Unit 3: Introduction to Internet and Concepts of Network

Fundamentals Of Internet

Networking:
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices that share resources
and information. These devices can include computers, servers, printers, and
other hardware. Networks allow for the efficient exchange of data, enabling
various applications such as email, file sharing, and internet browsing.
Protocols:
Network protocols are a set of rules that are responsible for the communication of
data between various devices in the network. These protocols define guidelines
and conventions for transmitting and receiving data, ensuring efficient and
reliable data communication .
TCP/IP:
TCP/IP, or the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a suite of
communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the
internet. TCP/IP can also be used as a communications protocol in a private
computer network (an intranet or an extranet).
It is used extensively on the Internet and consequently allows research
institutions, colleges and universities, government, and industry to
communicate with each other.
The main work of TCP/IP is to transfer the data of a computer from one
device to another.
Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting devices, networks, and data from

unauthorized access or criminal use. It's important because cyberattacks
can: Steal or destroy sensitive information, Disrupt business processes, and
Expose the personal information of millions of people
HTML

HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language

HTML is the standard markup language for creating Web pages
HTML describes the structure of a Web page
HTML consists of a series of elements
HTML elements tell the browser how to display the content
HTML elements label pieces of content such as "this is a heading", "this is a
paragraph", "this is a link", etc.

Introduction to the Internet

The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic

devices. With the Internet, it's possible to access almost any information,
communicate with anyone else in the world, and do much more.
The Internet is the most commonly used term in today’s world and plays a
very important role in the everyday life of people. But there are many
questions, answers to which people need to know.

 In this article, we shall help you find answers to these questions; discuss
the evolution of the Internet, its usage, benefits, history and how the Internet
works.

In terms of Computer Awareness, the Internet is one of the most important
topics in competitive exams.

Thus, candidates preparing for exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, etc.
must read on to learn more about the Internet.

You can do all of this by connecting a computer to the Internet, which is also
called going online.When someone says a computer is online, it's just another way
of saying it's connected to the Internet.

Working and Use of the Internet

Internet works:
Requesting Data

When you perform an action like opening a website:

Example: Typing www.example.com into your web browser.

Data is broken into packets
Before data is sent, it's broken up into smaller parts called packets.
Packets are routed
Routers and switches forward packets between networks and within networks,
respectively.
Packets are reassembled
When packets arrive at their destination, the receiving device reassembles them in
order and displays the data.
IP and TCP ensure reliable data transmission
IP is a system of rules that govern how data is sent, while TCP works with IP to
ensure data is transferred reliably and without delay

Use of the Internet

Communication: Users can send emails, use messaging apps, and video
conference with others around the world.
Information access: The internet provides access to a vast amount of
information, including news, research, and educational resources.
Entertainment: Users can stream TV shows, movies, videos, and music.
Education: Users can access online courses, workshops, and degree programs.
Job searching: Users can apply for jobs, post open positions, and recruit
candidates from social networking sites.
Remote working: Users can collaborate with others online and use messaging
apps.
E-commerce: Many businesses sell their products and services online.

Introduction Computer Network

•Computer Network is a group of computers connected with each other through

wires, optical fibres or optical links so that various devices can interact with each
other through a network.
•The aim of the computer network is the sharing of resources among various
devices.
•In the case of computer network technology, there are several types of networks
that vary from simple to complex level.
•A computer network is a system of interconnected devices (computers, servers,
smartphones, IoT devices, etc.) that communicate with each other to share
resources, exchange data, and provide services. Networks range from small-scale
setups like home networks to large-scale infrastructures like the Internet.
Importance of Computer Networks

1.Resource Sharing: Enables shared access to printers, files, and other resources.
2.Communication: Facilitates instant communication via email, video calls, and
chat applications.
3.Data Exchange: Allows fast and reliable transfer of data between devices.
4.Centralized Management: Helps in managing and controlling networked
resources.
5.Scalability: Allows businesses and systems to grow without major
reconfigurations.

Types of Networks
Personal Area Network (PAN)
PAN is the most basic type of computer network. It is a type of network
designed to connect devices within a short range, typically around one person. It
allows your personal devices, like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables,
to communicate and share data with each other.
PAN offers a network range of 1 to 100 meters from person to device providing
communication. Its transmission speed is very high with very easy maintenance
and very low cost. This uses Bluetooth, IrDA, and Zigbee as technology.
Examples of PAN are USB, computer, phone, tablet, printer, PDA, etc.
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is the most frequently used network. A LAN is a computer network that
connects computers through a common communication path, contained within a
limited area, that is, locally. A LAN encompasses two or more computers
connected over a server. The two important technologies involved in this network
are Ethernet and Wi-fi. It ranges up to 2km & transmission speed is very high
with easy maintenance and low cost. Examples of LAN are networking in a
home, school, library, laboratory, college, office, etc.

Advantages of a LAN
Privacy: LAN is a private network, thus no outside regulatory body controls it,
giving it a privacy.
High Speed: LAN offers a much higher speed(around 100 mbps) and data
transfer rate comparatively to WAN
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. This is the type of
computer network that connects computers over a geographical distance through
a shared communication path over a city, town, or metropolitan area. This
network mainly uses FDDI, CDDI, and ATM as the technology with a range from
5km to 50km. Its transmission speed is average. It is difficult to maintain and it
comes with a high cost. Examples of MAN are networking in towns, cities, a
single large city, a large area within multiple buildings, etc .
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Advantages of MAN
MAN offers high-speed connectivity in which the speed ranges from 10-100
Mbps.
The security level in MAN is high and strict as compared to WAN.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over a large
geographical distance through a shared communication path. It is not restrained to
a single location but extends over many locations. WAN can also be defined as a
group of local area networks that communicate with each other with a range
above 50km. Here we use Leased-Line & Dial-up technology. Its transmission
speed is very low and it comes with very high maintenance and very high cost.
The most common example of WAN is the Internet.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)

Advantages of WAN
It covers large geographical area which enhances the reach of organisation to
transmit data quickly and cheaply.
The data can be stored in centralised manner because of remote access to data
provided by WAN.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is a type of computer network that extends a private network across the
internet and lets the user send and receive data as if they were connected to a
private network even though they are not. Through a virtual point-to-point
connection users can access a private network remotely. VPN protects you from
malicious sources by operating as a medium that gives you a protected network
connection.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
WLAN is a type of computer network that acts as a local area network but makes
use of wireless network technology like Wi-Fi. This network doesn’t allow
devices to communicate over physical cables like in LAN but allows devices to
communicate wirelessly. The most common example of WLAN is Wi-Fi.
Network topology

Network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and

connections in a network. It's a vital concept in network design and management
because it affects a network's performance, security, and scalability.
Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements like nodes,
links, or devices in a computer network. Common types of network topology
include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree topologies.
Types of Network Topology
Mesh Topology
In a mesh topology, every device is connected to another device via a particular
channel. Every device is connected to another via dedicated channels. These
channels are known as links. In Mesh Topology, the protocols used are AHCP
(Ad Hoc Configuration Protocols), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol), etc.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
Communication is very fast between the nodes.
Provides security and privacy.
Star Topology
In Star Topology, all the devices are connected to a single hub through a cable.
This hub is the central node and all other nodes are connected to the central node.
The hub can be passive in nature
Bus Topology
Bus Topology is a network type in which every computer and network device is
connected to a single cable. It is bi-directional. It is a multi-point connection and
a non-robust topology because if the backbone fails the topology crashes.

Tree Topology
Tree topology is the variation of the Star topology. This topology has a
hierarchical flow of data. In Tree Topology, protocols like DHCP and SAC
(Standard Automatic Configuration) are used.

Tree Topology

In tree topology, the various secondary hubs are connected to the central hub
which contains the repeater.

•Introduction to TCP/IP
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol. It is a
set of conventions or rules and methods that are used to interconnect network
devices on the Internet. The internet protocol suite is commonly known as
TCP/IP, as the foundational protocols in the suite are Transmission Control
Protocol and Internet Protocol. It chooses how the information will be traded over
the web through end-to-end communications that incorporate how the
information ought to be organized into bundles (bundles of data), addressed, sent,
and received at the goal. This communication protocol can also be utilized to
interconnect organize devices in a private network such as an intranet or an
extranet.
TCP/IP is a data link protocol used on the internet to let computers and other
devices send and receive data. TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol and makes it possible for devices connected to the
internet to communicate with one another across networks.

Application/Uses of TCP/IP

Some Real-Time Applications are:

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol(SMTP): It helps to send email to another email
address.
File Transfer Protocol(FTP): It is used for sending large files.
Dynamic Host Configure Protocol(DHCP): It assigns the IP address.
Telnet: Bi-directional text communication via a terminal application.
HyperText Transfer Protocol(HTTP): Used to transfer the web pages.
Domain Name System(DNS): It translates the website name to IP addresses.
Simple Network Time Protocol(SNTP): It provides the time of a day to the
network devices.
Advantages of TCP/IP

1.Open Standard: Supports multi-vendor environments.

2.Reliable Communication: Ensures data integrity and error handling.
3.Scalable: Handles networks of all sizes.
4.Interoperable: Compatible with various hardware and software platforms.