Class 12 Computer Science - Computer Networks
1. Introduction to Computer Networks
A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected to share data and
resources. Examples include the Internet, LAN, and WAN.
2. Types of Networks
- **LAN (Local Area Network):** Small area network (e.g., home, office).
- **MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):** Covers a city (e.g., cable TV network).
- **WAN (Wide Area Network):** Large area (e.g., the Internet).
- **PAN (Personal Area Network):** Small devices (e.g., Bluetooth, Hotspot).
- **VPN (Virtual Private Network):** Secure private network over the Internet.
3. Network Topologies
- **Bus:** Single cable, simple but failure-sensitive.
- **Star:** Central hub, reliable but costly.
- **Ring:** Circular path, efficient but one failure affects all.
- **Mesh:** Every device connects to all, reliable but expensive.
- **Tree:** Combination of bus & star, scalable.
- **Hybrid:** Mix of different topologies, flexible but complex.
4. Networking Devices
- **Hub:** Broadcasts data to all devices.
- **Switch:** Sends data only to the intended device.
- **Router:** Connects different networks and directs traffic.
- **Modem:** Converts digital data to analog and vice versa.
- **Gateway:** Connects networks with different protocols.
- **Repeater:** Amplifies weak signals in a network.
- **Bridge:** Connects two LANs.
5. Transmission Media
- **Wired:** Twisted Pair (Ethernet), Coaxial, Fiber Optic (Fastest).
- **Wireless:** Radio Waves (Wi-Fi), Microwaves (Satellite), Infrared (Remote control).
6. IP Addressing
- IPv4 (32-bit, e.g., 192.168.1.1) vs. IPv6 (128-bit, e.g., 2001:db8::1).
- Private vs. Public IP.
- Static (fixed) vs. Dynamic (changes each session).
7. MAC Address vs. IP Address
- **MAC Address:** Unique identifier of a network device.
- **IP Address:** Identifies device location in a network.
8. Network Protocols
- **HTTP/HTTPS:** Web browsing.
- **FTP:** File transfer.
- **SMTP/POP3/IMAP:** Email communication.
- **TCP/IP:** Internet communication.
- **UDP:** Fast but unreliable data transfer.
- **ICMP:** Used for error reporting (e.g., ping command).
9. OSI & TCP/IP Model
- **OSI Model:** 7 Layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation,
Application).
- **TCP/IP Model:** 4 Layers (Network, Internet, Transport, Application).
10. Cyber Security
- **Firewall:** Protects networks from cyber threats.
- **Malware:** Virus, trojan, ransomware, etc.
- **Phishing:** Fake emails/websites to steal information.
- **Encryption:** Secures data (e.g., AES, RSA).
- **Digital Signature:** Ensures data authenticity.
Important Questions & Answers
Q1: What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a system of interconnected devices that communicate to share resources
and data. Example: The Internet.
Q2: Define LAN, MAN, and WAN with examples.
- **LAN:** Small area (e.g., Wi-Fi at home).
- **MAN:** Covers a city (e.g., city-wide Wi-Fi, cable TV network).
- **WAN:** Large geographical area (e.g., the Internet).
Q3: Explain the OSI Model and its layers.
OSI Model has 7 layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation,
Application.
Q4: What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
- **TCP:** Reliable, connection-oriented.
- **UDP:** Fast but unreliable, connectionless.
Q5: What is a firewall? How does it work?
A firewall is a security system that controls network traffic. It blocks unauthorized access while
allowing legitimate communication.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) with Answers
Q1: What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
- **IPv4:** 32-bit addressing, supports ~4 billion devices.
- **IPv6:** 128-bit addressing, supports trillions of devices.
Q2: What are different types of network topologies?
- Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, Hybrid.
Q3: What is cloud computing? What are its advantages?
Cloud computing allows remote access to computing resources. Advantages: Cost-effective,
scalable, accessible from anywhere.
Q4: Explain the working of a firewall.
A firewall filters incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access.
