JKBOSE Class 12 – Informatics Practices
Chapter: Computer Networking (Expanded Notes with Definitions
& Examples)
Definition of Computer Network
A computer network is a system where two or more computers/devices are connected together to
share data, resources (like printers), hardware, and software.
Example: When computers in a school lab are connected to one printer, it is a network that saves
cost and improves efficiency.
Elements of a Network & Client–Server Architecture
Host/Node: A device (computer, printer, mobile) connected to the network.
Server: A central computer that provides services like file storage, email, internet.
Client: A device that requests and uses the server's services.
Transmission Media: The medium (wired/wireless) used for communication.
Protocols: Set of rules for communication (e.g., TCP/IP).
Example: In a cyber café, all computers (clients) use a server for internet access.
Types of Networks
PAN: Personal Area Network (~10m). Example: Connecting phone to laptop with Bluetooth.
LAN: Local Area Network (buildings/offices). Example: Computer lab in school.
MAN: Metropolitan Area Network (city/campus). Example: University network.
WAN: Wide Area Network (large distances). Example: The Internet.
Modes of Data Transmission
Simplex: One-way only. Example: TV broadcast.
Half-Duplex: Both directions, but one at a time. Example: Walkie-talkies.
Full-Duplex: Both directions simultaneously. Example: Telephone conversation.
Transmission Media
Wired Media:
• Twisted Pair: Cheap, used in LAN. Example: Ethernet cables.
• Coaxial: Shielded, used for TV cables.
• Fiber Optic: Very high speed, long distance, uses light signals. Example: Internet backbone.
Wireless Media:
• Radio Waves: Used in Wi-Fi.
• Microwaves: For satellite & long-distance towers.
• Infrared: Short range (TV remote).
• Satellite Communication: Internet & TV in remote areas.
Wireless Technologies
Wi-Fi: Wireless Local Area Network (short range). Example: Home broadband.
WiMAX: Covers wider areas like cities. Example: Rural broadband.
GPS: Global Positioning System; gives location using satellites. Example: Google Maps.
Infrared Communication: Short distance, line-of-sight. Example: Remote controls.
Networking Devices
NIC/LAN Card: Connects computer to network. Each has a MAC address.
Modem Types:
• DSL Modem (phone line), Cable Modem (TV cable), Wireless Modem (mobile data).
Hub: Sends data to all devices.
Switch: Sends data only to intended device.
Router: Connects different networks. Example: Home Wi-Fi router.
Repeater: Boosts weak signals.
Bridge: Connects two LANs.
Gateway: Connects different protocols.
Brouter: Combination of bridge and router.
Access Point: Connects wireless devices.
Disrouter: Device used in distributed routing systems.
Network Topologies
Bus: One cable, all devices connected. Example: Early LANs.
Star: Devices connect to hub/switch. Example: Modern LANs.
Ring: Devices form a circle. Example: Token Ring networks.
Mesh: Each device connects to every other. Used in military networks.
Tree: Combination of bus and star; hierarchical structure.
Protocols
HTTP/HTTPS: For web browsing. Example: [Link].
FTP: File transfer. Example: Uploading files to a server.
SMTP: Sending emails. Example: Gmail sending mail.
POP/IMAP: Receiving emails. Example: Outlook client.
TCP/IP: Fundamental protocol suite for Internet communication.
Satellite-Based Systems
Satellite systems use orbiting satellites to transmit signals globally.
Uses: TV broadcasting, remote internet, GPS.
Example: Dish TV and Google Maps rely on satellites.
Other Topics
Bandwidth: Maximum data transfer rate of a link. Example: 100 Mbps internet.
Switching Techniques:
• Circuit Switching: Dedicated path, example: old telephones.
• Packet Switching: Data split into packets, example: Internet.
Duty/Duplex Modes: Refers to directions of communication.
Host: Any device on a network.
Example: Your laptop connected to Wi-Fi is a host.
Summary Table
Area Key Points & Examples
Network Fundamentals Definition, Elements, Client-Server model (Example: Cyber café server)
Network Types PAN (Bluetooth), LAN (school lab), MAN (university), WAN (Internet)
Data Modes Simplex (TV), Half-Duplex (Walkie-talkie), Full-Duplex (Telephone)
Media Wired: Twisted pair, Coaxial, Fiber | Wireless: Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Satellite
Wireless Tech Wi-Fi (Home), WiMAX (Rural broadband), GPS (Google Maps), Infrared (Remote control
Network Devices NIC, Modems, Hub, Switch, Router, Repeater, Bridge, Gateway, Brouter, Access Point, D
Topologies Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree (with examples)
Protocols HTTP/HTTPS (Web), FTP (File transfer), SMTP/POP/IMAP (Email), TCP/IP (Internet)
Satellite Systems Dish TV, GPS, Remote Internet
Other Topics Bandwidth (100 Mbps internet), Switching (Circuit vs Packet), Host definitions