BASIC COMPUTER

NETWORK Prepared by | MR. ALEXANDER V. SORIA

Instructor | Living in the IT Era
In this lesson you will:
• Learn some terminologies used in computer network;
• Identify devices used in computer networking; and
• Identify common types of area network.
Computer Network
The interconnection of multiple devices, generally termed
as Hosts (can either be server or client) connected using
multiple paths for the purpose of sending/ receiving data or
media.
Network Devices
There are also multiple devices or mediums which helps in
the communication between two different devices which
are known as Network devices.
Server
A large-capacity computer that can store a wide variety of
files such as application and data files. A server is a
computer program or a device that provides functionality
for other programs of devices called “clients”.
Client
A computer or device that accesses a server through a
network.
 Client-Server Model

In Client-Server model, the client machine sends the request to the

server machine. When the server receives the client request, it looks
out for the requested data and sends it back with the response.
IP Address
An address assigned to a device on a network. It is
composed of four dot-separated decimal numbers ranging
from 0 to 255. For example, 192.168.1.37
MAC (Media Access Control) Address
A hardware identification number that uniquely identifies
each device on a network. The MAC address is
manufactured into every network card, such as an Ethernet
card or Wi-Fi card, and therefore cannot be changed. MAC
addresses are made up of six two-digit hexadecimal
numbers, separated by colons. For example, an Ethernet
card may have a MAC address of 00:0d:83:b1:c0:8e
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the capacity of a wired or wireless network
communications link to transmit the maximum amount of data
from one point to another over a computer network or internet
connection in a given amount of time – usually one second.
Bandwidth is expressed in bits per second (bps), modern
network links have greater capacity, which is typically
measured in millions of bits per second (megabits per second
or Mbps) or billions of bits per second (gigabits per second or
Gbps).
How Bandwidth works?
The more bandwidth a data connection has, the more data it
can send and receive at one time. Bandwidth can be compared
to the amount of water that can flow through a water pipe. The
bigger the pipe, the more water can flow through it at one time.
Bandwidth works on the same principle. So the higher the
capacity of the communication link or the pipe, the more data
can flow through it per second.
Latency
Network latency is the term used to indicate any kind of
delay that happens in data communication over a network.
Usually measured in milliseconds (ms), is the time that
elapses between a request for information and its arrival.
The “lateness” of transmission. Sometimes referred to as
“ping”. The higher ms means slower network.
Speed
Network's speed is essentially a subjective evaluation of
the combination of bandwidth and latency. As mentioned
above, the term is often used in place of bandwidth, even
by technicians and professionals.
Internet
A global computer network providing a variety of
information and communication facilities, consisting of
interconnected networks using standardized
communication protocols (Oxford Dictionary). Also known
as Cloud.
NETWORK DEVICES
Network Devices
It setting up a network, a physical device is used to build
connections between computing devices. The following are
the most common network devices that we use in offices.
Modem (Modulator-Demodulator)
The name modem is a shorthand
expression derived from the technical
processes that the device performs, i.e.
modulation and demodulation.
Modulation and demodulation are
processes whereby signals travelling between
multiple networks are converted into different
forms of signals appropriate for transmission
over cables or other media. Usually, routers
have a built-in modem.
 Hubs

Connect multiple computer networking devices together. It

broadcasts data from one computer to the other units that are
connected to it. This means when computer A sends a message to
computer E, the hub will send the data to every computers
connected to it. Hubs doesn’t have have an IP Address. A hub is a
basic device and has no need for an IP Address.
Switches

Generally have a more intelligent role than hubs. A switch

is a multiport device that improves network efficiency.
Unlike hubs, a switch is able to handle the data and knows
the specific addresses (MAC Address) to send the
message.
 Router

Routers are more intelligent than switches. It can calculate the best
route for sending data and communicate with each other. Routers
are computer networking devices that serve two primary functions:
[1] create and maintain a local area network and [2] manage the
data entering and leaving the network and the data moving inside
of it. It uses an address called IP (Internet Protocol) Address to
know the destination and source of data. In simpler terms, a router
is the post office of the computer networking world.
 Wireless
Router

A wireless router is a device that performs the functions of a

router and also includes the functions of a wireless access point.
Depending on the manufacturer and model, it can function in a
wired local area network, in a wireless-only LAN, or in a mixed
wired and wireless network.
Ethernet
Cable

An Ethernet cable is a common type of network cable used

with wired networks. Ethernet cables connect devices such
as PCs, routers, and switches within a local area network.
These physical cables are limited by length and durability
COMMON TYPES OF
AREA NETWORK
Area Network
When we talk about area network we are
pertaining to the distance that a network
covers. It could be in a building, a campus or
between cities and around the globe.
LAN: Local Area Network
A LAN connects network devices over a relatively
short distance. A networked office building, school, or
home usually contains a single LAN, though sometimes
one building will contain a few small LANs (perhaps one
per room), and occasionally a LAN will span a group of
nearby buildings.
LAN: Local Area Network
WAN: Wide Area Network
As the term implies, a WAN spans a large physical
distance. The internet is the largest WAN, spanning the
Earth. It may be best to view WANs as computer
networking technologies used to transmit data over long
distances, and between different LANs, MANs and other
localized computer networking architectures.
WAN: Wide Area Network
MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
A network spanning a physical area larger than a
LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is
typically owned and operated by a single entity such as a
government body or large corporation.
MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
CAN: Campus Area Network
A network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than
a MAN, such as on a university or local business
campus.
CAN: Campus Area Network
PAN: Personal Area Network
A network that surrounds an individual. A wireless
PAN (WPAN) might be created between Bluetooth
devices.
PAN: Personal Area Network