Computer Networks Basics

What is the primary function of a computer network?

What is the main difference between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

What is a path between two computing devices on a computer network?

What is required for communication between different types of computer networks?

How many main types of computer network protocols are mentioned in the content?

What is Philip Emeagwali credited with designing?

What achievement of Philip Emeagwali had a significant impact on the world of computing and the internet?

What is a common characteristic of both LAN and WAN?

What is the primary purpose of network protocols?

Which of the following is NOT a type of computer network protocol mentioned in the content?

Computer Networks

A computer network is a group of two or more computers linked together, enabling electronic communication and access to shared components like storage devices and printers.
There are two main types of networks: Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN connects computers within a small geographic location, such as a school or home.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN connects computers across a broad geographic region, such as a telephone network.

Network Connections

Both LAN and WAN can have wired or wireless connections between workstations.
A path between two devices on a network is a sequence of directly connected devices, starting from the sender and ending at the receiver.

Computer Network Protocols

Three main types of protocols govern how computers communicate with each other:
- Token Ring Protocol
- Ethernet Protocol
- Wifi Protocol

Contributions to Computer Networks

Philip Emeagwali (Nigeria)

Designed a supercomputer and programmed a network of wires, achieving the fastest speeds in the world at the time.
Credited for his impact on the world of computing and the Internet.

Victor B. Lawrence (West Africa)

A Ghanaian engineer who improved transmission for the modern Internet, increasing availability of high-speed connections and global Internet growth.
Research Professor and Director for Intelligent Network Systems at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2016.

Learn about the fundamentals of computer networks, including types of networks and their functionalities. Test your knowledge of LAN and other network types.