Introduction to Networks and

Communications
 What is a Network?

• A network is a group of two or more devices (computers,

smartphones, servers, etc.) that are linked together to share data,
resources, and services. These devices are connected using
communication paths, which may be physical (like cables) or wireless
(like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

• Real-life example: When you send a message through Facebook or

access a website, you're using a computer network.
 Importance of Networks and Communication

Networks and communication are essential in today's world because

they:
• Allow resource sharing (e.g., printers, files, internet).
• Enable communication through emails, messaging, and video calls.
• Support business operations, cloud services, and online transactions.
• Promote collaboration and remote work.
 Types of Network

• LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area like a home, office, or
school.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a large area such as cities or even
countries (e.g., the internet).
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Spans a city or a large campus.
• PAN (Personal Area Network): Used for personal devices, like
Bluetooth connections between a phone and earbuds.
 Network Components
• Key components of a network include:
• Devices: Computers, printers, routers, switches, servers.
• Transmission Media: Wired (Ethernet cables, fiber optics) or wireless
signals (Wi-Fi, radio waves).
• Protocols: Set of rules that determine how data is sent and received
(e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP).
• Network Interface Card (NIC): Allows a device to connect to a
network.
 Communication Models
Two primary models describe how
devices communicate:
• OSI Model (Open Systems
Interconnection): A 7-layer model
(from physical transmission to
applications).
• TCP/IP Model: A simpler 4-layer
model used in the internet today.
 Data Transmission Modes

• Simplex: One-way communication (e.g., keyboard to computer).

• Half-Duplex: Two-way communication, but only one direction at a
time (e.g., walkie-talkie).
• Full-Duplex: Two-way communication simultaneously (e.g., phone
call).
 Common Communication Technologies

• Wi-Fi: Wireless internet connection.

• Ethernet: Common wired LAN technology.
• Bluetooth: Short-range wireless communication.
• 5G/4G: Mobile data communication.
 Internet and Intranet

• Internet: A global network that connects millions of private, public,

academic, business, and government networks.
• Intranet: A private network accessible only to an organization’s staff.
 Security in Networking

Network communication must be protected from unauthorized access,

attacks, or data loss. Techniques include:
• Firewalls
• Encryption
• Secure protocols (HTTPS, SSL/TLS)
• Authentication methods
 Network Components

A computer network is made up of several components that work

together to enable the sharing of information and resources between
devices. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and
secure communication.
 Network Devices
a. Router
• Function: Connects different networks together (especially LAN to the
internet).
• Role: Directs data packets to their destination using IP addresses.
• Example: The home Wi-Fi router connects your local devices to the internet.
b. Switch
• Function: Connects multiple devices within a LAN.
• Role: Uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient.
• Difference from a hub: Unlike a hub, a switch is smarter—it sends data only
where it's needed.
 Network Devices
c. Hub
• Function: Also connects multiple devices in a LAN.
• Role: Broadcasts data to all connected devices (less secure and less efficient
than a switch).
d. Modem
• Function: Converts digital data from your computer to analog signals and
vice versa.
• Role: Allows internet access via telephone or cable lines.
 Network Devices

e. Access Point (AP)

• Function: Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.
• Role: Extends Wi-Fi coverage in a network.
 Networking Media (Transmission Media)
a. Wired Media
• Twisted Pair Cable: Commonly used in LANs (e.g., Ethernet cable).
• Coaxial Cable: Used in cable internet and television systems.
• Fiber Optic Cable: High-speed data transmission using light signals; very
fast and ideal for long distances.
b. Wireless Media
• Radio Waves: Used in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Microwaves & Infrared: Used in satellite communication and remote
controls.
 End Devices

Also known as host devices, these are the devices used by end users to
communicate over the network:
• Examples: Computers, laptops, smartphones, printers, IP cameras,
smart TVs.
• These devices generate or receive data in a network.
 Network Interface Card (NIC)

• Function: A hardware component that allows a device to connect to a

network.
• Types:
• Wired NIC: For Ethernet connections.
• Wireless NIC: For Wi-Fi connections.
• Built-in: Most modern computers and devices have NICs built-in.
 Protocols
Protocols are rules or standards that define how data is transmitted
and received in a network.
• TCP/IP: The foundation of internet communication.
• HTTP/HTTPS: Used for accessing web pages.
• FTP: For transferring files.
• DNS: Translates domain names into IP addresses.
 Servers
Definition: Powerful computers that provide services to other
computers (clients) in a network.
Types of Servers:
•File Server: Stores and manages files.
•Web Server: Hosts websites.
•Mail Server: Manages email communication.
•Database Server: Manages databases.
 Firewalls

•Function: Security devices that monitor and control incoming

and outgoing network traffic.
•Types: Can be hardware-based, software-based, or both.
•Purpose: Protects the network from unauthorized access and
cyber threats.
 What is a Network Topology?

• Network topology refers to the arrangement or layout of different

elements (links, nodes, devices) in a computer network. It shows how
devices like computers, switches, and routers are physically or
logically connected to each other.
 Types of Topologies (Bus Topology)
•Structure: All devices are connected to a single central cable (the
“bus”).
•Data Flow: Data travels in both directions along the bus until it finds the
target device.
•Advantages:
•Easy and inexpensive to install.
•Requires less cable than other topologies.
•Disadvantages:
•If the main cable fails, the whole network goes down.
•Performance decreases as more devices are added.
Example: Early Ethernet networks.
 Types of Topologies (Star Topology)

•Structure: All devices are connected to a central device (usually a

switch or hub).
•Data Flow: Devices communicate through the central hub/switch.
•Advantages:
•Easy to add new devices.
•Failure of one cable doesn’t affect the whole network.
•Easier to detect faults and manage the network.
•Disadvantages:
•If the central hub fails, the entire network stops working.
•Requires more cable than bus topology.
Common in: Home and office LANs.
 Types of Topologies (Ring Topology)

•Structure: Each device is connected to exactly two other devices,

forming a circular path.
•Data Flow: Usually in one direction (unidirectional), though some use
dual rings.
•Advantages:
•Predictable data path.
•Performs well under heavy load.
•Disadvantages:
•A failure in any cable or device can disrupt the entire network.
•Troubleshooting can be difficult.
Used in: Some fiber-optic and token ring networks.
 Types of Topologies (Mesh Topology)

•Structure: Every device is connected to every other device.

•Data Flow: Multiple paths for data to travel.
•Advantages:
•Very reliable and fault-tolerant.
•Redundant paths ensure data delivery.
•Disadvantages:
•Very expensive and complex to install.
•Requires a lot of cabling and configuration.
Used in: High-performance networks and military communication
systems.
 Types of Topologies (Hybrid Topology)

•Structure: A mix of two or more different types of topologies (e.g., star +

ring).
•Advantages:
•Flexible and scalable.
•Can be designed to meet specific needs.
•Disadvantages:
•Complex design and expensive.
•Hard to manage and troubleshoot.
Used in: Enterprise networks and data centers.