COMPUTER NETWORKS

A computer network is an interconnection among two or

more computers or computing devices. Such interconnection
allows computers to share data and resources among each
other. A basic network may connect a few computers placed
in a room.

A computer network can include different types of hosts (also called

nodes) like server, desktop, laptop, cellular
phones,hub,switch,router,client,cables etc.
TYPES OF NETWORKS
• PAN ( Personal Area Network)
• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)
10.3.1 Personal Area Network (PAN) It is a network formed by
connecting a few personal devices like computers, laptops, mobile
phones, smart phones, printers etc.,
A personal area network may be wired or wireless. For example, a
mobile phone connected to the laptop through USB forms a wired
PAN while two smartphones communicating with each other through
Bluetooth technology form a wireless PAN or WPAN.

Local Area Network (LAN) It is a network that connects computers,

mobile phones, tablet, mouse, printer within a small area or placed at
a limited distance. The geographical area covered by a LAN can range
from a single room, a floor, an office having one or more
buildings in the same premise, laboratory, a school, college, or
university campus.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Metropolitan Area Network
(MAN) is an extended form of LAN which covers a larger
geographical area like a city or a town.

Wide Area Network (WAN) ( Is the connection between two or

more LANs over a wide area.
Wide Area Network connects computers and other LANs and MANs,
which are spread across different geographical locations of a country
or in different countries or continents. A WAN could be formed by
connecting a LAN to other LANs via wired/wireless media. Large
business, educational and government organisations connect their
different branches in different locations across the world through
WAN. The Internet is the largest WAN that connects billions of
computers, smartphones and millions of LANs from different
continents.

NETWORK DEVICES
Important hardwares for setting up a network system
(such as server, client, hub, switch, cable, etc.).
Server – it is a computer program that runs or operates
to serve the request of clients.
Client – it is a server network that handles the requests
of its clients and the services of the servers to transfer
information.
A router manages the flow of data within and between
networks. It receives the data, analyse it and transmit it to other
networks. A wireless router can provide WIFI access to smart phones
and other devices .
Switch – a device that can connect multiple nodes or devices together
within a LAN.
Hub – it allows several USB devices to connect to a single node.

Modem Modem stands for ‘MOdulator DEModulator’. It refers to a

device used for conversion between analog signals and digital bits.
modem connects networks to the Internet.
Ethernet Card Ethernet card, also known as Network Interface Card
(NIC card in short) is a network adapter used to set up a wired
network.
1. A network node is a connection point in a
communications network. Each node is an endpoint for
data transmissions or redistribution.
2. A node is a point of intersection/connection within a
data communication network. In an environment where
all devices are accessible through the network, these
devices are all considered nodes

NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES
The arrangement of computers and other peripherals in a network is
called Network topology.
Common network topologies are Mesh, Ring, Bus, Star and Tree.
Bus – The bus topology has a single cable to which every device on
the network connects.
Star - In a star topology, each device in the network connects to a
central hub, which distributes messages from one node to another.
Ring - A ring topology forms when you connect a network’s nodes in
a circle.
Mesh - in mesh topology, multiple connections are made.
Hybrid topology combines two or more topologies.
Point to Point (p2p) The network consists of a direct link between
two computers
Advantages of Network: 
These are the main advantages of Computer Networks: 
 
1. Central Storage of Data – 
Files can be stored on a central node (the file
server) that can be shared and made available to
each and every user in an organization.
2. File sharing
The major advantage of a computer network is that
is allows file sharing and remote file access. A
person sitting at one workstation that is connected
to a network can easily see files present on another
workstation, provided he is authorized to do so.

3. Application sharing
It enables two or more users to access a shared
application or software over the network with the
help of the client/server application.

4. Resource/ Hardwares sharing

All computers in the network can share resources
such as printers, fax machines, modems, and
scanners.
 5. Better connectivity and communications
It allows users to connect and communicate with each
other easily. Networks allow users to communicate
using e-mail, newsgroups, and video conferencing,
6. Internet access
Computer networks provide internet service over the
entire network. Every single computer attached to the
network can experience the high speed internet.
7. Inexpensive system
Shared resources mean reduction in hardware costs.
8. Security 
 
Security and protection is already included with
computer network. Thus it provides a better security to
sensitive and confidential informations.

 Time
It reduces the time of sending any information
anywhere in the world as it delivered the information
faster than any physical transportation.
 Distance
We can send any information across the world even you
are sitting at a place in the world just you need a
network and this enables you to send any information
anywhere in the world.
  Saves Cost
It is very cheaper than the physical transportation of any
information but with the help of the internet, it can be
transmitted in a very small amount.

DISADVANTAGES or CHALLENGES
It requires an expert handler.
For a computer network to work efficiently and optimally, it
requires high technical skills and know-how of its operations
and administration. a skilled network manager with
experience needs to be deployed.
ITS expensive TO set-up.
Though computer networks are said to be an inexpensive
system. its initial set up cost can still be high depending on the
number of computers to be connected. Expensive devices,
such as routers, switches, hubs, etc., can add up to the cost.
 Issues with Independent Usage / Lack of privacy:
Because everything is centralized, the network lacks
independence. As a result, individual users cannot use the
computer as they wish.
 Malware Infection: Viruses or Malware can spread easily
between the connected computers in a network. It is quite
likely that malware will spread to the remaining computers if
one of the systems gets infected.
Poor Security of Computer Networks : From viruses to
hackers, there are many ways in which computer networks
can be disrupted. Since there are large number of users using
the network. For large networks such as WAN, hackers can
easily access the network using specialized tools developed
for this purpose.
May affect Productivity
 
One of the major problems of computer networking is that it
can drastically decrease the productivity of the company.
When there is an internet access, employees can use it for
other purposes other than the office work.

Lack of Robustness
 
The connected systems on a network entirely depend on the
main server. In case the server breaks down, the system
cannot be used anymore. 
 Not only the main server, if the problem lies on the central
server the entire network will be failing.

Opportunities in networking computing devices

1.Network Service Technician
Network service technicians identify and fix network
troubles.
2. Network Administrator
Network administrators oversee the computers in the
company’s system. They manage and ensure the
network runs smoothly and uninterrupted.
3. Network Systems Manager
Network systems managers guide, manage and
supervise the entire Internet and computer operation.
4. Network devices retailer
Network devices retailer buys and sells products or
devices used for networking environment
SUMMARY NOTE :
Hubs and switches are used to create LAN networks whiles
routers are used to connect to other networks by forwarding data
packets.
Modems are devices used to access internet
Client computers request information from server on a network whiles
server manages all devices and request of clients within a network.

Bus topology uses a single cable which connects all the included
nodes.

star topology, all the computers connect with the help of a hub. This
cable is called a central node, and all other nodes are connected
using this central node.
mesh topology has a unique network design in which each computer
on the network connects to every other.
Tree topologies have a root node, and all other nodes are connected
which form a hierarchy.
Hybrid topology combines two or more topologies.
Ring topology every computer is connected to another computer.
Here, the last node is combined with a first one.
Point to Point (p2p) The network consists of a direct link between
two computers
 SOCIAL MEDIA

1. Social media is an internet-based form of communication.

Social media platforms allow users to have conversations,
share information and create web content.
OR
2. Social media is a computer-based technology that
facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information
through the building of virtual networks
OR
3. Social media refers to the means of interactions among
people in which they create, share, and/or exchange
information and ideas in virtual communities.

TYPES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

1. SOCIAL NETWORKING
2. MICROBLOGGING

What Is Social Networking?

The term social networking refers to the use of internet-based
social media sites to stay connected with friends, family,
colleagues, or customers.
Social networking can have a social purpose, a business
purpose, or both.
Examples are facebook, whatsapp,LinkedIn

FACEBOOK
Facebook is a social networking site that makes it easy for
you to connect and share with family and friends online.
Facebook is a social networking website where users can post
comments, share photographs, and post links to news or other
interesting information.
Uses of facebook
1. Connecting with friends
2. Advertising products
3. Share photos, videos, stories
4. Send messages 
WhatsApp is a messaging app that uses the internet to send
messages, images, audio or video.
or
WhatsApp is a free, multiplatform messaging app that lets
you make video and voice calls, send text messages, and more
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for
the business community.

MICROBLOGGING
Microblogging is a short blog post designed for quick and
typically direct audience interactions.
A microblog is a short piece of content designed for quick
audience interactions. Microblogging is a combination of
instant messaging and content production ...

EXAMPLES OF MICROBLOGGING PLATFORMS

1. TWITTER
2. PINTEREST
3. INSTAGRAM
4. TUMBLR

Instagram is a free social networking service built around

sharing photos and videos. OR
Instagram is a free social media platform for sharing photos
and videos with your followers.

Twitter is a social media site, and its primary purpose is to

connect people and allow people to share their thoughts
with a big audience.

MICROBLOGGING

Benefits of microblogging include the following: 

 More frequent posts. Microbloggers can share short
messages more often when compared to writing longer,
more in-depth traditional blogs.
 Less time needed to create a post. Users can create
shorter microblog posts faster than longer forms of
content.
 Conducive for time-sensitive information. Posts or
tweets can share breaking news, event information,
trending topics or other timely information.
 Mobile friendly. Microblogs are typically shared on
mobile devices, making them accessible to people
anywhere.
 Direct communication with followers. The short-form
communication style of microblogging facilitates
interaction by enabling users to leave comments,
retweet, like and share and posts.
 Marketing. Organizations can use microblogs as a form
of content marketing by sharing images, promotions and
links to their products.