Networking Notes – Notebook 1 (8 Pages)
Page 1 – Introduction to Computer
Networking
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a group of two or more computers or devices connected together to share
data, resources, and services. Networks allow users to communicate quickly and access shared
files, printers, internet connections, and applications.
Objectives of Networking
Share information
Share hardware resources
Improve communication
Increase reliability
Reduce costs
Examples
School computer lab
Office network
Home Wi-Fi
Internet
Page 2 – Types of Networks
PAN (Personal Area Network)
Covers a few meters.
Used for Bluetooth devices.
LAN (Local Area Network)
Covers a building or campus.
High speed.
Example: School lab.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Covers a city.
Connects multiple LANs.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
Covers countries or continents.
Example: The Internet.
Type Coverage Example
PAN Few meters Bluetooth
LAN Building Office
MAN City City Network
WAN Worldwide Internet
Page 3 – Network Topologies
A topology is the physical or logical layout of a network.
Bus Topology
Single backbone cable.
Low cost.
Difficult troubleshooting.
Star Topology
Central switch or hub.
Easy to manage.
Most common today.
Ring Topology
Data travels in one direction.
Failure affects entire network.
Mesh Topology
Every device connects to others.
Highly reliable.
Expensive.
Tree Topology
Combination of star and bus.
Page 4 – Networking Devices
Hub
Broadcasts data to all devices.
Switch
Sends data only to the correct device using MAC addresses.
Router
Connects different networks and forwards packets using IP addresses.
Modem
Connects a local network to the Internet.
Access Point
Provides wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity.
Page 5 – Transmission Media
Guided Media
Uses cables.
Twisted Pair Cable
Cheap
Easy to install
Common in LANs
Coaxial Cable
Better shielding
Used in cable TV
Fiber Optic Cable
Very high speed
Long distance
Immune to electromagnetic interference
Unguided Media
Radio waves
Microwave
Infrared
Satellite
Page 6 – OSI Model Overview
The OSI model has seven layers.
1. Physical Layer
2. Data Link Layer
3. Network Layer
4. Transport Layer
5. Session Layer
6. Presentation Layer
7. Application Layer
Purpose
Standardizes communication.
Makes troubleshooting easier.
Helps different devices communicate.
Memory Trick
Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away
Page 7 – TCP/IP Model
The TCP/IP model is the practical networking model used on the Internet.
Layers
1. Network Access
2. Internet
3. Transport
4. Application
Important Protocols
HTTP
HTTPS
FTP
SMTP
DNS
DHCP
TCP
UDP
IP
Comparison
OSI TCP/IP
7 Layers 4 Layers
Reference Model Internet Model
Theoretical Practical
Page 8 – Advantages, Disadvantages &
Summary
Advantages
Resource sharing
Fast communication
Centralized management
Easy file sharing
Internet sharing
Remote access
Disadvantages
Security risks
High setup cost
Network failures affect many users
Requires maintenance
Key Terms
Network
Node
Server
Client
Router
Switch
IP Address
MAC Address
Protocol
Bandwidth
Quick Review
A network connects devices.
LAN is the most common local network.
Routers connect networks.
Switches connect devices within a LAN.
Fiber optic cables provide the highest speed.
The Internet uses the TCP/IP model.
The OSI model has seven layers.