Computer
Maintenance
Course Code: INSY 8121
Module_5
Prepared by Mr. Mugara Steven N.
page 001
Basic Networking & Connectivity
Computers are connected to
share data, resources, and
internet access.
Understanding networking is
essential for maintaining
systems and solving
connectivity issues in
real-world environments such
as offices, schools, and
page 002
Learning Objectives
• Understand basic networking concepts
• Identify common network devices
• Explain types of networks
• Configure basic network settings
• Troubleshoot connectivity problems
page 003
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a group of
interconnected devices that communicate and
share resources such as files, printers, and
internet access.
Networking allows:
• Communication between users
• Sharing of hardware (e.g., printers)
• Access to the internet
page 004
Types of Networks
• LAN (Local Area Network)
A small network covering a limited area like a home,
school, or office.
• WAN (Wide Area Network)
A large network covering long distances. The internet
is the best example.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Covers a city or large campus environment.
page 005
Network Devices
• Router
Connects different networks and provides internet
access.
• Switch
Connects multiple devices within the same network.
• Modem
Connects your network to the Internet Service
Provider (ISP).
• Access Point
Provides wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity to devices.
page 006
Transmission Media
Networks use different ways to transmit data:
• Wired (Ethernet cables)
+ Fast and reliable
+ Used in offices and labs
• Wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
+Convenient and flexible
+Used in homes and mobile devices
page 007
IP Address
An IP address is a unique
number assigned to each
device on a network.
It is used to:
• Identify devices
• Enable communication
between devices
Example: [Link]
page 008
Types of IP Address
IP addresses are generally classified based on how
they are assigned, their visibility on the internet, and
the protocol version they use.
[Link] Versions
• IPv4(Internet Protocal Version 4): The The
traditional format consisting of four numbers
separated by dots (e.g., [Link]). It uses a
32-bit address space, which limits it to about 4.3
billion unique addresses.
page 009
[Link] Versions
• IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6):
Developed to replace IPv4 as addresses
ran out. It uses 128-bit hexadecimal
strings (e.g.,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:
7334), providing a virtually infinite
number of addresses.
page 010
2. Public vs. Private Addresses
This category defines where the address can be "seen"
and used.
• Public IP Address: Assigned to your network router
by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is your
digital "home address" that the rest of the internet
uses to find you.
• Private IP Address: Assigned to individual devices
within your local network (like your phone, laptop, or
smart TV) by your router. These addresses are not
page 011
3. Dynamic vs. Static Addresses
This refers to how permanent the address is.
• Dynamic IP: Most common for home users. The
address is assigned automatically by a DHCP server
and can change periodically. It is cost-effective for
ISPs and easy to manage.
• Static IP: A permanent, fixed address that never
changes. These are typically used by businesses,
web servers, or for hosting gaming servers where a
consistent address is required for others to connect
page 012
4. Specialized Consumer IP Types
There are also specific types of IP "packages" often
discussed in web hosting or networking:
page 013
Basic Network Configuration
To connect to a network, a device needs:
• IP Address
• Subnet Mask
• Default Gateway
• DNS Server
These settings allow the device to communicate
within and outside the network.
page 014
Checking Network Connectivity
Common tools used:
• Ping
Tests if a device can communicate with another
device
• ipconfig (Windows)
Displays network configuration details
These tools help diagnose connection problems.
page 015
Common Network Problems
• No internet access
• Incorrect IP configuration
• Loose or damaged cables
• Router malfunction
• Weak Wi-Fi signal
page 015
Troubleshooting Steps
When a network problem
occurs:
• Check physical
connections
• Restart network devices
• Verify IP configuration
• Test connection using ping
• Replace faulty components
page 015
Conclusion
Basic networking knowledge is essential
for any computer technician.
Understanding how devices connect and
communicate helps in maintaining
systems and solving connectivity issues
efficiently.
page 015