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Computer Networks Class Notes

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Computer Networks Class Notes

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salihsami79
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Computer Networks Class Notes

What are Computer Networks?

Computer networks are interconnected systems of computing devices


(computers, smartphones, servers, etc.) that can communicate and share
resources with each other. These connections can be wired (e.g.,
Ethernet cables) or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi). Networks facilitate
communication, collaboration, and access to information.

Key Concepts:

 Nodes: Devices connected to the network.


 Links: Communication pathways between nodes.
 Protocols: Sets of rules that govern how data is transmitted over
the network.
 Network Topology: The physical or logical arrangement of nodes
and links in a network.

Types of Networks:

 Local Area Network (LAN): Connects devices within a limited


area (e.g., home, office, school).
 Wide Area Network (WAN): Connects devices over a larger
geographical area (e.g., the internet).
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Covers a larger area than a
LAN but smaller than a WAN (e.g., a city).
 Personal Area Network (PAN): Connects devices within a short
range (e.g., Bluetooth devices).
 Virtual Private Network (VPN): Creates a secure connection
over a public network (like the internet).
Network Topologies:

 Bus: All devices are connected to a single cable. Simple but


vulnerable to cable breaks.
 Star: All devices are connected to a central hub or switch. Reliable
and easy to manage.
 Ring: Devices are connected in a closed loop. Data travels in one
direction.
 Mesh: Each device is connected to multiple other devices. Highly
redundant and fault-tolerant.
 Tree (Hierarchical): Combines elements of star and bus
topologies.

Network Protocols:

 TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol):


The foundation of the internet. TCP provides reliable, ordered
delivery of data, while IP handles addressing and routing.
 HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring web
pages and other content over the internet.
 HTTPS (Secure HTTP): A secure version of HTTP that uses
encryption.
 FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring files between
computers.
 SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Used for sending
emails.
 DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names (e.g.,
google.com) into IP addresses.

Network Devices:

 Routers: Forward data packets between networks.


 Switches: Connect devices within a LAN and forward data only to
the intended recipient.
 Hubs: Connect devices within a LAN but broadcast data to all
devices. Less efficient than switches.
 Modems: Modulate and demodulate signals for transmitting data
over communication channels (e.g., cable, DSL).
 Firewalls: Control network traffic based on predefined rules,
enhancing security.

The OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection):

A conceptual framework that describes the functions of a networking


system. Seven layers:

1. Application: Provides network services to applications (e.g.,


HTTP, SMTP).
2. Presentation: Handles data formatting and encryption.
3. Session: Establishes and manages connections between
applications.
4. Transport: Provides reliable or unreliable delivery of data
between hosts (e.g., TCP, UDP).
5. Network: Handles addressing and routing of data packets (e.g.,
IP).
6. Data Link: Handles error detection and correction in data
transmission within a local network.
7. Physical: Defines the physical characteristics of the network (e.g.,
cables, connectors).

The TCP/IP Model:

A simplified version of the OSI model, commonly used in the internet.


Four layers:
1. Application: Combines the functions of the Application,
Presentation, and Session layers of the OSI model.
2. Transport: Same as the OSI Transport layer (e.g., TCP, UDP).
3. Network (Internet): Same as the OSI Network layer (e.g., IP).
4. Link (Network Interface): Combines the functions of the Data
Link and Physical layers of the OSI model.

IP Addressing:

 IPv4: Uses 32-bit addresses. Limited number of addresses.


 IPv6: Uses 128-bit addresses. Much larger address space.

Subnetting:

Dividing a network into smaller subnetworks to improve performance


and security.

Network Security:

 Firewalls: Control network traffic.


 Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitor network traffic for
malicious activity.
 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Create secure connections
over public networks.
 Encryption: Protects data from unauthorized access.
 Network Segmentation: Isolating parts of a network to limit the
impact of a breach.

Further Study:

Networking is a vast and complex field. Further study should include


delving deeper into the OSI and TCP/IP models, exploring various
networking protocols, understanding network security concepts, and
learning about network design and management. Hands-on experience
with configuring and troubleshooting networks is invaluable. Consider
learning about network programmability (SDN) and network
automation.

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