Introduction to Basic Computer Networks
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ai.discoverlifeIntroduction to Basic Computer Networks
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ai.discoverlifeTECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING
Fundamentals of Computer Networking
1. What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a set of connected computing devices that can communicate with each other and share resources,
data, and applications. Networks form the backbone of modern digital communication, enabling everything from simple
file sharing to global internet access.
2. Types of Computer Networks
Local Area Network (LAN): Spans a small geographic area such as a single room, home, or office building. LANs
provide high data transfer rates and low latency.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Extends over large geographic distances, connecting multiple smaller networks across
cities, countries, or continents (e.g., the Internet).
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Covers an area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically spanning an
entire campus or municipal area.
3. Common Network Topologies
Star Topology: All network nodes connect directly to a central hub or switch. If one cable fails, only that node is
disconnected.
Mesh Topology: Every node is interconnected with multiple redundant pathways, offering exceptionally high fault
tolerance.
Bus Topology: Nodes share a single central communication backbone. It is simple to install but vulnerable to cable
faults.
4. Essential Network Protocols
Protocols define standard sets of communication rules across devices. Key examples include TCP/IP (core suite
governing web communications), HTTP/HTTPS (secure transfer of web documents), DNS (translates domain names to
IP addresses), and DHCP (dynamically assigns network addresses).
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