COMPUTER NETWORKS
A computer network is a system of interconnected computing devices (like computers, servers,
phones) that share data, resources (printers, storage), and services, using physical cables or
wireless signals and communication protocols (rules) for communication, ranging from small
home setups to the global Internet.
Why Do We Need Computer Networks?
Resource Sharing: Allows sharing of hardware like printers, scanners, and storage
devices, reducing cost.
Data Sharing: Enables users to share files, applications, and databases easily.
Communication: Supports email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and web access.
Data Management: Helps in storing, securing, and backing up data efficiently.
Remote Access: Allows users to access systems and cloud services from anywhere.
Better Collaboration: Improves teamwork and information exchange among users.
Basic Terminologies
Network: A group of connected computers and devices that can communicate and share
data.
Node: Any device that can send, receive, or forward data in a network. This includes
laptops, mobiles, printers, ear buds, servers, etc.
Networking Devices: Devices that manage and support networking functions. This
includes routers, switches, hubs, and access points.
Transmission Media: The physical or wireless medium through which data travels
between devices.
Wired media: Ethernet cables, optical fibre.
Wireless media: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared
Service Provider Networks: Networks offered by external providers that allow users or
organizations to lease network access and capabilities. This includes internet providers,
mobile carriers, etc.
Types of Computer Network Architecture
Computer Network falls under these broad Categories:
Client-Server Architecture: Client-Server Architecture is a type of Computer Network
Architecture in which Nodes can be Servers or Clients. Here, the server node can manage
the Client Node Behaviour.
Peer-to-Peer Architecture: In P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Architecture , there is not any concept of
a Central Server. Each device is free for working as either client or server.
Network Devices
An interconnection of multiple devices, also known as hosts, that are connected using multiple
paths for the purpose of sending/receiving data or media. Computer networks can also include
multiple devices/mediums which help in the communication between two different devices;
these are known as Network devices and include things such as routers, switches, hubs, and
bridges.
Various Network devices are:
1. Router
Connects multiple networks (like home network to the internet).
Directs data packets to their correct destination.
2. Switch
Connects devices within a network (like computers in an office).
Forwards data only to the specific device it is meant for.
3. Hub
Basic device that connects multiple devices in a network.
Sends data to all devices (less efficient than a switch).
4. Bridge
Connects and filters traffic between two networks or segments.
Helps reduce network traffic.
5. Gateway
Connects two different types of networks.
Translates data between different protocols.
6. Access Point (AP)
Provides wireless connectivity to devices.
Extends a wired network into a Wi-Fi network.
7. Modem
Converts digital data from a computer into signals for phone/cable lines and vice versa.
Provides internet access.
8. Firewall
Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Provides security by blocking unauthorized access.
Types of Computer Networks
A computer network is a group of two or more independent computers and devices connected
to share data, resources, and services. These connections can be established using wired media
or wireless technologies.
Imagine sending a message from your Smartphone to a friend’s laptop or accessing files stored
on a remote server. All of this is possible because of a computer network.
Types of Computer Networks are classified based on several factors:
1. Geographical area
2. Transmission medium
3. Ownership and access control
Classification Based on Geographical Area
Classification based on geographical area refers to categorizing computer networks according
to the physical distance or area they cover, ranging from small personal spaces to large global
regions.
Based on geographical area, computer networks are mainly divided into five types:
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
A Personal Area Network (PAN) connects personal devices within a very short range around
a single user.
Coverage Range: 1–10 meters
Key Technologies: Bluetooth, NFC, Infrared
Real-World Example: Smartphone connected to wireless earbuds
When It Is Used: For short-range communication between personal devices
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers and devices within a limited area such as a
home, office, or building.
Coverage Range: One room, building, or small campus
Key Technologies: Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Real-World Example: Home or office Wi-Fi network
When It Is Used: For fast and secure communication within a local location
3. Campus Area Network (CAN)
A Campus Area Network (CAN) connects multiple LANs within a campus or a group of
nearby buildings.
Coverage Range: University or corporate campus
Key Technologies: Ethernet, Fiber Optics
Real-World Example: College or corporate campus network
When It Is Used: To interconnect LANs across a campus under one organization
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects multiple networks within a city or
metropolitan region.
Coverage Range: City or large town
Key Technologies: Fiber Optics, Microwave, Metro Ethernet
Real-World Example: City-wide ISP network
When It Is Used: To provide high-speed connectivity across a city
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects networks over large geographical areas such as
countries or continents.
Coverage Range: Country, continent, or global
Key Technologies: Leased lines, Satellite links, Internet
Real-World Example: The Internet
When It Is Used: To enable long-distance and global communication
Internet
The Internet is a global network that connects millions of computers and devices, enabling
people to communicate, share information, and access digital resources worldwide. It works
like a vast highway system, where data travels in small packets between connected devices.
Facilitates instant communication and information exchange across the world.
Connects computers, smartphones, and servers through various wired and wireless
networks.
Powers daily activities such as emailing, online learning, shopping, and entertainment.
Internet vs. World Wide Web
Many people use the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) interchangeably, but they are not
the same.
The Internet is the infrastructure — the physical network of cables, satellites, and routers.
The World Wide Web is one of the services that runs on the Internet — it’s where websites
and web pages exist, accessible through browsers like Chrome or Safari.
The Public Revolution
In 1989–1991, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist, invented the World Wide Web while
working at CERN. He created three key technologies:
1. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) – for creating web pages
2. HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) – for communication between browsers and
servers
3. URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) – for addressing pages on the Web
By the mid-1990s, web browsers like Mosaic and Netscape Navigator made the Internet easy
for everyone to use. The digital revolution had begun.
How Does the Internet Work
Internetworking describes the process and technologies that allow millions of computers and
devices to communicate and share data efficiently.
Protocols – The Rules of the Road
All devices on the Internet follow a set of communication rules called protocols. The most
important ones are:
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) – Breaks data into smaller packets and ensures
they arrive safely.
IP (Internet Protocol) – Assigns addresses and delivers packets to the correct destination.
HTTP/HTTPS – Used for websites.
SMTP – Used for sending emails.
These protocols ensure smooth, reliable, and secure communication worldwide.
IP Addresses – The Street Address
Every device connected to the Internet has a unique IP Address (e.g., [Link]).
It’s like a home address that tells data packets where to go and where they came from. Modern
Internet systems are transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6 to handle the massive number of
connected devices.
Data Packets – The Small Boxes
When you send information — like a photo or an email — it’s divided into small chunks called
packets. Each packet travels through the Internet independently, sometimes by different routes,
and they are reassembled at the destination into the original file.
Internet Components
Routers: Direct packets along the most efficient path.
Servers: Store and deliver data like websites, emails, and videos.
ISPs (Internet Service Providers): Companies like Airtel, Jio, AT&T, or Verizon that
connect users to the Internet.
DNS (Domain Name System): Translates website names (like [Link]) into IP
addresses.
Electronic Mail
Electronic mail, commonly known as email, is a method of exchanging messages over the
internet. Here are the basics of email:
1. An email address: This is a unique identifier for each user, typically in the format of
name@[Link].
2. An email client: This is a software program used to send, receive and manage emails, such
as Gmail, Outlook, or Apple Mail.
3. An email server: This is a computer system responsible for storing and forwarding emails
to their intended recipients.
To send an email:
1. Compose a new message in your email client.
2. Enter the recipient's email address in the "To" field.
3. Add a subject line to summarize the content of the message.
4. Write the body of the message.
5. Attach any relevant files if needed.
6. Click "Send" to deliver the message to the recipient's email server.
7. Emails can also include features such as cc (carbon copy) and bcc (blind carbon copy) to
send copies of the message to multiple recipients, and reply, reply all, and forward options
to manage the conversation.
Electronic Mail (e-mail) is one of most widely used services of Internet. This service allows
an Internet user to send a message in formatted manner (mail) to the other Internet user in
any part of world. Message in mail not only contain text, but it also contains images, audio and
videos data. The person who is sending mail is called sender and person who receives mail is
called recipient. It is just like postal mail service.
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