INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING AND INTERNET

The terms "networking" and "internet" refer to two forms of linking computers to each other

to share data and other information.

Computer networking refers to the process of maintaining groups of interconnected

computing devices that are either physically located close to each other or are linked to each

other in different locations, exchanging data and sharing resources with each other. These

networked devices use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit

information over physical or wireless technologies.

The Internet on the other hand, is a global network of interconnected computers, servers,

phones, and smart appliances all over the world that communicate with each other using the

transmission control protocol (TCP) standard to enable a fast exchange of information and

files. The Internet is technically a network as well, but on a much larger scale: various

networks are connected in a way that allows users to access the hosted servers of a website

for various uses. Accessing the internet is a computer or other device talking to a series of

networks to retrieve information requested by the user.

KEY FEATURES OF THE INTERNET

i. Globally available: The internet is an international service with universal access.

People living in isolated areas of an archipelago or even in the depths of Africa can

now access the internet.

ii. Easy to use: The software used to connect to the internet (web browser) is user-

friendly and easy to understand. It’s also relatively easy to create.

iii. Compatible with other types of media: The internet provides a high level of

engagement with photos and videos, among other media.

iv. Affordable: Internet service development, as well as maintenance costs, is modest.

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 v. Flexible: Internet-based communication is highly adaptable. It supports text, audio,

and video communication. These services are available at both individual and

organizational levels.

COMPONENTS OF A NETWORK

Computer networks facilitate communication and data transfer between devices in today's

interconnected world. From local area networks (LANs) in homes and offices to wide area

networks (WANs) spanning continents. Networks comprise several essential components

working together seamlessly. The main components of a computer network and their

functions can be categorized into hardware and software.

HARDWARE (PHYSICAL) COMPONENTS

Hardware components form the physical infrastructure of a computer network, enabling the

transmission and reception of data. They include:

Source: Aakriti. June 17, 2024

i. Servers: are powerful computers that centralize network resources and provide

services to clients, such as file storage, email, web hosting, and database management.

ii. Clients: are devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones

that access network resources and utilize services provided by servers.

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iii. Network interface cards (NICs): NICs, also known as network adapters, enable

devices to connect to a network by providing a physical interface for data

transmission.

iv. Switches: are network devices that receive and forward data packets to the intended

destination based on MAC addresses, ensuring efficient data transmission and

preventing collisions.

v. Routers connect multiple networks and enable data exchange using IP addresses,

allowing devices to communicate beyond their immediate network.

vi. Modems are devices that convert digital signals from computers into analog signals

suitable for transmission over phone lines or cable lines, and vice versa, facilitating

connections between a computer network and the internet

vii. Cables and connectors: Physical cables, such as Ethernet cables, fiber optic cables,

and coaxial cables, are used to transmit data between network devices. Connectors,

such as RJ-45 connectors for Ethernet cables, ensure secure and reliable connections

SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

Software components provide the necessary functionality to manage and control network

operations. Here are the main software components:

Source: Aakriti. June 17, 2024

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 i. Network operating systems (NOS): manage and control network resources and

services, enabling users to access shared resources, administer security protocols, and

manage user accounts.

ii. Network protocols: define the rules and standards for communication between devices

within a network, ensuring consistent and reliable data transmission. Examples

include TCP, DNS and DHCP.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

1. BASED ON TRANSMISSION MODE

Transmission mode defines the direction of signal flow between two linked devices. There

are three types of transmission modes:

i. Simplex: In simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional. Among the stations

only one can transmit and the other can only receive.

ii. Half-Duplex: In half-Duplex mode, the communication is bidirectional. In this both

station can sent and receive but not at the same time.

iii. Full-Duplex: In Full-Duplex mode, both stations can transmit and receive

simultaneously.

2. BASED ON TIME IN TRANSMISSION TYPE

i. Synchronous Transmission: In synchronous Transmission both the sender and the

receiver use the same time cycle for the transmission. We send bits one after another

without start/stop bits or gaps. It is the responsibility of the receiver to group the bits.

Bit stream is delivered with a fixed delay and given error rate. Each bit reaches the

destination with the same time delay after leaving the source.

ii. Asynchronous Transmission: In Asynchronous Transmission we send one start bit

at the beginning and one stop bit at the end of each byte. There may be a gap between

each byte. Bit stream is divided into packets. Packets are received with varying

delays, so packets can arrive out of order. Some packets are not received correctly.

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 3. BASED ON AUTHENTICATION

i. Peer to Peer Connection: In peer-to-peer networks, there are no dedicated servers.

All the computers are equal and, therefore, are termed as peers. Normally, each

computer functions as both a client and a server. No one can control the other

computers.

ii. Server Based Connection: Most networks have a dedicated server. A dedicated

server is a computer on a network which functions as a server, and cannot be used as a

client or a workstation. A dedicated server is optimized to service requests from

network clients. A server can control the clients for its services.

4. BASED ON GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Two basic network types are local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks

(WANs).

i. Local Area Networks (LAN): LAN is a small high speed network. LANs

connect computers and peripheral devices in a limited physical area, such as a

business office, laboratory, or college campus, by means of links (wires, Ethernet

cables, fiber optics, or Wi-Fi) that transmit data rapidly. Home WiFi networks and

small business networks are common examples of LANs. LANs can also be fairly

large, although if they take up multiple buildings or spread over a city, it is usually

more accurate to classify them as Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN). LAN

includes the following in its category: PAN, WLAN, CAN, MAN,etc.

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 Source: Erik Mikac. December 7, 2023

ii. Wide Area Network (WAN): WAN is a collection of network (or LAN). This

network speed is slightly less than the LAN network speed. WAN network

connect systems indirectly. WAN spread over the world; may be spread over more

than one city, country or continent. Systems in this network are connected

indirectly. The WAN network are owned or operated by network providers.

Technically, any large network that spreads out over a wide geographic area is a

WAN. The internet itself is considered a WAN. WAN includes the following in

its category: SAN, EPN, VPN, etc.

Source: Erik Mikac. December 7, 2023

BRIDGING

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A bridge is a network device (LAN Switch) that connects two or more LANs (local area

networks) to form a larger LAN. Network bridging refers to the process of aggregating

networks. A bridge connects the various components, making them appear to be part of a

single network.

POINT TO POINT LINK

A point-to-point link is a type of network topology that connects two LANs or end nodes

through a dedicated and secure leased line. Old school broadband networks using dial-up

technology are a good example of point-to-point WAN. It can be used to connect remote

sites, data centers, and branch offices. Point-to-point WANs are commonly used in

businesses and organizations for transmitting data between multiple buildings and locations.

Source: Junaid Rehman. Oct. 2017

NETWOK TOPOLOGY

Topology refers to physical layout including computers, cables, and other resources; it

determines how components communicate with each other in a networking scenario. There

are several types of network topologies, however, today’s network designs are based on three

topologies:

i. Bus Topology: consists of series of computers connected along a single cable

segment

ii. StarSource:
connectshttps://www.shutterstock.com/search/bus-topology-diagram
computers via central connection point or hub.

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 Source: Dr. Roy Winkelman, 2013

iii. Ring connects computers to form a loop All computers, regardless of topology,

communicate by addressing data to one or more computers and transmitting it across

cable as electronic signals. Data is broken into packets and sent as electronic signals

that travel on the cable. Only the computer to which the data is addressed accepts it.

Source: Md. Humayun. August, 2022

NETWORK ROUTING

Routing is the process of determining paths through a network for sending data packets.

Routing ensures that data moves effectively from source to destination, making the best use

of network resources and ensuring consistent communication. Routing is classified into Static

Routing, Default Routing, and Dynamic Routing. So basically, routing is the process of hosts

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and routers forwarding IP packets while relying on the underlying LANs and WANs to

forward the bits.

Source: Aditya J. June 1, 2021

i. Static Routing

Another name for Static Routing is Nonadaptive Routing. Static routing is the process

of manually joining routes to the routing table.

Let's suppose our computer wants to connect with another computer, and there are ten

different networks between them. When we want to connect both the computers, we

have to give the information manually about the networks through which we want to

connect to the router, then only the exchange of data can be possible. This process is

said to be Static Routing.

ii. Dynamic Routing

Another name of Dynamic Routing is Adaptive Routing. Dynamic routing

automatically adjusts routes based on the current state of the route in the routing table.

Protocols are used in dynamic routing to discover network destinations and the routes

that will take them there. The best examples of dynamic routing protocols

are RIP and OSPF. If one of the network routes fails, it will make automatic

adjustments to reach the network's destination.

iii. Default Routing

It is the method in which the router is set up to send all packets to a single router (next

hop). It makes no difference to which network the packet belongs to; it is forwarded

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 to the router that is set to default routing. It is typically used in conjunction with stub

routers. A stub router only has one route to all other networks.

It is set up for unknown locations or end locations. It is the least preferred Routing. It

helps in minimizing the size of your routing table.

NETWORK ADDRESSING

Network addressing is a fundamental system that assigns unique identifiers to each device on

a network. These identifiers, known as IP addresses, are crucial in facilitating communication

between devices. Each device on the network uses a unique IP address to send and receive

data accurately and efficiently. Addressing is basically Addresses used to identify a packet's

source and destination host computer. Types of network addressing include:

i. Physical Address or MAC (media access control) address: is a unique identifier

assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) in a device for communication on a

network segment. MAC addresses are assigned by device manufacturers and serve as

a layer 2 (data link layer) identifier in the OSI networking model. The data link layer

implements the physical addressing

ii. Logical addressing: Logical addressing is send to distinguish between source and

destination system. The network layer implements the logical addressing.

iii. Port Addressing: In networking, a port address is a numerical value that identifies a

specific endpoint or service on a host device in a network. It uses the port numbers

assigned to every process to exchange data between them.

iv. Application-specific address: designed by users for some applications. For example,

www.facebook.com. It is the example of Universal Resource Locator (URL). It is

used is used to find a document on the World Wide Web, forouzan@fhda.edu defines.

the recipient of an e-mail.

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 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORKING

Advantages include: Performance enhancement, resource sharing, increasing storage capacity

and improved communication. Disadvantages of Computer Networks include: potential risks

like security concerns, Server dependence, high setup costs, maintenance needs, and limited

resource capacities.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (ISPs)

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are companies that provide Internet access to consumers

and businesses. The Internet is provided through a variety of channels, including cable,

DSL, fiber optics, dial-up, and wireless, with most ISPs offering all options. Most large

telecommunication companies, such as mobile and cable companies are ISPs. Some of the

services of ISPs include: Email services, Web hosting services, Domain registration,

Browser and software packages, etc.

CLASSIFICATION OF ISPs

1. Access Providers ISP: Provides Internet access, employing a range of technologies

to connect users to their network. Available technologies have ranged from computer

modems with acoustic couplers to telephone lines, to television cable (CATV),

wireless Ethernet (wi-fi), and fiber optics. For users and small businesses, traditional

options include copper wires to provide dial-up, DSL (typically asymmetric digital

subscriber line (ADSL), cable modem or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

(typically basic rate interface).

2. Mailbox Providers: A mailbox provider is an organization that provides services for

hosting electronic mail domains with access to storage for mail boxes. It provides

email servers to send, receive, accept, and store email for end users or other

organizations. Many mailbox providers are also access providers, while others are not

(e.g., Yahoo! Mail, Outlook.com, Gmail, AOL Mail, Po box). The definition given in

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 RFC 6650 covers email hosting services, as well as the relevant department of

companies, universities, organizations, groups, and individuals that manage their mail

servers themselves. The task is typically accomplished by implementing Simple Mail

Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and possibly providing access to messages through Internet

Message Access Protocol (IMAP), the Post Office Protocol, Webmail, or a

proprietary protocol.

3. Hosting ISPs: Provides email, web-hosting, or online storage services. Other services

include virtual server, cloud services, or physical server operation.

4. Transit ISP: These are ISPs that pay upstream ISPs in other to provide internet

access to their customers who pay them for Internet access, An upstream ISP usually

has a larger network than the contracting ISP or is able to provide the contracting ISP

with access to parts of the Internet the contracting ISP by itself has no access to.

5. Virtual ISPs: A Virtual ISP (VISP) is an operation that purchases services from

another ISP, sometimes called a wholesale ISP in this context, which allow the VISP's

customers to access the Internet using services and infrastructure owned and operated

by the wholesale ISP. VISPs resemble mobile virtual network operators and

competitive local exchange carriers for voice communications.

6. Free ISPs: Free ISPs are Internet service providers that provide service free of

charge. Many free ISPs display advertisements while the user is connected; like

commercial television, in a sense they are selling the user's attention to the advertiser.

Other free ISPs, sometimes called freenets, are run on a nonprofit basis, usually with

volunteer staff.

7. Wireless ISP: A Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) is an Internet service

provider with a network based on wireless networking. Technology may include Wi-

Fi wireless mesh networking, or proprietary equipment designed to operate over open

900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 4.9, 5.2, 5.4, 5.7, and 5.8 GHz bands or licensed frequencies such

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 as 2.5 GHz (EBS/BRS), 3.65 GHz (NN) and in the UHF band (including the MMDS

frequency band) and LMDS.

TOP INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (ISPs) IN NIGERIA

1. Spectranet Ltd

Spectranet is one of the Licensed ISPs by the Nigerian Communications Commission. It

received the operating license in 2009 to promote Internet services across Nigeria. Spectranet

was the first Internet Service Provider to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria and aims

to be a leader in the Internet Services space.

2. Tizeti Network Ltd

Tizeti is a fixed wireless broadband Internet service provider (ISP or WISP) operated by

Tizeti Inc, using Wireless to provide unlimited internet to residential and small business

customers in Africa. Tizeti currently operates within Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Port Harcourt, Benin,

Oyo, and Accra. Tizeti operates on the 5.4GHz Wi-Fi and 3.5GHz 4G LTE bands, connecting

its Solar Powered Towers to customer premise equipment on customer buildings.

3. ipNX Nigeria Ltd

ipNX is one of Nigeria’s fastest growing Information and Communications Technology

companies, serving a multitude of needs across enterprises, small businesses and residents

with innovative, world-class services. ipNX is a pioneer and a leading Fibre-To-The-Home

(FTTH) operator in Nigeria, and currently provides a number of solutions to various

industries and market segments using industry-leading technology (such as its very own

Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) cable technology) as the core access network infrastructure and

fixed wireless radio services (via licensed frequency).

4. Astramix Ltd

With its office located at Zinna Court, 21 Mamman Nasir Street, Asokoro, FCT, Abuja

– Astramix Limited is working to become the major Internet Broadband and Data provider in

Nigeria. The company deploys first class communication technology for reliable,

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uninterruptible and efficient top-of-the range data solutions in the market. With Grade ‘A’

brands as its exclusive sources of airtime, hardware and technology, Astramix is expanding

its markets and operational bases to provide uninterrupted connectivity specifically to

Nigeria’s Business and Private sectors.

5. VDT Comms Ltd

VDT is one of the most awarded Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. As a licensed Private

Network service provider, VDT specializes in the provision of Enterprise Wide Area

Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) link connectivity using Fiber Optic

and Wireless Communication infrastructure and access networks. VDT offers Broadband

communication service to corporate organizations with leased Fiber Optic trunks to the thirty-

six (36) states in Nigeria and the FCT, and counting with localised technical support staffers.

Suburban Broadband Ltd

6. Cyberspace Network Ltd

For more than 25 years Cyberspace Network has evolved from being just a startup providing

Network solutions, to providing connectivity and later growing further to developing

software solutions in the quest to solving as many problems as the team possibly can.

Through investing in people and technology in delivering exceptional customer service, its

mission had always been to distinguish itself as a complete solutions provider in the industry,

providing top-notch services to the customers and partners worldwide.

7. Cobranet Ltd

Cobranet currently offers corporate internet plans for organizations and medium sized

businesses over a state- of- the -art -radio network in Lagos, Abuja and Major Cities as well

as residential plans on a network topology which is rugged, dynamic and fully redundant with

negligible downtimes.

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 8. Radical Tech Network Ltd

Radical Technology Network Ltd was incorporated in Lagos, Nigeria on 08 Jan 2016 and

licensed by the by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as an ICT company to

offer Internet Service Providing.

9. Dotmac Technologies Ltd

Dotmac Technologies Ltd is among the top Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. Operating

in Abuja, Dotmac Technologies delivers broadband internet via Fiber to the Home

Technology. Established in 2008, is an experienced ICT company with a wide range of

services that are designed to improve and optimize the services of the clients.

10. Ngcom Ltd

Ngcom is a network company authorized by NCC to provide internet services across Nigeria.

Ngcom Network Solutions is one of Nigeria‘s leading Internet service providers offering

Unlimited Internet service to residential and business users. Its core business is to link you to

what matters most to you, by offering limitless Internet access with absolutely no data or time

caps through fiber optic and fixed wireless.

11. MainOne, an Equinix Company

MainOne is one of the top Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. MainOne, an Equinix

Company, is a leading West African data center and connectivity solutions provider with

presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. MainOne provides highly reliable services to

major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, small to large enterprises, and

educational institutions. MDXi, a subsidiary of MainOne, builds and operates data centers

across West Africa.

12. Galaxy Backbone Limited

Galaxy Backbone Limited is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Services provider, wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Galaxy Backbone

continues to operate, improve and upgrade its common services platform to meet

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international standards. GBB’s initial major directive when it commenced operations in 2006

was to help reduce and completely eradicate the silos that had been in existence in

government as a result of the diverse and expensive manner in which technology operations

were delivered across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The company was also

charged with the responsibility of building a common services platform consisting of in-

country and offshore VSAT hubs, a data center, a Federal Capital metro fiber backbone and

multiple redundant internet gateways.

13. Hyperia Ltd

Hyperia is a licensed Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. Hyperia as a member of CIS

group of companies partners with YahClick (powered by Hughes) notable as one of the oldest

names in the African Internet space, having achieved its license in Nigeria since 1997. Range

of services marketed include; Fiber optic and Vsat connectivity, Internet services consulting,

E-mail services, VOIP and PABX services, Web development and hosting, LAN and WAN

network Designs, Planning and Installation, Intranet and Virtual Private Network (VPN)

implementation, Mini Hub supply, ISP design and setup, Microwave – Wifi – WiMax and

VSAT Internet connections, and ERP and Security solutions.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ISPs IN NIGERIA

Source: www.ncc.go.ng. 2024

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3.5 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN ISP

Some of the key factors to consider when choosing an ISP include the following:

1. Reliability

2. Speed of Bandwidth (at least 25Mbps)

3. Availability

4. Security

5. Scalability

6. Pricing, etc.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS

(ISPs)

They offer advantages such as accessibility and a variety of services, but also present

disadvantages like costs and privacy concerns. Overall, ISPs play a significant role in our

modern lives as gateways to communication and information.

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 CONCLUSION

It is evident that computer networking plays a critical role in the success of businesses. It

enhances communication, increases efficiency, enables remote work, and enhances security.

The Internet is the most unlimited source of information for everyone who can access it. Be it

communicating with people sitting at another corner of the world or addressing thousands of

people together, the internet has made it possible for all of us within seconds. ISPs enable us

connect to the internet via a modem in homes or businesses. Without an ISP, we would not be

able to access the wealth of information available online. ISPs provide us with fast and

reliable network/internet connections

REFRENCES

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1. Md. Humayun Kabir. Data Communication and Computer Networking Lab
Manual. International Islamic University Chittagong. Report number: Lab
Manual 01

2. Geiger S. and Martin S. (1999).The Internet as a Relationship Marketing Tool-

Some Evudence from Irish Companies, Irish Marketing Review Volume 12
Number 2.

3. Dr. Roy Winkelman, Director. Florida Center for Instructional Technology

College of Education, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave.,
EDU162 Tampa, Florida 33620. Chapter 5: Topology.

4. Alexandra Twin, Caitlin Clarke. Internet Service Provider (ISP): What They Do
and Examples: Update June 19, 2024.

5. Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, 3rd Edition, Tata

McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, 2021

6. Yen A.C. (2000). Internet Service Provider Liability for Subscriber Copy right
Infringement, Enterprise Liability, and the First Amendment, The Georgetown
Law Journal, Vol 8.

7. Van Eeten, M., Bauer, J., Asghari, H., Tabatabaie, S., Rand, D. (2010). The Role
of Internet Service Providers in Botnet Mitigation: An Empirical Analysis Based
on Spam Data.

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