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 homes.
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Learning Objectives
Understand basic networking concepts
Identify common network devices
Explain types of networks
Configure basic network settings
Troubleshoot connectivity problems
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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]
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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.
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[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:0370:7
334), providing a virtually infinite number
of addresses.
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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
visible to the outside world.
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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
reliably.
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4. Specialized Consumer IP Types
There are also specific types of IP "packages" often discussed
in web hosting or networking:
Type Description
Multiple websites share a single IP
Shared IP address on one server. Common in
basic web hosting.
A single IP address assigned exclusively
Dedicated IP
to one website or hosting account.
A special address used by a computer
Loopback ([Link]) to talk to itself, often for testing
software.
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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.
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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
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Troubleshooting Steps
When a network problem
occurs:
Check physical connections
Restart network devices
Verify IP configuration
Test connection using ping
Replace faulty components
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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.
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