Networking Fundamentals

● A computer network is a collection of computers and other

hardware components interconnected by communication
channels (cables or satellites) that allow sharing of resources
and information.

PEER-TO-PEER Vs. CLIENT-SERVER

CLIENT-SERVER PEER-TO-PEER
Networks in which certain Networks in which all
computers have special computers have an equal
dedicated tasks, providing status are called peer to peer
services to other computers (in networks.
the network) are called client
server networks.
Each computer has a In peer - peer networks there is
designated fixed role as the no specially designated server.
server that provides the Every computer can work as a
services or the clients that use client or a server and can
these services. switch roles as and when
required.
It is a dedicated server. It is a non-dedicated server.
Types of Networks Based on Geographical Terms
Networks can be classified into three types based
on geographical terms:
● Local Area Network (LAN):
○ A local area network (LAN) is one which connects
computers and devices in a limited geographical area
such as closely positioned group of buildings.
○ Usually local area networks offer very high speeds and
are used for connecting computers and peripherals such
as printers, scanners, etc.
● Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) : A Metropolitan Area
Network (MAN) is one which connects computers and
devices in a single city or a town.
● Wide Area Network:
○ A wide area network (WAN) is one which covers a broad
area (i.e., any network that links across metropolitan,
regional, or national boundaries).
○ The Internet is the most popular WAN, and is used by
businesses, governments, non-profit organizations,
individual consumers, artists, entertainers, and many
others.
Internet
● The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer
networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to
serve billions of users worldwide.
● It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private,
public, academic, business, and government networks.
● Uses of the Internet:
○ Collection of information: The Internet is widely used by
students, educational institutes; scientist and
professionals to gather information for research and
general information.
○ Access to complex databases: Businesses use the
Internet to access complex databases such as financial
databases.
○ Encyclopaedia: The Internet is the largest encyclopaedia
for all age groups.
○ Quick and easy communication across the globe: The
Internet helps in maintaining contact with friends and
relatives who live across different locations via Internet
chatting systems and email software.
○ Source of entertainment: The Internet is also becoming
a major source of entertainment for the general public.
● World Wide Web - World Wide Web is a system of interlinked
hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. With a web
browser, one can view web pages that may contain text,
images, videos, and other multimedia, and navigate between
them via hyperlinks. Information stored on web servers
referred to as web pages are retrieved by using a web browser
such as Firefox on the local computer.
● Web Browser - A Web Browser is a software used to view
Web sites and acts as an interface between the user and the
World Wide Web.
● Web Server - A Web server is a computer that stores web
sites and their related files for viewing on the Internet.
● Advantages associated with networking:
○ Data Sharing: One of the most important uses of
networking is to allow the sharing of data.
○ Files Transfer : Users can send text files, spread sheets,
documents, presentations, audio files, video files, etc. to
other users.
○ Hardware Sharing: Hardware components such as
printers, scanners, etc. can also be shared. For example,
instead of purchasing 10 printers for each user, one
printer can be purchased and shared among multiple
users thus saving cost.
○ Internet Access Sharing: You can purchase a single
Internet connection and share it among other computers
in a network instead of purchasing multiple Internet
connections for each computer. This is very commonly
found in Internet café (browsing centres), schools,
colleges, companies, etc.
○ Usage of network based applications: Such as web
browsers, email clients, chat application, audio & video
calling, etc. is another advantage.
● Getting Access To The Internet - To use the Internet, you
need an Internet connection. Internet connections are
provided by Internet Service Providers such as Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Airtel, etc.
● Internet Service Provider:
○ An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organisation
which provides you with access to the Internet via a
dial-up (using modem) or direct (hard wired) or wireless
connection.
■ MODEM: A modem is a device that converts digital
computer signals into a form (analog signals) that
can travel over phone lines. It also re-converts the
analog signals back into digital signals. The word
modem is derived from its function
MOdulator/DEModulator.
■ Dial-up: Dial-up Internet access is a form of
Internet access that uses the facilities of the public
switched telephone network (PSTN) to establish a
connection to an Internet service provider.
■ Dial-up connections: (ISP) via telephone lines
using a device called MODEM. Users dial a
particular number provided by the ISP and gain
access to the Internet. It is extremely slow and in
most cases, it is replaced by a high speed
connection such as DSL or Cable Modem.
■ DSL: Digital subscriber line(DSL) provides Internet
access by transmitting digital data over wires of a
local telephone network. DSL service is delivered
along with wired telephone service on the same
telephone line. A DSL filter removes the high
frequency interference, enabling simultaneous use
of the telephone and data transmission.
■ WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave
Access) is a wireless communications standard
designed to provide mobile broadband connectivity
across cities and countries through a variety of
devices. WiMAX is a long range system, covering
many kilometres and is typically used where DSL or
Cable Internet Access cannot be used; this could be
difficulty in laying out cables for home or offices
located in remote locations but need access to the
Internet.
■ 3G: 3G (3rd Generation) is a set of standards used
for mobile devices and mobile telecommunication
services and networks. High-Speed Downlink
Packet Access (HSDPA) is 3G mobile telephony
communications protocol that allows higher data
transfer speeds and capacity.You can subscribe to
the 3G connectivity with your ISP in order to get
high speed Internet connection on your phone.
■ WI-Fi: Wi-Fi is a popular technology that allows an
electronic device such as computers or mobile
phones to exchange data wirelessly over a network,
including high-speed Internet connections. WiFi
devices such as personal computer, smartphones,
video game console, etc. can connect to a network
resource such as Internet through a device called
the Wireless Access Point (WAP).
● Data Transfer On The Internet:
■ Each packet is sent from computer to computer
until it finds its destination. Each computer on the
way decides where next to send the packet. All
packets may not take the same route.
■ At the destination, the packets are examined. If any
packets are missing or damaged, a message is
sent asking for them to be re-sent. This continues
until all packets have been received intact.
■ The packets are now reassembled into their original
form. All this done in seconds!
○ To access Wi-Fi, you need an access point with an active
Internet connection. Usually the ISP provides options to
purchase or rent a Wi-Fi router that can act as both an
internet connectivity device and access point. for Wi-Fi
connectivity. Setting up a Wi-Fi network requires
technical expertise; however, you can access the Wi-Fi
network by connecting to an already existing access
point.
■ On computers that run Windows XP, you can view
the list of wireless networks available by using the
following procedure:
● Right-Click on the Wireless Icon in the system
tray, Click View Available Wireless Networks
● Windows XP will display a list of available
Wi-Fi networks; you can choose any of the
connections from the list. Select by
Double-clicking on it displayed in the list. A
password may be required to connect.