulation of individuals to gain unauthorized access to systems or
information.
Threat Prevention
► Security Awareness Training
► Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
► Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Systems that monitor network traffic for malicious
activity and take action to prevent it.
► Data Encryption
► Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments : Identifying and addressing
security weaknesses in systems and applications.
► Firewalls: Hardware or software that controls network traffic, blocking unauthorized access.
► Regular Software Updates
ARPANET – Advanced Research Projects Agency NET
ARPANET stands for Advanced Research Projects Agency NET. ARPANET was the first
network that consisted of distributed control. It was the first to implement TCP/IP
protocols. It was basically the beginning of the Internet with the use of these technologies.
It was designed with a basic idea in mind that was to communicate with scientific users
among an institute or university.
Topology
Network topology is the way devices are connected in a network. It defines how these
components are connected and how data transfer between the network. Understanding the
different types of network topologies can help in choosing the right design for a specific
network.
Point to Point Topology
Mesh Topology
Star Topology
Bus Topology
Ring Topology
Tree Topology
Hybrid Topology