Lec2: Computer Network

Computer Network

A collection of devices that are connected and can communicate with each other.

Example of devices that can communicate with each other

• Computers

• Smartphones

• Tablets

• IoT devices

Computer networking

Connected computing devices (such as laptops, desktops, servers, smartphones, and tablets) and an ever-expanding array of IoT devices (such as cameras, door locks, doorbells, refrigerators, audio/visual systems, thermostats, and various sensors) that communicate with one another.

Networking

The process of connecting two or more computing devices, such as desktop computers, mobile devices, routers or applications, to enable the transmission and exchange of information and resources

Types of Network

• LAN

• MAN

• WAN

Local Area Network (LAN)

A collection of devices connected together in one physical location, such as a building, office, or home.

LAN

Can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school

Characteristic of LAN

Connects devices that are in a single, limited area despite its size.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Allows a larger area, such as a city, to be connected to the WAN.

MAN

A municipality's or region's public-use networking infrastructure

Characteristic of MAN

A network that encompasses a city or a city range. The size typically spans from 5 to 50 kilometers.

Wide-Area Network (WAN)

A collection of local-area networks (LANs) or other networks that communicate with one another.

Internet

The network of networks of the entire world. (Largest WAN)

Why we need computer network

• Resource Sharing

• Collaboration

• Communications

• Centralized Management

• Information

Security

Protection from harm or the state of feeling safe. It can also refer to a person or organization that provides protection.

Network Security

Protects a network's infrastructure from unauthorized access, theft, and misuse. It includes hardware and software technologies that help to prevent threats from entering or spreading on a network.