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Language of computer networks

The document provides an overview of computer networks, defining various types such as LAN, MAN, WAN, and PAN, along with their characteristics. It discusses network components, communication methods, and the evolution of technologies like DSL and wireless connections. Additionally, it introduces network architecture and the OSI model, emphasizing the importance of interoperability among different network devices.

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Khumo Ramerafe
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views

Language of computer networks

The document provides an overview of computer networks, defining various types such as LAN, MAN, WAN, and PAN, along with their characteristics. It discusses network components, communication methods, and the evolution of technologies like DSL and wireless connections. Additionally, it introduces network architecture and the OSI model, emphasizing the importance of interoperability among different network devices.

Uploaded by

Khumo Ramerafe
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The language of computer

networks
Network engineering
Computer network - an interconnection of computers and computing
equipment using either wires or radio waves over small or large geographic
areas.
Local area network (LAN) - networks that are small in geographic size spanning
a room, oor, building or campus
Metropolitan area network (MAN) - networks that serve an area of 1 to 30 miles,
approximately the size of a typical city
Wide area network (WAN) - a large network that encompasses parts of states,
multiple states, countries and the world
Personal area network (PAN) - a network of a few meters, between wireless
devices such as PDA’s, laptops etc
Campus area network (CAN) - a network that spans multiple buildings on a
business or school campus
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• Voice Network - a network that transmits only telephone signals

• Data network - a network that transmits voice and computer data (replacing voice
networks)

• Data communications - the transfer of digital or analog data using digital or analog signals

• Telecommunications - the study of telephones and the systems that transmit telephone
signals

• Network management - the design, installation and support of a network, including its
hardware and software

• Network cloud - a network (local or remote) that contains software connections


The big picture of Networks
• Networks are composed of many devices, including:

1. Workstations (computers, tablets, wireless phones etc)

2. Servers

3. Network switches

4. Routers (LAN to WAN and WAN to WAN)

5. Network nodes and subnetworks


Common example of communications
network
The desktop computer and the internet

• Common throughout business, academic environments and homes

• Typically a medium - to high-speed connection

• Computer (device) requires a NIC (network interface card)

• Often considered a client/server system


Desktop computer and the internet
The desktop computer and the internet

• At work or at school - connection is typically form of ethernet

• At home, for some, a dial-up modem is used to connect users


microcomputer to an internet service provider

• Technologies such as DSL and cable modems are replacing dial-up


modems
A microcomputer sending data over a DSL, line to
an internet service provider and onto the internet
A Laptop Computer an a wireless connection

• Laptop wirelessly communicates with a wireless router or wireless access


point

• Wireless router is typically connected to a wired network


Cell Phone Networks

• Constantly expanding market across US and world

• Third generation services available in many areas and under many types
of plans with fourth generation services starting to appear

• Latest generation includes higher speed data transfers (100s to 1000s of


kilobits per seconds)
An example of a user with a smart cellphone
transmitting and receiving data
Industrial Sensor-based Systems

• Not all local area networks deal with microcomputer workstations

• Often found in industrial and laboratory environments

• Assembly lines and robotic controls depend heavily on sensor-based local


area networks
Mainframe Systems

• Predominant form in the 1960s and 1970s

• Still used in many types of businesses for data entry and data retrieval

• Few dumb terminals left today - most are microcomputers with terminal
emulation cards, a web browser and web interface, telnet software, or a
thin client
Stattelite and microwave networks

• Typically long distance wireless connections

• Many types of applications including long distance telephone, television,


radio, long haul data transfers and wireless data services

• Typically expensive services but many companies o er competitive


services and rates

• Newer shorter-distance services such as WI-MAX

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Network Architecture

• A reference model that describes the layers of hardware and software


necessary to transmit data between two points or for multiple devices /
applications to interoperate.

• Reference models are necessary to increase likelihood that di erent


components from di erent manufactures will converse

• Two models to learn: TCP/IP protocol suite and OSI model


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The open systems interconnection (OSI) Model

• Physical layer: the lowest layer of the OSI model is concerned with data
communication in the form of electrical, optical or electromagnetic signals
physically transmitting information between networking devices and
infrastructure

• Data link control (DLC) layer: The second layer of the OSI model concerns
data transmission between the nodes within a network and manages the
connections between physically connected devices such switches.

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