Computer

Networking
What is a Network?
A computer network is a collection of
interconnected computers and other
devices which are able to
communicate with each other and
share hardware
and software resources.
 Why do we need networks?

■ Resource Sharing: data, hardware and

software resources can be shared
irrespective of physical location.
■ Reliability: file can have two or more

copies on different systems, in case if

one is unavailable we can use the other.
■ Reduced costs: sharing of resources,

reduces cost.
■ Fast communication: exchange
 Evolution of Network
The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network was the
first wide-area packet-switching network with distributed
control and one of the first networks to implement the TCP/IP
protocol suite.

The ARPANET( first network) was established by the

Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the United
States Department of Defense in 1969.
In mid 80’s NSFNET(National Science
Foundation) created a high capacity network
called NSFNET.

Arpanet was shut down in 1990.

Elementary Terminology
Of
Networks
 SERVER
A SERVER is also a computer that facilitates the
sharing of data, software, and hardware
resources like printers, modems etc on the
network.
On small networks, sometimes all the
shareable stuff (like files, data, software etc.)
is stored on the server. A network can have
more than one server also. Each server has a
unique name on the network and all users of
network identify the server by its unique name.
2 Types of Server

• Non-dedicated server

• Dedicated server
 Dedicated Server

On bigger network installations, there is a

computer reserved for server's job and its only
job is to help workstations access data,
software and hardware resources. It does not
double-up as a workstation and such a server
is known as dedicated server. The networks
using such a server are known
as MASTER-SLAVE networks.
 Dedicated Server

On a network, there may be several servers that allow

workstations to share specific resources. For example,
there may be a server exclusively for serving files-related
request like storing files, deciding about their access
privileges and regulating the amount of space allowed for
each user. This server is known as file server. Similarly,
there may be printer server and modem server.
The printer server takes care of the printing
requirements of a number of workstations and
the modem server helps a group of network users use
a modem to transmit long distance messages.
 Non Dedicated Server

On small networks, a workstation that can

double up as a server, is known
as non-dedicated server since it is not
completely dedicated to the cause of serving.
Such servers can facilitate the
resource-sharing among workstations on a
proportionately smaller scale. Since one
computer works as a workstation as wellas
server, it is slower and requires more memory.
The (small)networks using such a server are
known as PEER-TO-PEER networks.
Non Dedicated Dedicated
server Server

Workstation One computer

doubles up as a reserved for
server server job
Slower, requires Faster
more memory
Used in small The networks
networks called using such a
peer to peer server is called
networks Master-Slave
network.
 node node node

printer server
NODES (Work stations)
The different terminals which
are attached to the network and
share the resources of the
network are called nodes.
When we attach a computer with
the network it becomes the
workstation of that network.
 INTERNET
The Internet is a global wide area
network that connects computer
systems across the world. It includes
several high-bandwidth data lines that
comprise the Internet "backbone."
These lines are connected to major
Internet hubs that distribute data to
other locations, such as web
servers and ISPs.
 INTERSPACE
InterSpace is basically a client/server
software program, allows multiple
users to communicate online with
real-time audio, video or text chat in
dynamic 3D environments. Did you
know ? - InterSpace provides the most
advanced form of communication
available on the Internet today