Computer Networks
Computer Networks
2. Network Topologies
● Star: All devices are connected to a central hub or switch.
● Bus: All devices are connected to a single cable.
● Ring: Devices are connected in a closed loop.
● Mesh: Devices are interconnected with multiple paths between them.
4. Network Protocols
● TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is the foundation
protocol suite of the Internet.
● HTTP/HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure is used for transmitting web
pages and associated data.
● FTP: File Transfer Protocol is used for transferring files between a client and
server on a computer network.
● SMTP/POP3/IMAP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol/Post Office Protocol/Internet
Message Access Protocol are used for email transmission and retrieval.
5. Network Layers
● OSI Model: Open Systems Interconnection model is a conceptual framework that
standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into
seven abstraction layers.
● Physical Layer: Concerned with the physical connection between devices.
● Data Link Layer: Responsible for node-to-node communication, error
detection, and framing.
● Network Layer: Handles routing, forwarding, and addressing.
● Transport Layer: Provides end-to-end communication and error recovery.
● Session Layer: Manages sessions between applications.
● Presentation Layer: Deals with data representation and encryption.
● Application Layer: Provides interfaces for applications to access network
services.
6. Network Security
● Firewalls: Security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing
network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
● Encryption: Encoding data in such a way that only authorized parties can access
it.
● Virtual Private Network (VPN): Extends a private network across a public
network, allowing users to securely send and receive data.
7. Wireless Networks
● Wi-Fi: Wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a local
area network wirelessly.
● Bluetooth: Short-range wireless technology used for exchanging data between
devices over short distances.
● Cellular Networks: Mobile communication networks that allow devices to
communicate wirelessly over large geographic areas.
8. Network Applications
● Web Browsing: Accessing and navigating websites on the World Wide Web.
● Email: Sending, receiving, and managing electronic messages over a computer
network.
● File Sharing: Sharing files and documents between users and devices on a
network.
● Voice and Video Calling: Making audio and video calls over the Internet using
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.
Conclusion
Computer networks form the backbone of modern communication and information
exchange. This review provides a foundational understanding of key concepts,
architectures, and applications in computer networking, preparing individuals for further
exploration and study in this dynamic field.