NETWORK BASICS

Basic Terminologies of Computer Networks

1. Network: A network is a collection of computers and devices that are connected

together to enable communication and data exchange.

2. Nodes: Nodes are devices that are connected to a network. These can include
computers, servers, printers, routers, switches, and other devices.

3. Protocol: A protocol is a set of rules and standards that govern how data is
transmitted over a network. Examples of protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.

4. Topology: Network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of

nodes on a network. The common network topologies include bus, star, ring, mesh,
and tree.

5. Service Provider Networks: These types of networks give permission to take

network capacity and functionality on lease from the provider. Service provider
networks include wireless communications, data carriers, etc.

6. IP Address: An IP address is a unique numerical identifier that is assigned to every

device on a network. IP addresses are used to identify devices and enable
communication between them.

7. DNS: The Domain Name System (DNS) is a protocol that is used to translate
human-readable domain names (such as www.google.com) into IP addresses that
computers can understand.

8. Firewall: A firewall is a security device that is used to monitor and control incoming
and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls are used to protect networks from
unauthorized access and other security threats.
 Types of Enterprise Computer Networks

9. LAN: A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that covers a small area, such as an
office or a home. LANs are typically used to connect computers and other devices
within a building or a campus.

10.WAN: A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographic area,
such as a city, country, or even the entire world. WANs are used to connect LANs
together and are typically used for long-distance communication.
11.Cloud Networks: Cloud Networks can be visualized with a Wide Area Network
(WAN) as they can be hosted on public or private cloud service providers and cloud
networks are available if there is a demand. Cloud Networks consist of Virtual
Routers, Firewalls, etc.

Protocol

12.Protocol: A protocol is a set of rules or algorithms which define the way how two
entities can communicate across the network and there exists a different protocol
defined at each layer of the OSI model. A few such protocols are TCP, IP, UDP, ARP,
DHCP, FTP, and so on.

IP Address (Internet Protocol address)

13.13. IP Address: Also known as the Logical Address, the IP Address is the network
address of the system across the network.

NETWORK HARDWARE

1. Router:

- Definition: A router is a networking device used to route data packets between

networks. It is responsible for forwarding data to the correct destination based on IP
address.

- Example: A home router connecting to the internet and providing network

access to all devices in the

house.

2. Switch:
 - Definition: A switch is a networking device used to switch data frames within a
local area network (LAN). It helps in sending data to the correct device.

- Example: A network switch in an office connecting computers and printers in a

LAN.

3. Hub:

- Definition: A hub is a simple networking device that only forwards data from
one device to another device on the network. It does not think or direct data like a
switch.

- Example: An Ethernet hub providing common connection point for devices in a

network.

4. Network Interface Card (NIC):

- Definition: A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that

enables a computer to be connected to a network. It is responsible for receiving and
sending data on the network.

- Example: A NIC inside a computer enabling the computer to be connected to an

Ethernet network.

5. Modem:

- Definition: A Modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that enables a

computer to communicate with the internet or other networks by converting digital
data to analog signal for transmission.

- Example: A DSL modem used to connect a home to the internet using a DSL
connection.

6. Access Point:

- Definition: An Access Point (AP) is a networking device that allows wireless

devices to connect to a wired network using WiFi.

- Example: A WiFi access point in a coffee shop providing wireless internet access
to customers.

7. Repeater:
- Definition: A Repeater is a device used to strengthen the signal of a network,
especially in distant areas or where there is interference in the signal.

- Example: A WiFi repeater used to strengthen the WiFi signal in corners of a

house far from the router.

NETWORK TOPOLOGY

1. Bus Topology:

- Definition: In Bus Topology, all devices are connected to a central cable, called a
"bus." Devices only listen to data passed on the bus and will only accept data if it is
intended for them.

- Example: A simple network of several computers connected to an Ethernet

cable installed in a bus topology.

2. Star Topology:

- Definition: In Star Topology, each device is connected to a central hub or

switch. Data is passed from one device to the central hub before being sent to the
target device.

- Example: An office network with each computer connected to a central switch,

providing a central point for communication.

3. Ring Topology:

- Definition: In Ring Topology, each device is connected to two other devices,

forming a kind of "circle." Data circulates around the entire network, with each
device passing it on until it reaches the target device.

- Example: A network of computers connected in a ring topology, where data

circulates from one

device to another until it reaches the target device.

4. Mesh Topology:

- Definition: In Mesh Topology, each device is connected to every other device in

the network. It is a highly redundant network topology, with many paths for data to
reach its destination.

- Example: A military communication network with multiple paths for data to

avoid losing connection even with a problem in one path.
5. Tree Topology:

- Definition: In Tree Topology, the network is divided into hierarchical levels, with
each level connected to a higher level. Data climbs or descends the hierarchy to
reach the target device.

- Example: A large corporate network with departments connected to a central

server, which is then connected to a regional server, and finally to the main
company server.

TYPES OF NETWORKS

1. LAN (Local Area Network):

- Definition: A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers

and other devices in a small area such as an office, school, or home.

- Example: An LAN in an office connecting all employees to their computers and

printers.

2. WAN (Wide Area Network):

- Definition: A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that connects computers

and other devices over a wide area such as countries or continents.

- Example: The Internet is an example of a WAN connecting many computers and

networks worldwide.

3. PAN (Personal Area Network):

- Definition: A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network that connects personal

devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops within a small area like a home.

- Example: Bluetooth is a type of PAN used to send data from a smartphone to a

wireless speaker.

4. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network):

- Definition: A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a LAN that uses wireless
technology such as WiFi to connect devices in an area.

- Example: A WiFi network in a coffee shop providing free internet access to

customers.

5. CAN (Campus Area Network):

 - Definition: A Campus Area Network (CAN) is a network that connects buildings
within a campus or large area such as a school or company.

- Example: The network within a school connecting classrooms, library, and

administrative offices.

6. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):

- Definition: A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a network that connects

buildings and networks within a city or metro.

- Example: The network of government offices within a city providing online

services to residents.

7. GAN (Global Area Network):

- Definition: A Global Area Network (GAN) is a network that connects networks

worldwide, typically through satellite connections.

- Example: A satellite communication network used by communication

companies to send data to different parts of the world.