SUBJECT – COMPUTER NETWORK DESIGN AND
ADMINISTRATION
2ND UNIT
1.Introduction to network interface card
Introduction to Network Interface Card (NIC) , in the context of
computer networks:
What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a small computer chip or card that
allows your computer to connect to a network.
What does a NIC do?
A NIC does three main things:
1. Sends data: A NIC sends data from your computer to the network.
2. Receives data: A NIC receives data from the network and sends it to
your computer.
3. Converts data: A NIC converts data into a format that can be
transmitted over the network.
Types of NICs
There are two main types of NICs:
1. Wired NIC: A wired NIC connects to a network using a physical cable.
2. Wireless NIC: A wireless NIC connects to a network using wireless
signals.
3. Ethernet NIC: An Ethernet NIC is a type of wired NIC that connects to
a network using an Ethernet cable.
Functions of a NIC
A NIC performs several important functions:
1. Data Transmission: A NIC sends data from your computer to the
network.
2. Data Reception: A NIC receives data from the network and sends it to
your computer.
3. Data Conversion: A NIC converts data into a format that can be
transmitted over the network.
4. Error Detection and Correction: A NIC detects and corrects errors
that occur during data transmission.
5. Network Interface: A NIC provides a physical interface between your
computer and the network.
Importance of NICs
NICs are essential for computer networking because they:
1. Enable communication: NICs allow computers to communicate with
each other over a network.
2. Provide connectivity: NICs provide a connection to the network,
allowing you to access resources and share data.
3. Support Network Protocols: NICs support network protocols, such as
TCP/IP, that enable communication between devices on a network.
Conclusion
In summary, a Network Interface Card (NIC) is a crucial component of
computer networking that enables communication and connectivity
between computers on a network.
2.Communication device-HUB
What is a HUB?
A HUB is a simple communication device that connects multiple
computers together in a network.
How does a HUB work?
A HUB works like a "traffic cop" for data:
1. Receives data: A HUB receives data from one computer on the
network.
2. Broadcasts data: The HUB broadcasts the data to all other computers
on the network.
3. Each computer checks: Each computer on the network checks if the
data is meant for them. If it is, they receive the data.
Key features of a HUB:
1. Simple: HUBs are simple devices that don't need much configuration.
2. Inexpensive: HUBs are relatively inexpensive compared to other
networking devices.
3. Broadcasts data: HUBs broadcast data to all computers on the
network.
Limitations of a HUB:
1. Security risks: Since HUBs broadcast data to all computers, there's a
security risk if someone wants to intercept the data.
2. Performance issues: As more computers are added to the network,
the HUB can become overwhelmed and slow down the network.
When to use a HUB:
1. Small networks: HUBs are suitable for small networks with only a few
computers.
2. Temporary networks: HUBs can be used to create temporary
networks for events or meetings.
In summary, a HUB is a simple communication device that connects
multiple computers together in a network. While it's easy to use and
inexpensive, it has some limitations, such as security risks and
performance issues.
3. HUB, Switch ,router, gateway in communication
device in computer network.
HUB:
- What is a HUB? A HUB is a simple device that connects multiple
computers together.
- How does a HUB work? A HUB receives data from one computer and
sends it to all other computers connected to it.
- Benefits of a HUB: A HUB is easy to use and inexpensive.
- Limitations of a HUB: A HUB can be slow and insecure.
Switch:
- What is a Switch? A Switch is a device that connects multiple
computers together and sends data to the correct computer.
- How does a Switch work? A Switch receives data from one computer
and sends it to the correct computer based on its address.
- Benefits of a Switch: A Switch is faster and more secure than a HUB.
- Limitations of a Switch: A Switch can be more expensive than a HUB.
Router:
- What is a Router? A Router is a device that connects multiple
networks together and sends data between them.
- How does a Router work? A Router receives data from one network
and sends it to the correct network or computer based on its address.
- Benefits of a Router: A Router helps connect multiple networks
together.
- Limitations of a Router: A Router can be more complex to use than a
Switch or HUB.
Gateway:
- What is a Gateway? A Gateway is a device that connects a network to
the internet or another network.
- How does a Gateway work? A Gateway receives data from a network
and sends it to the internet or another network based on its address.
- Benefits of a Gateway: A Gateway provides a connection to the
internet or another network.
- Limitations of a Gateway: A Gateway can be more complex to use
than a Router or Switch.
Key differences:
- HUB: Connects multiple computers, but sends data to all computers.
- Switch: Connects multiple computers, but sends data to the correct
computer.
- Router: Connects multiple networks together.
- Gateway: Connects a network to the internet or another network.
In summary, a HUB connects computers, a Switch connects computers
efficiently, a Router connects networks, and a Gateway connects a
network to the internet or another network.
4. Configuration devices with microsoft
windows and linux
explanation of configuration devices with Microsoft Windows and
Linux in computer networking.
Configuring Devices with Microsoft Windows:
1. Network Adapter: Install and configure a network adapter (e.g.,
Ethernet or Wi-Fi) to connect to a network.
2. IP Address: Set a static IP address or use DHCP to obtain an IP
address automatically.
3. Subnet Mask: Set the subnet mask to define the network segment.
4. Default Gateway: Set the default gateway to route traffic to other
networks.
5. DNS Server: Set the DNS server to resolve domain names to IP
addresses.
Configuring Devices with Linux:
1. Network Interface: Configure the network interface (e.g., eth0 or
wlan0) to connect to a network.
2. IP Address: Set a static IP address or use DHCP to obtain an IP
address automatically.
3. Subnet Mask: Set the subnet mask to define the network segment.
4. Default Gateway: Set the default gateway to route traffic to other
networks.
5. DNS Server: Set the DNS server to resolve domain names to IP
addresses.
Common Configuration Tools:
1. Network Manager: A graphical tool for configuring network settings
in Linux.
2. ifconfig: A command-line tool for configuring network interfaces in
Linux.
3. ipconfig: A command-line tool for configuring network settings in
Windows.
Key Differences:
1. Graphical Interface: Windows has a graphical interface for
configuring network settings, while Linux uses a command-line
interface or a graphical tool like Network Manager.
2. Configuration Files: Linux uses configuration files (e.g.,
/etc/network/interfaces) to store network settings, while Windows
stores network settings in the registry.
In summary, configuring devices with Microsoft Windows and Linux
involves setting IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS
servers. While the configuration process is similar, the tools and
interfaces used differ between the two operating systems.
