Computer Networks
Lecture 01- Introduction
With adoptions from Kurose JF, Ross KW. Computer
networking: A top-down approach. Harlow, England Boston:
Pearson; 2019. (8th edition).
Table of contents 01 Course Introduction
Career Pathways and
02 Opportunities
Course objectives
03 and outline
04 History of Internet
Network Reference
05 Models
06 Network components
Why Networking Matters
• Backbone of modern communication.
• Powers the internet, cloud, IoT, and
enterprise systems.
• Enables secure data sharing and
collaboration.
• Critical for every sector: healthcare,
banking, education, telecom.
Career Pathways and Opportunities
Network Engineer Cloud Architect Software Verification
Engineer
Designs and configures Designs, implements, and manages an
LAN/WAN systems. organization's cloud computing Tests and verifies the
infrastructure. compliance of
communication elements
with standards.
Cybersecurity
Devops Engineer Specialist
Develops, implements, and
Automates, deploys, and
monitors security measures
manages network
to protect computer
infrastructure and services.
systems and networks.
Course Outline
1. Fundamentals, the OSI and TCP/IP models, layers in detail.
2. Application layer protocols
3. Transport layer protocols.
4. IP Addressing, ipv4, ipv6, CIDR, VLSM, Subnetting, ip services DHCP,
DNS, NAT.
5. Routing protocols RIP, OSPF, BGP.
6. MAC sublayer protocols, framing, error detection, and flow control.
7. Ethernet, MAC addressing, Switching, and VLANS.
8. Network design patterns. (Maybe)
Course Guidelines
References:
• Kurose JF, Ross KW. Computer networking: A top-down
approach. Harlow, England Boston: Pearson; 2019. (8th
edition).
• Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, (5th
edition).
Grades:
20 mid, 15 Quizzes, 5 Labs.
Contacts
Prof. Dr. Hoda Baraka
Dr. Salma Abdel Monem
Eng: Ahmed Hashish
Table of contents 01 Course Introduction
Career Pathways and
02 Opportunities
Course objectives
03 and outline
04 History of Internet
Network Reference
05 Models
06 Network components
History of Internet
Understanding the
Past Key Themes
"Predict the future by The evolution involves
understanding the transition from military
past" - Paul Baran secrecy to now a global
(ARPANET pioneer). public utility.
History of Internet
Chapter 1: The Origins, Pre-Computer Communication
• Before computers, humans were already
experimenting with long-distance communication:
• 1837: Samuel Morse invents the telegraph,
transmitting messages via electrical pulses.
• 1876: Alexander Graham Bell patents the
telephone, enabling real-time voice communication.
• These laid the foundation for electronic signaling,
which would later evolve into digital networking.
History of Internet
Chapter 2: The Birth of Computer Networking (1960s–
1970s)
•1969: The U.S. Department of Defense launches ARPANET, the first packet-
switched network.
The first message sent between UCLA and Stanford crashed after typing “LO”
(intended: “LOGIN”).
The experiment was repeated and became successful two hours later.
• The beginning of :
• Packet Switching: Data is broken into chunks and routed independently.
• IMPs (Interface Message Processors): Early routers.
• RFCs (Requests for Comments): Collaborative protocol documentation begins.
*ARPANET : The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
THE ARPANET
[Link]
internets-first-transmission-was-sent-50-years-ago-today
History of Internet
Chapter 3: The Protocol Era (1970s–1980s)
• 1973: Robert Metcalfe invents the Ethernet at Xerox PARC.
• 1981: IPv4 becomes standard (RFC 791).
• 1983: ARPANET adopts TCP/IP. This marks the birth of the Internet.
• 1983: Domain Name System (DNS) replaces numeric IPs.
• 1983: The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
implemented on the ARPANET.
History of Internet
Chapter 4: Commercialization & the Web (1990s)
• 1990: The ARPANET is decommissioned.
• 1991: Tim Berners-Lee introduces the World Wide Web.
“WWW: A system for managing and sharing information through a
network of linked documents “.
• By the end of 1994, the Web had 10,000 servers and 10 million users.
• 1995-2000: the dot com bubble.
History of Internet
Chapter 5: The Broadband & Wireless Era (2000s)
Wireless Explosion:
• 802.11b/g/n standards bring Wi-Fi to homes and businesses.
Broadband and Mobile Networking:
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable (TV), and fiber replace dial-up.
• The introduction of 3G technology, which significantly increased data speeds
and introduced mobile internet.
Web2 and Social Networking:
• Users can easily create, share, and edit content, such as blog posts, videos, and
social media updates.
History of Internet
Chapter 6: Cloud Networking (2010s)
Cloud Networking
• Uses virtualized network components, like virtual
routers and firewalls, to connect applications and
resources over the internet through a third-party
cloud provider's infrastructure, rather than
relying on physical, on-premises hardware.
• Enables scalability, flexibility, and on-demand
resources. [Link]
topics/cloud-networking/what-is-cloud-
[Link]
History of Internet
Chapter 7: Intelligent, Edge, and Quantum Networking (2020s–
Future)
Trend Description
5G & Beyond Ultra-low latency, massive IoT, edge computing.
Self-healing, self-optimization, and predictive
AI-Driven Networking
maintenance.
A security architecture for networking, identity-
Zero Trust Architecture
based access.
Network as a Service Subscription-based, scalable network infrastructure.
Networks that understand and execute business
Intent-Based Networking
intent.
[Link]
networking
Table of contents 01 Course Introduction
Career Pathways and
02 Opportunities
Course objectives
03 and outline
04 History of Internet
Network Reference
05 Models
06 Network components
Network Reference Models
Why Reference Models?
• Standardize communication across diverse systems.
• Enable interoperability between hardware/software vendors.
• Provide a layered approach to troubleshooting and design.
• Enable modularity and scalability.
Network Reference Models
Layer Function Example
The OSI Model
7 Application HTTP, FTP, SMTP
• Developed by the International 6 Presentation Encryption, Compression
Organization for Standardization
• Designed in the late 1970s, 5 Session Dialog control, API calls
and remained a foundational
4 Transport TCP, UDP – segmentation &
teaching and design tool. flow
3 Network IP, routing
2 Data Link MAC addressing, framing
1 Physical Cables, signals, voltage
levels
Network Reference Models
The TCP/IP Model
Layer Function Example
• The TCP/IP model became
the practical framework that 4 Application HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and all
underpinned the early internet. others
3 Transport TCP, UDP – segmentation
& flow
2 Network IP, routing
1 Network MAC addressing, framing
Access Cables, signals, voltage
levels
Network Reference Models
The Hybrid Model
• The real practical model Layer Function Example
adopted currently.
5 Application HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and all
others
4 Transport TCP, UDP – segmentation
& flow
3 Network IP, routing
2 Data Link MAC addressing, framing
1 Physical Cables, signals, voltage
levels
Table of contents 01 Course Introduction
Career Pathways and
02 Opportunities
Course objectives
03 and outline
04 History of Internet
Network Reference
05 Models
06 Network components
Components of the Internet
Edge devices / Hosts
[Link]
networking
Components of the Internet
Network Devices
[Link]
Components of the Internet
NIC (Network Interface Card)
• OSI Layer: Layer 1–2
• Function: a network adapter that is used to connect the computer
to the network.
• It has a unique ID that is written on the chip.
• Used in LANs.
• Example: Ethernet card in a desktop PC.
[Link]
gateway/
Components of the Internet
Modem (modulator-demodulator)
• OSI Layer: Layer 1 – Physical
• Function: Converts digital signals to analog
and vice versa.
• Example: DSL or cable modem for internet
access.
[Link]
[Link]
Components of the Internet
Repeater
• OSI Layer: Layer 1 – Physical
• Function:
• A Repeater connects two segments of a
network cable.
• Regenerates and amplifies signals to extend
the network range if it becomes weak.
• Example: Used in long-distance Ethernet or
Wi-Fi extenders.
[Link]
network/
[Link]
Components of the Internet
Hub
• OSI Layer: Layer 1 – Physical
• Function: A hub is a multiport repeater.
• Connects multiple Ethernet devices and
makes them act as a single network segment.
• Broadcasts data to all connected devices.
• Example: Used in small legacy networks.
[Link]
[Link]
Components of the Internet
Bridge
• OSI Layer: Layer 2 – Data Link
• Function: A bridge that filters traffic
based on MAC addresses.
• Connects two LAN segments working
on the same protocol.
• Used in older enterprise networks.
[Link]
[Link]
gateway/
Components of the Internet
Switch
• Function at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model.
• Connect end devices within a network and allow the
forwarding of data packets utilizing their MAC addresses.
• It does not forward packets that have errors and
forwards good packets selectively to the correct port only.
• Switches have replaced bridges by offering
greater speed, scalability, and intelligence.
[Link]
connectivity?srsltid=AfmBOorwNU5Cu4zJ5vVG4_CKMewgSxHqSzY8JkzdifrZ19lqHqwYGaMl
Components of the Internet
Access Point
• OSI Layer: Layer 2 – Data Link
• Function: Provides wireless access to a
wired network inside a LAN.
• Example: Wi-Fi hotspot in a café or
university.
Components of the Internet
Router
• Functions at the Network layer (layer 3)
of the OSI model.
• Connects networks and allows the
forwarding of data packets based on
their respective IP addresses.
• Routers normally connect LANs and
WANs and have a dynamically updating
routing table, making decisions on
routing the data packets.
[Link]
Components of the Internet
Firewall
• OSI Layer: Layer 3 and above
• Function: Monitors and controls
incoming/ outgoing traffic based on
security rules.
• Can be hardware or software.
• Example: Enterprise firewall blocking
unauthorized access, harmful traffic in
or out.
[Link]
Components of the Internet
Gateway
• OSI Layer: Layer 3 mostly
• Function: An edge router that connects different networks and can act
as a translator between different network protocols.
• They work as messenger agents that take data from one system,
interpret it, and transfer it to another system.
• It also offers features like (NAT, Port forwarding, QoS, etc).
Components of the Internet
Quiz time
A home router is considered
…… ?
A modem, switch, router, AP, and maybe a firewall.