Computer Networks Course Notes

Metcalfes law
o Value of a network is N
2
(N= number of nodes)
o Each node added to network exponentially increases its value because
each new node adds a new connection to every other node
o Network of 12 nodes has value of 144; 2 networks of 6 nodes have
combined value of 72


Parts of a network
o Nodes perform diff functions, so generic name node can be
replaced/accompanied by more specific one
o Node that supports an app is host
o Nodes that serve as relay points are routers