Basics of Computer Networking
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a system that connects two or more computing
devices for transmitting and sharing information.
Characteristics of a Computer Network
The following are the characteristics of a computer network:
1.Share resources from one computer to another.
2.Create files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other
computer(s) connected over the network.
3.Connect a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the
network and let other computers of the network use the machines available
over the network.
4. Scalability
5. Fault tolerance
6. Security
7. Automation
8. Quality of Service (QoS)
9. Compatibility
Types of a Computer Network
A computer network can be categorized into three main categories:
1.LAN (Local Area Network)
2.MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
3.WAN (Wide Area Network)
Ans: A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that connects devices
within a limited area, like a home, office, or school.
Characteristics of LANs:
1.Limited Geographic Area: A LAN network is dedicated for small area like a
single building, campus, school, hospital.
2.High Data Transfer Rates: A LAN network covers a short distance so the data
transmits with high speed as compare to MANs and WANs.
3.Ownership and Control: Because of its local network and small size; they are
owned, controlled, and managed by individuals or organizations with full
control over the network, access and security policies.
4. Speed: LANs offer fast data speeds, usually between 100 Mbps and 10 Gbps.
5.Connectivity: Generally, A LAN connects using Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi, or both.
6.Topology: It’s a method to making a LAN; some common topologies are bus,
star, ring, or mesh.
Ans: A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that connects
devices in a metropolitan area, such as a city or a large college campus.
Characteristics of MANs:
Geographical Coverage − MANs cover a larger geographical as it combines
multiple LANs across different locations; for example - a network of a city.
1.High-Speed Connectivity: MANs provide high-speed data transmission
between multiple LANs within interconnected devices in the metropolitan area.
2.Public or Private Ownership: Municipal governments and telecommunications
firms can own and operate MANs.
3.Scalability: MANs are scalable networks, whenever network needs to span,
MANs can be expanded or upgraded.
4.Reliability and Redundancy: MANs use redundant network components and
backup solutions to reduce network failure and down network. In case of
equipment failure or network disturbances, alternate network paths, backup
power sources, and failover processes preserve network availability.
5.Support for Various Technologies: MANs support network technologies like
Ethernet, fiber optics, wireless communication, and microwave links.
6.Service Provisioning: A MAN provides services to its users like network access,
data transfer, voice communication, video conferencing, and cloud services.
7.Security Measures: MANs implement security measures to protect network
resources, data, and communications from unauthorized access, cyber threats,
and other security risks.
Ans: A wide-area network (WAN) is the technology that connects your
offices, data centers, cloud applications, and cloud storage together.
Characteristics of WANs:
Here are some characteristics of WANs:
1. Connects multiple locations: WANs connect offices, data centers, cloud
applications, and cloud storage across a specific geographic area, or even the
world.
2. Facilitates communication: WANs allow users and devices to communicate
and share data across vast distances.
3. Can be wired or wireless: WANs can be wired or wireless. Wired WANs are
usually made up of broadband internet services and multiprotocol label
switching (MPLS).
4. Typically built with redundancy: WANs are typically built with redundancy
and resilience to ensure that end users aren't affected if there's a line
outage.
5. Usually proprietary networks: WANs are usually proprietary networks for a
single organization.
6. Can be secured with firewalls, encryption, and access control: WANs can be
secured with firewalls, encryption, and access control to prevent
unauthorized access and protect sensitive data.
Hardware's / devices required to set up a computer network:
1.Network Cables
2.Distributors
3.Routers
4.Internal Network Cards
5.External Network Cards
TCP/IP in Computer Networking
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It's a set
of protocols that control how computers and other devices communicate on
the internet.
