Class 12 Computer Science - Chapter: Computer Networks (Part 1) As per Sumita Arora Textbook

✅ 1. Introduction to Computer Networks

Definition:

A Computer Network is a collection of interconnected autonomous computers and digital devices that
are linked together to facilitate communication and resource sharing. These devices, called nodes, may
be computers, printers, servers, scanners, or any other data processing devices.

The aim of a computer network is to share resources (hardware and software), allow multiple users to
interact, and enable the transfer of data and messages between devices efficiently and reliably.

Real-Life Examples:

• Using a shared printer in an office building

• Uploading and accessing files from cloud storage like Google Drive
• Streaming content from one computer to another within a home network
• Playing online games with people from around the world

Key Objectives of Computer Networks:

1. Resource Sharing:

2. Devices such as printers, storage devices, and internet connections can be shared among multiple
computers, reducing redundancy and cost.

3. Communication:

4. Facilitates communication via email, chat, video conferencing, VoIP, etc.

5. Centralized Data Management:

6. All data can be stored centrally for ease of access, updating, and backup.

7. Cost Reduction:

8. Using network-based applications and shared resources reduces both hardware and software costs.

9. Remote Access and Collaboration:

10. Users can access network resources from different locations, enabling work from home, remote
support, etc.

1
 11. Scalability:

12. Easy to expand by adding more devices to the network.

13. Backup and Recovery:

14. Centralized backup systems simplify data recovery and increase data security.

🏢 2. Elements of a Computer Network

A computer network is made up of both hardware and software components.

2.1 Hardware Components:

Element Description

Any active electronic device in a network (computers, phones, printers) that

Nodes
can send or receive data.

A hardware card installed in a computer that allows it to connect to a network.

NIC (Network
It may be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi). Each NIC has a unique MAC
Interface Card)
address.

The physical or wireless paths over which data flows between nodes. Includes
Transmission Media
cables, radio waves, etc.

An intelligent device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and forwards data
Switch
only to the destination node.

A device that connects two or more networks and directs data packets
Router
between them. Essential for connecting LANs to the Internet.

A basic network device that broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices
Hub
regardless of destination (inefficient).

Stands for MODulator-DEModulator. Converts digital data into analog signals

Modem
for transmission over telephone lines and vice versa.

2.2 Software Components:

• Network Operating System (NOS): Software that manages network resources. Example: Windows
Server, Linux Server OS.
• Protocols: Sets of rules governing data transmission. Example: TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP.

2
🚀 3. Types of Computer Networks
Computer networks are classified based on the area they cover.

3.1 PAN (Personal Area Network)

• Coverage: ~10 meters (room-size area)

• Technology Used: Bluetooth, USB, Infrared
• Examples:
• Connecting wireless headphones to a smartphone
• Syncing a smartwatch with a laptop

3.2 LAN (Local Area Network)

• Coverage: Small geographic areas like a building or campus

• Devices: Computers, switches, routers, printers
• Speed: Typically 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps
• Technology: Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Examples:
• A school or college computer lab
• Office computers sharing files and printers

3.3 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

• Coverage: A city or town

• Technology: Optical fibers, coaxial cables, leased lines
• Examples:
• Cable TV services
• City-wide Wi-Fi networks

3.4 WAN (Wide Area Network)

• Coverage: Country to global scale

• Technology: Satellite, undersea cables, leased lines
• Speed: Varies; generally slower than LANs
• Examples:
• The Internet
• Banking networks connecting ATMs nationwide

🔁 4. Data Communication Process

Data communication involves transferring data between two or more devices through a medium using
standard protocols.

3
The 5 Key Components:

1. Sender: The device that initiates the message (e.g., a computer).

2. Receiver: The target device that receives the message (e.g., a printer).
3. Message: The actual data to be communicated (text, image, audio, video).
4. Transmission Medium: The path through which the message travels (cables, radio waves).
5. Protocol: A set of rules that govern the data communication process (e.g., TCP/IP).

Communication Flow:

• Unidirectional (Simplex): One-way (e.g., keyboard to CPU)

• Bidirectional (Half Duplex): Both ways, but one at a time (e.g., walkie-talkies)
• Bidirectional (Full Duplex): Both ways simultaneously (e.g., telephone)

📶 5. Transmission Media
Transmission media are of two main types: Guided (wired) and Unguided (wireless).

A. Guided (Wired) Media

1. Twisted Pair Cable

• Two copper wires twisted around each other

• Reduces electromagnetic interference
• Types: Unshielded (UTP) and Shielded (STP)
• Used in telephone networks, LANs

2. Coaxial Cable

• One copper conductor surrounded by insulating layers

• Better shielding than twisted pair
• Used in cable TV, earlier LANs

3. Fiber Optic Cable

• Data transmitted as pulses of light

• Core made of glass or plastic
• High bandwidth and low attenuation
• Used in backbone Internet connections

B. Unguided (Wireless) Media

1. Radio Waves

• Travel long distances

• Used in AM/FM radios, mobile phones

4
2. Microwaves

• High-frequency waves
• Line-of-sight required
• Used in satellite communications, cellular networks

3. Infrared

• Used in TV remotes, short-range communication

• Cannot pass through walls

4. Bluetooth

• Short-range communication (10–100 meters)

• Common in PANs like wireless headsets

🔄 6. Switching Techniques
1. Circuit Switching

• Establishes a dedicated communication path

• Path remains reserved for the entire session
• Not efficient for data transmission due to idle resources
• Example: Landline telephone call

2. Packet Switching

• Data broken into small packets

• Packets travel independently and reassembled at destination
• Efficient and robust
• Used by the Internet

3. Message Switching

• Entire message is stored temporarily at intermediate nodes (store and forward)

• Slower due to delay at each node
• Path is not fixed

🕸️ 7. Network Topologies
A topology defines the structure of the network and how nodes are connected.

5
1. Bus Topology

• Single backbone cable

• All nodes connected to the same cable
• Terminators at both ends
• Easy and cheap, but prone to collisions

2. Star Topology

• Each node connected to a central hub/switch

• Hub failure leads to entire network failure
• Easy to maintain and scalable

3. Ring Topology

• Devices connected in a circular fashion

• Data travels in one direction
• Fault in any cable/device affects the entire network

4. Mesh Topology

• Every device connected to every other device

• Provides fault tolerance
• Expensive and complex to manage

🔐 8. Protocols and IP Addressing

Protocols

Protocols are standard rules that govern data transmission in a network.

Protocol Function

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) Transfers web pages

HTTPS Secure version of HTTP with encryption

Upload/download files between

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
computers

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) Sends emails

POP3 (Post Office Protocol) Receives emails (download-based)

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) Receives emails (cloud-based)

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet

Core Internet protocol for communication
Protocol)

6
IP Addressing

• An IP Address is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network.

• IPv4: 32-bit numeric address (e.g., 192.168.0.1)
• IPv6: 128-bit address (used due to shortage of IPv4 addresses)

✅ 9. Advantages of Computer Networks

• Fast Communication: Instant messaging, email, VoIP
• Resource Sharing: Hardware and software sharing
• Centralized Data: Easier management and control
• Remote Access: Access data from any location
• Scalability: Add more devices easily
• Cost Efficiency: Less hardware duplication

❌ 10. Disadvantages and Challenges

• Security Threats: Vulnerable to hackers, malware
• High Setup Cost: Initial investment in hardware and setup
• Maintenance: Requires skilled personnel to maintain
• Privacy Risks: Data can be intercepted or misused
• Network Failures: Can disrupt business and communication

✨ Final Summary
• Computer networks help connect devices to share resources and communicate.
• Classified into PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN based on geographical area.
• Transmission uses wired or wireless media.
• Data is transmitted using protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP.
• IP addresses uniquely identify devices.
• Network topologies define the structure.
• Advantages include fast communication and sharing, while challenges include security and
maintenance.

End of Expanded Notes – Part 1