Advanced Computer
Networking
Chapter 1: Introduction
Contents
Internet Applications
Network Requirements
Network Architecture
Network Programming Interface
Network Performance
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1.1 Internet Applications
• The Internet is a global system of connected computer networks.
• It allows devices around the world to communicate and share
information.
• People use the Internet to learn, communicate, work, and share ideas
easily across countries.
• The Internet started as ARPANET in the late 1960s.
• ARPANET was a U.S. government project created to connect research
institutions securely.
• We can connect to the Internet using computers, smartphones, tablets,
and more.
• Access is available anytime, anywhere, if a network connection is
present.
• Every device on the Internet must have a unique IP address to
communicate.
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Cont..
• Internet applications encompass a wide variety of uses,
ranging from basic communication to complex data
processing.
• Through the Internet, people can send and receive emails,
browse and search vast collections of online information,
and transfer files easily between computers.
• It also enables secure online banking and shopping, allowing
financial transactions to be completed from anywhere.
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Cont..
• Navigation services use GPS technology to guide users in
cars, bikes, or other smart devices.
• Interactive online gaming connects players globally, while
streaming platforms offer instant access to movies, music,
and other media.
• Additionally, communication tools like voice calls, and
video conferencing make it possible to connect and
collaborate with others in real time across the world.
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1.2 Network requirements
• A network is a collection of two or more devices connected
together to share data, resources, and information.
• Network requirements are the essential standards,
conditions, and resources needed for a computer network
to function efficiently.
Types of Network Requirements
• Network requirements are usually divided into functional
and non-functional requirements.
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Cont..
A) Functional Requirements
• What the network must do the essential functions or services it
must provide.
• Examples:
• Connectivity
• Resource Sharing
• Access Control
• Monitoring & Management, etc.
B) Non-Functional Requirements
• These define how well the network must perform its quality,
efficiency, security, and reliability.
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1.3 Network Architecture
• Network Architecture refers to the design and structure
of a computer network, including its hardware,
software, protocols, and communication methods.
• It defines how devices are connected, how data flows,
and how resources are shared across the network.
• A well-planned network architecture ensures efficient
communication, scalability, reliability, and security.
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Cont..
Components of Network Architecture
• Topology
• Protocols
• Hardware
• Software, and
• Transmission Media.
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Cont..
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Cont..
Types of Network Architecture
• Peer-to-Peer Architecture
• Client/Server Architecture
• Hybrid Networks
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Cont..
1. Peer-to-Peer Architecture
• In a P2P network, computers are directly connected, usually via
the Internet, to share files and resources without a central server.
• Each computer acts as both client and server, with equal roles
and responsibilities.
• Tasks are distributed across all devices, making P2P suitable for
small setups.
• Since there’s no strict client-server division, peers can both send
and receive data directly.
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Cont..
• P2P networks are commonly used in business,
education, and military applications.
Peer-to-peer Architecture
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Cont..
2. Client/Server Architecture
• Client Server Network is type of computer network in which one
of centralized and powerful computers (commonly called as
server) is hub to which many of personal computers that are less
powerful or workstations (commonly known as clients) are
connected.
• It is type of system where clients are connected to server to just
share or use resources.
• These servers are generally considered as heart of system.
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Cont..
• This type of network is more stable and scalable as
compared to P2P network.
• In this architecture, system is generally decomposed
into client and server processor or processes.
Client-Server Architecture 15
Cont..
3. Hybrid Networks
• Hybrid networks combine elements of both client-server and
peer-to-peer architectures.
• They leverage the centralized control of client-server
networks and the decentralized resource sharing of P2P
networks.
• Hybrid networks are used in applications requiring both
centralized management and distributed resource sharing.
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1.4 Network Programming Interface
(NPI)
• A Network Programming Interface (NPI) is a set of tools,
protocols, and functions provided by an operating system or
programming environment that allows programmers to develop
applications that can communicate over a network. Or
• End systems attached to the Internet provide a socket
interface that specifies how a program running on one end
system asks the Internet infrastructure to deliver data to a
specific destination program running on another end system.
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Cont..
• This Internet socket interface is a set of rules that the
sending program must follow so that the Internet can
deliver the data to the destination program.
• Socket Interface was originally provided by the Berkeley
distribution of Unix.
• Now supported in virtually all operating systems
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Cont..
Purpose of Network Programming Interface
• Enable applications to send and receive data over
networks.
• Provide standardized methods for communication,
ensuring interoperability between different devices and
systems.
• Simplify network application development by hiding the
complexity of the underlying network protocols. 19
Cont..
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1.5 Network Performance
• Network performance refers to how well a computer
network operates in terms of speed, reliability, efficiency,
and quality of data transmission.
• It indicates how effectively a network can handle user
requests, transfer data, and support applications.
• Good network performance ensures that users experience
fast, stable, and uninterrupted communication.
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Cont..
Factors Affecting Network Performance
Bandwidth:
• The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted
over a network in a given time.
• Higher bandwidth allows more data to flow, improving
speed and reducing delays.
Latency: The time it takes for data to travel from the
source to the destination.
• Low latency means faster response times, which is
critical for real-time applications like video calls or
online gaming.
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Cont..
Throughput:
• The actual amount of data successfully delivered over the
network in a specific period.
Network Reliability:
• The ability of a network to operate continuously without failures.
Scalability:
• The network’s ability to handle increasing numbers of users or
devices without performance degradation.
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Next Chapter II
The Link Layer and LANs
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