1

BASIC COMPUTER NETWORKING CONCEPTS

PRESENTED BY K.O. YENIKA

Updated 8/27/04
 2

This presentation is divided into three main

parts
. Types of computer networks
. Computer Network Equipment
. Network Topologies
 3

Definition of computer networking

Computer networking is the practice of

connecting multiple computing devices such
as computers, smartphones, and servers for the
purposed of communication (share resources
like data, applications, and services)
 4

Definition of computer networking

This connection enables devices to exchange

information and access shared resources over various
transmission mediums, including wired cables and
wireless signals

In simpler terms, computer networking allows

devices to talk to each other
 5

Types of computer networks

Computer networks are categorized based on

their size, range, and purpose. Here are the
primary types:
 6

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

 Definition

A PAN is a small network, typically within a range

of a few meters, connecting personal devices like
smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
 Examples

Connecting devices such as smartphones to wireless

headphones or linking a laptop to a printer.
 7

2. Local Area Network (LAN)

 Definition

A LAN connects computers and devices within a

limited area, such as a home, office, or building.
 example

Sharing resources like printers and files within a

single building or campus.
 8

3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

 Definition

A WLAN is a LAN that uses wireless communication

methods, allowing devices to connect without
physical cables.
 Example

Providing Wi-Fi connectivity in homes, offices, and

public spaces.
 9

4. Campus Area Network (CAN)

 Definition

A CAN spans a larger area than a LAN, typically

covering a university campus or a business campus.
 Example

Connecting multiple buildings within a university to

share resources and information.
 10

5. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

 Definition

A MAN covers a city or a large campus, connecting

multiple LANs within a specific geographic area.
 Examples

Providing high-speed internet access to a city or

connecting multiple branches of an organization
within a city.
 11

6. Wide Area Network (WAN)

 Definition

A WAN spans a large geographic area, such as a country or

continent, connecting multiple LANs and MANs.
 Examples

The internet is the most prominent example, connecting

networks worldwide.
 12

7. Virtual Private Network

(VPN)

 Definition

A VPN creates a secure connection over a public network,

allowing remote users to access a private network securely.
 Example

Enabling employees to access company resources securely

from remote locations.
 13

8. Storage Area Network (SAN)

 Definition

A SAN is a specialized network designed to provide

high-speed, low-latency access to storage devices.
 Example

Used in data centers to connect servers to large-scale

storage systems.
 14

10. Enterprise Private Network

 Definition

A private network built and owned by an enterprise to

interconnect its various LANs and MANs.

Examples

Connecting different branches of a company securely

over a private network.
 15

Computer Network Equipment

Computer network equipment refers to the physical devices

and hardware components essential for establishing,
maintaining, and managing communication within a
computer network. These devices facilitate data
transmission, routing, switching, and security, ensuring
efficient and secure network operations. bellow are some
commonly used network equipments
 16

Network Hubs

Basic devices that connect multiple computers

in a network, broadcasting data to all
connected devices.
 17

Network Bridges

 Devices that connect and filter traffic

between two network segments at the data
link layer, helping to reduce collisions and
manage traffic.
 18

Network Gateways

 Devices that act as translators between

different network protocols, enabling
communication between networks that use
different protocols.
 19

Network Firewalls

Security devices that monitor and control

incoming and outgoing network traffic based
on predetermined security rules, acting as a
barrier between trusted and untrusted
networks.
 20

Network Switches

A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a

local area network (LAN), such as computers, printers, and servers. It
operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and uses
MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination device.
Unlike hubs, which broadcast data to all connected devices, switches
send data only to the intended recipient, enhancing network efficiency
and security.
 21

Modems

A modem (short for modulator and demodulator) is a

device that converts digital data from a computer into
analog signals suitable for transmission over
telephone lines and vice versa. This conversion
allows digital devices to communicate over analog
infrastructure, enabling internet connectivity.
 22

Routers:

Routers are devices that forward data packets between

different networks, such as between a local network and the
internet. They operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the
OSI model and use IP addresses to determine the best path for
data transmission. Routers are essential for directing traffic
efficiently and securely across networks.
 23

Computer Network
Equipment
 24

Network Topologies

 Network topology refers to the arrangement

of different elements (links, nodes, devices ,
switches, routers, hubs etc.)
 in a computer network. Common topologies
include
 25

Bus Topology

Here all devices are connected to a single

central cable, or bus.

It's simple but can be inefficient as the

network grows
 26

Advantages Bus Topology

Cost-Effective

Requires less cabling than other topologies,

making it affordable for small networks.

Simplicity

Easy to understand and set up, suitable for

small networks.
 27

Disadvantages Bus Topology

Single Point of Failure

If the central cable fails, the entire network can be

disrupted.

Limited Scalability:

Adding new devices can be challenging and may affect

performance.
 28

Star Topology

Here all devices are connected to a central

device, like a switch or hub. This is common
in modern networks and offers better
performance and fault tolerance
 Advantages of Star 29

Topology

Reliability

Failure in one device doesn't affect the rest of the

network.

Easy Expansion

Adding or removing devices is straightforward.

 30

Disadvantages of Star Topology

Central Point of Failure

If the central hub fails, the entire network is affected.

Higher Cabling Costs

Requires more cabling than bus topology.

 31

Ring Topology

Each device is connected to two other

devices, forming a ring. Data travels in one
direction, and a failure in one device can
disrupt the entire network.
 32

Advantages of Ring Topology

Balanced Data Flow

Data travels in one direction, reducing the chance

of collisions.

Equal Access

Each device has equal access to the network.

 33

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

Single Point of Failure

A failure in one device can disrupt the entire

network.

Complex Troubleshooting

Identifying and isolating faults can be

challenging.
 34

Mesh Topology

Devices are interconnected, providing

multiple paths for data to travel. This offers
high redundancy and reliability but can be
complex and costly to implement.
 35

Advantages of Mesh Topology

High Reliability

Multiple paths between devices ensure network

resilience.

Fault Isolation

Faults can be isolated without affecting the

entire network
 36

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

High Cost

Requires extensive cabling and hardware, making

it expensive.

Complex Installation

Setting up and maintaining the network is

complex
 37

Tree Topology

A hybrid topology that combines characteristics of

star and bus topologies, suitable for large networks.
 38

Advantages of Tree Topology

Scalability

Easy to expand by adding new branches.

Hierarchical Structure

Organized structure simplifies management.

 Disadvantages of Tree 39

Topology

Single Point of Failure

Failure in the backbone can disrupt multiple

branches.

High Cabling Costs

Requires more cabling than star topology.

 40

Network Topologies
 41

END