Computer Networks

Define a network and its purpose.

A network is a connected system of objects or individuals that enables communication and resource sharing among them. Its purpose is to facilitate data communication and collaboration among users.

Describe some uses for networks.

Networks are used for telecommunication (voice/video calls), multimedia networking (streaming services), GPS and tracking systems, and telemedicine services.

Understand the various characteristics of a network, such as topology, architectures, and size.

Characteristics of a network include topology (e.g., star, bus, mesh), architecture (client-server or peer-to-peer), and size (PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN).

Understand characteristics about data and how it travels over a network.

Data can travel in simplex (one-way), half-duplex (two-way, not simultaneous), and full-duplex (two-way simultaneously) modes. Timing can be synchronous, asynchronous, or isochronous.

Name specific types of wired and wireless networking media and explain how they transmit data.

Wired media include twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optics, which use physical connections to transmit data. Wireless media include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks, which use radio waves for communication.

Identify the most common communications protocols and networking standards used with networks today.

Common protocols include TCP/IP for data transmission, Ethernet (802.3) for wired connections, and Wi-Fi (802.11) for wireless connections.

List several types of networking hardware and explain the purpose of each.

Networking hardware includes: Network Adapters (connect devices), Modems (convert signals for Internet), Switches (manage traffic in a LAN), Routers (direct traffic between networks), Repeaters (amplify signals), Hubs (connect Ethernet devices), and Bridges (link separate LANs).

Simplex Transmission

Data travels in one direction only.

Half-Duplex Transmission

Data travels in either direction, but only one way at a time.

Full-Duplex Transmission

Data can travel in both directions simultaneously.

Network Architecture

The structural design of a network covering physical and logical layouts.

Client-Server Architecture

A model where a centralized server provides resources to multiple clients.

Peer-to-Peer Architecture

A model where each device acts as both a client and a server.

Star Topology

A network topology with a central hub connecting all devices.

Bus Topology

A network topology consisting of a central cable to which all devices are attached.

Mesh Topology

A network topology with multiple connections between devices for redundancy.

Circuit-Switched Connection

A dedicated path established for the entire communication session.

Packet-Switched Connection

Data is sent in packets that travel independently through the network.

Broadcast Connection

Data is sent to all nodes on the network simultaneously.

Telecommunication

Enables voice and video calls, connecting people globally.

Multimedia Networking

Supports streaming services and media-sharing platforms.

GPS and Tracking Systems

Assist with navigation and real-time location tracking.

Telemedicine Services

Allow healthcare professionals to provide remote consultations.

Network Adapters

Hardware that connects computers to networks.

Modems

Devices that connect computers to the Internet.

Switches

Devices that connect devices in a network, directing data only to the intended devices.

Routers

Devices that route data between different networks.

Repeaters

Devices that amplify signals to extend transmission distances.

Hubs

Central devices that connect all devices on a network.

Bridges

Connect multiple separate LANs to allow communication.

Computer Network

A collection of computers and other hardware devices connected together so users can share hardware, software, and data, and electronically communicate.

Protocol

Standardized rules that define how computers communicate and exchange data, including message formatting and transmission actions.

IP Address

A unique number used to identify computers on the Internet.

Domain Name

A structured naming system to locate computers on the Internet.

URL

A uniform naming scheme that specifies unique addresses of Internet resources.

Client and Server

A computing architecture used by most Internet services.

Ethernet (802.3)

The predominant wired networking standard commonly used to connect computers in a LAN.

Wi-Fi (802.11)

A standard governing wireless networking that allows devices to connect to the Internet without physical cables.

Wired Networks

Networks that utilize physical cables for connections, such as twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic cables.

Wireless Networks

Networks connected to the Internet without physical cables, relying on radio waves.

Star Topology

A network configuration where a central device is connected directly to several other devices.

Bus Topology

A network consisting of a central cable to which all network devices are attached.

Mesh Topology

A network in which there are multiple connections between devices, allowing messages to take various paths.

Network Architecture

The structural design of a network encompassing both the physical and logical layout of its components.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A network that connects an individual’s personal devices located close together.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network that connects devices located in a small geographic area, enabling high-speed connections.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A network serving a metropolitan area by interconnecting multiple LANs.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network covering a large geographic area, connecting multiple LANs and MANs.

Intranet

A private network set up by an organization for use by its employees.

Extranet

An intranet that is at least partially accessible to authorized outsiders.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A secure path over the Internet for authorized users to access a private network.

Simplex Transmission

Data travels in a single direction only.

Half-Duplex Transmission

Data travels in either direction but only one way at a time.

Full-Duplex Transmission

Data can travel in both directions simultaneously.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transferred in a given period, measured in bits per second (bps).

Circuit-Switched Network

A network where a dedicated communication path is established between endpoints for the duration of their communication.

Analog Signals

Continuous waveforms representing physical measurements that can take any value in a given range.

Digital Signals

Discrete signals representing data as a sequence of distinct values, typically binary.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

A technology using electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects.

Multiplexing

A process that allows multiple signals to share the same physical medium without interference.