Computer Networks

What is a Network?

• A network is a group of devices connected together to share data and resources.
• Examples of devices that can be connected to a network include computers, printers, and televisions.
• When devices are connected, they can share data, such as sending a print job to a printer or sending an email.

Types of Network Connections

• Wired connections: devices are connected using cables, such as connecting a computer to a router.
• Wireless connections: devices are connected without using cables, such as using a wireless access point (WAP) or Wi-Fi.

Network Protocols

• A protocol is a set of rules and guidelines that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network.
• Examples of protocols include Ethernet, TCP/IP, HTTP, and SMTP.
• Devices on a network must agree on the protocol to use in order to communicate with each other.

Network Devices

• Routers: devices that connect multiple networks together and route traffic between them.
• Switches: devices that connect multiple devices within a network and route traffic between them.
• Access points: devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a network.

Types of Networks

• SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) network: a small network that connects a few devices, typically used in a home or small office.
• LAN (Local Area Network): a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a building or campus.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): a network that connects devices over a larger geographical area, such as a city or country.
• Internet: a global network of interconnected computers and servers that use the Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate with each other.

Network Size and Scope

• Networks can vary greatly in size, from a small home network to a large enterprise network that spans multiple countries.
• Networks can be connected to each other to form larger networks, such as a WAN that connects multiple LANs.

Network Topology

• A network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections within a network.
• Examples of network topologies include bus, star, and ring topologies.

Network Architecture

• A network architecture refers to the design and structure of a network, including the relationships between devices and the protocols used to communicate between them.
• Examples of network architectures include client-server and peer-to-peer architectures.

What is a Network?

• A network is a group of devices connected together to share data and resources.
• Examples of devices that can be connected to a network include computers, printers, and televisions.
• Devices on a network can share data, such as sending a print job to a printer or sending an email.

Types of Network Connections

• Wired connections use cables to connect devices, such as connecting a computer to a router.
• Wireless connections use wireless access points (WAP) or Wi-Fi to connect devices without cables.

Network Protocols

• A protocol is a set of rules and guidelines that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network.
• Examples of protocols include Ethernet, TCP/IP, HTTP, and SMTP.
• Devices on a network must agree on the protocol to use in order to communicate with each other.

Network Devices

• Routers connect multiple networks together and route traffic between them.
• Switches connect multiple devices within a network and route traffic between them.
• Access points allow wireless devices to connect to a network.

Types of Networks

• SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) networks connect a few devices, typically used in a home or small office.
• LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a building or campus.
• WAN (Wide Area Network) connects devices over a larger geographical area, such as a city or country.
• The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and servers that use the Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate with each other.

Network Size and Scope

• Networks can vary greatly in size, from a small home network to a large enterprise network that spans multiple countries.
• Networks can be connected to each other to form larger networks, such as a WAN that connects multiple LANs.

Network Topology

• A network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of devices and connections within a network.
• Examples of network topologies include bus, star, and ring topologies.

Network Architecture

• A network architecture refers to the design and structure of a network, including the relationships between devices and the protocols used to communicate between them.
• Examples of network architectures include client-server and peer-to-peer architectures.

Learn about the basics of computer networks, including types of connections and devices that can be connected.