Computer Networking (Part - 1)

Computer Network

Computer networking is the practice of connecting computers and devices together to share data, resources, and other capabilities. It allows devices to communicate with each other and access resources that are stored on other devices or servers. There are many different technologies, protocols, and techniques that are used in computer networking, and the field is constantly evolving as new technologies are developed and new applications are created.

Some common applications of computer networking include:

  1. File sharing: allowing multiple users to access and edit the same files from different devices

  2. Printing: allowing multiple devices to print to the same printer

  3. Internet access: connecting devices to the internet so that they can access online resources

  4. Video conferencing: allowing people to hold meetings and collaborate remotely

  5. Online gaming: allowing players to compete against each other over the internet

  6. Cloud computing: allowing users to access and use shared computing resources over the internet

Types of Network

There are many different types of computer networks, ranging from small local area networks (LANs) that connect devices in a single location, to wide area networks (WANs) that connect devices across large distances. The internet is the largest computer network in the world, connecting billions of devices around the globe.

There are several different types of computer networks, each designed to meet different needs and serving different purposes. 

Some common types of networks include:

  1. Local area networks (LANs): A LAN is a small network that connects devices in a single location, such as a home or office. LANs are usually limited to a few kilometers in size and are used to connect devices that are used by a small group of people, such as computers in an office or devices in a home.

  2. Wide area networks (WANs): A WAN is a larger network that connects devices over a larger geographical area, such as a city or country. WANs can be created using leased lines, satellite links, or public internet connections.

  3. Metropolitan area networks (MANs): A MAN is a network that covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a campus or a city. MANs are often used to connect multiple LANs together, allowing them to share resources and communicate with each other.

  4. Personal area networks (PANs): A PAN is a small network that connects devices that are close to a person, such as a smartphone and a laptop. PANs are typically used to transfer data between personal devices and are usually limited to a range of a few meters.

  5. Campus area networks (CANs): A CAN is a network that connects devices within a specific campus, such as a university or corporate campus. CANs are usually larger than LANs but smaller than WANs, and they are often used to connect buildings and other facilities on a campus.

  6. Storage area networks (SANs): A SAN is a network that is dedicated to storing and managing data. It is usually used in enterprise environments to provide fast and reliable access to data storage resources.

  7. Virtual private networks (VPNs): A VPN is a network that uses public networks, such as the internet, to provide secure and private connections between devices. VPNs are often used to allow remote users to access a private network as if they were directly connected to it.

Concept of E-mail / Internet / Extranet / Intranet, World Wide Web (WWW)

E-mail is a means of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more recipients. E-mail messages are sent and received via a network of servers called mail servers. To send and receive e-mails, users need to have an e-mail address and access to an e-mail client or service, such as Microsoft Outlook or Gmail. E-mail is one of the oldest and most widely used applications on the internet, and it allows people to communicate with each other quickly and easily.

The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and servers that allows devices to communicate with each other and access shared resources. It is made up of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks that are linked together by a common set of protocols called the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP). The internet allows people to share information and communicate with each other across the globe in real-time. It is used for a wide variety of purposes, including browsing the web, sending e-mails, participating in online forums, streaming video and music, and much more.

An extranet is a private network that uses the internet and other public networks to securely connect users and devices that are outside of an organization's internal network. Extranets are often used by businesses to share information and resources with partners, suppliers, and customers. They can be used to share documents, collaborate on projects, and exchange data and other information in a secure manner.

An intranet is a private network that is used within an organization. It allows employees to access internal resources, such as company documents, databases, and applications, from any device that is connected to the network. Intranets are often used to improve communication and collaboration within an organization. They can be used to share news and information, post documents and resources, and communicate with other employees in real-time.

The World Wide Web (WWW or Web) is a collection of publicly accessible, interlinked documents and other resources that are accessed via the internet. The Web is a vast network of interconnected documents and other resources, linked by hyperlinks and URLs. It allows users to easily access and share information and resources with each other. The Web is a key part of the internet, and it is used by billions of people around the world every day. It is accessed through web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, and it is home to billions of websites, which can be accessed by entering a URL into a web browser.

Familiarity with internet browsers (e.g., Internet explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Google Chrome etc.)

Internet browsers are software applications that are used to access and view the World Wide Web. They allow users to enter a URL (uniform resource locator) into a text field, and the browser retrieves and displays the corresponding web page. Internet browsers are an essential part of the modern internet experience, and there are many different options to choose from.

Some of the most popular internet browsers include:

  1. Internet Explorer: Internet Explorer is a web browser that was developed by Microsoft and is included with the Windows operating system. It was once the most widely used browser in the world, but it has lost market share in recent years to other browsers.

  2. Firefox: Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It is known for its speed, security, and support for a wide range of web standards and technologies.

  3. Opera: Opera is a free and cross-platform web browser developed by Opera Software. It is known for its speed, security, and support for a wide range of web standards and technologies.

  4. Safari: Safari is a web browser that is developed by Apple and is included with the MacOS and iOS operating systems. It is known for its speed, security, and support for modern web standards.

  5. Google Chrome: Google Chrome is a free and cross-platform web browser developed by Google. It is known for its speed, security, and support for modern web standards. It is the most widely used browser in the world.

All of these browsers allow users to access the World Wide Web and view web pages, and they all have their own unique features and capabilities. Some browsers are better suited for certain tasks or environments, and users may choose to use more than one browser depending on their needs.

Introduction to IP address, subnet mask and default gateway

An IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two main functions: it identifies the host or network interface, and it provides the location of the host in the network.

A subnet mask is a mask that is used to divide an IP address into two parts: the network portion and the host portion. The subnet mask specifies which portion of the IP address represents the network and which portion represents the host.

A default gateway is a device that routes traffic from a local network to the internet. When a device on a local network wants to communicate with a device on a different network, it sends the traffic to the default gateway, which then forwards the traffic to its destination. The default gateway is typically a router or a network switch.

IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways are important concepts in networking, and they are used to ensure that data is transmitted correctly and efficiently within a network. Understanding how these concepts work can be helpful in configuring and troubleshooting networks.

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