Lecture 1 Summary: Intro to Computer Networks

 Data Communication System: the exchange of data between independent computerized

devices within a geographic area via transmission medium.

 Data Communication System Components

o Message  Data Communicated

o Sender

o Receiver

o Transmission Medium Physical path by which message travels

o Protocol  Rules governing the communication

 Data Network Importance/Advantages:

o Easy access of information

o Sharing of expensive devices

o File Sharing/ Peripheral Sharing

o Modern Technologies

o Shared Internet Access

 Network Criteria

o Performance:

 Throughput  bitrate

 Delay

o Reliability  Frequency of failure, time to recover from failure

o Security  Protecting data from unauthorized access/damage, recovering data

losses
 Nodes, Paths, Links

o Nodes (circles)  Represent stations/cities/hosts etc..

o Links  Connections between consecutive nodes. E.g: wires/fiber optics

o Paths  Connection between 2 nodes through one more links

 Possible path between A to G = AC  CD  DF  FG

 Communication Data Flow:

o Simplex  Unidirectional data flow

o Half Duplex  Non-simultaneous bidirectional data flow

o Full Duplex  Simultaneous data flow

 Network Components are classified into Software and
Hardware components:

o Software

 Applications

 Network Operating System

o Hardware

 Transmission media (2 types)

 Wired

o Metallic Wires  Electrical Impulses Encoding

o Fiber Optics  Pulses of light Encoding

 Wireless  by air, EM Waves Encoding (Bluetooth/Radio)

 NIC (Network Interface Card)  Device plugged into motherboard

providing access to network

 Devices

 End Devices  Workstations/PCs/Servers etc…

 Network Devices  Repeaters/Hubs/Bridges/Switch etc…

o Network Access Devices  Connectivity to network

(Hub/Switch)

o Internetworking Devices  Connects Individual Networks

(Router)
 Answers to Lecture Questions

 Half Duplex  Since Emails do not require simultaneous communication.

Receiver would wait for sender, otherwise he would not send an email.