Data Comm Lecture 1 PDF

CIC 253 Network Communications C17 (DMT /DWAD L200)  A computer network is a system of interconnected computers and devices that can communicate and share resources (e.g., files, applications, internet access) with each other. Networks enable data transmissi...

CIC 253 Network Communications C17 (DMT /DWAD L200)  A computer network is a system of interconnected computers and devices that can communicate and share resources (e.g., files, applications, internet access) with each other. Networks enable data transmission and communication between devices over wired or wireless connections.  HISTORY The evolution of computer networks has been a gradual but transformative journey, marked by key technological breakthroughs that have enabled the modern digital world. Here’s a high-level overview of how computer networks have developed over time: 1. The 1960s: The Birth of NetworkinG  ARPANET: The U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) developed the ARPANET, a project aimed at creating a resilient communication network for research institutions. ARPANET became the first packet-switching network, demonstrating that data could be broken into smaller packets and reassembled at the destination.  Packet Switching: Pioneered by researchers like Paul Baran and Donald Davies, packet switching became the foundation for modern networking, allowing multiple devices to share network resources more efficiently than circuit-switching methods used by traditional telephony. 2. The 1970s: The Rise of Networking Protocols  NCP (Network Control Protocol): The first protocol used for network communication on ARPANET, enabling basic data exchange between computers.  Ethernet: Robert Metcalfe at Xerox PARC developed Ethernet, a technology that allowed multiple devices to connect within a Local Area Network (LAN) using a shared medium. Ethernet became a standard for wired LANs.  TCP/IP Development: Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn developed the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which standardized communication across different networks. TCP/IP became the foundation of the modern internet. 3. The 1980s: Expansion of LANs and Early Internet  Adoption of TCP/IP: TCP/IP was adopted as the protocol for ARPANET in 1983, enabling communication between a growing number of networks and marking the beginning of the modern internet.  Growth of Local Area Networks (LANs): LAN technology spread to businesses and educational institutions, allowing local computer networks to share resources like files and printers. Ethernet and token ring became popular LAN technologies.  Emergence of WANs: Wide Area Networks (WANs) enabled networking across larger geographical distances. WANs connected multiple LANs, setting the stage for inter-networking on a larger scale. 4. The 1990s: The Internet Boom  World Wide Web (WWW): Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989, and it gained popularity in the 1990s. The WWW made it possible to access and navigate information via hyperlinks and graphical interfaces, greatly expanding internet usability.  Commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs): The internet became available to the general public with the emergence of ISPs, allowing individuals to access the internet from their homes.  Network Protocols and Security: The development of protocols like HTTP, FTP, and DNS, as well as security protocols like SSL, made online interactions more versatile and secure. 5. The 2000s: Broadband and Wireless Networking  Broadband Internet: Cable and DSL internet became widespread, allowing for high-speed internet access that supported streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive applications.  Wireless Networking (Wi-Fi): Wireless networking technology improved significantly, allowing users to connect devices without physical cables. Wi-Fi quickly became standard in homes, offices, and public spaces.  VoIP and Convergence: Technologies like Voice over IP (VoIP) enabled voice communication over internet networks, and network convergence brought data, voice, and video into a single network infrastructure. 6. 2010s and Beyond: The Era of Cloud Computing and 5G  Cloud Computing: Services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure allowed companies to store data and run applications remotely. Cloud computing transformed networking by enabling scalable, on-demand computing resources.  Internet of Things (IoT): IoT expanded networking to include a vast array of devices, from smart home gadgets to industrial equipment, creating a highly interconnected digital ecosystem.  5G and Edge Computing: The rollout of 5G networks has enabled faster data speeds and lower latency, supporting real-time applications like autonomous vehicles and virtual reality. Edge computing has also become prominent, bringing data processing closer to the source of data to improve speed and efficiency. 7. Future Trends: Quantum Networking and Beyond  Quantum Networking: Researchers are exploring quantum communication and networking to enable ultra-secure data transfer and faster processing capabilities.  AI and Machine Learning in Networking: Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to manage and optimize network traffic, improve cybersecurity, and automate network administration tasks. This evolution has laid the foundation for our hyper-connected world, transforming how people communicate, conduct business, and access information. Each milestone represents a shift toward more interconnected, reliable, and versatile networks.