Chapter 1

Introduction

Computer Networks
PHMS 224
In This Session…
Defining Networks
Types of Networks
Reasons for using Networks
Introduction to Communications
Basic Terms

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What Is a Network?
A network consists of a number of interconnected,
autonomous computers.
◼ All the computers have their own operating system and can act
independently.
◼ Interconnected: the computers can send information to each
other.
◼ Autonomous: excludes distributed systems.

Distributed Systems
◼ Consist of many processors linked together but acting as one
computer under the control of one copy of the operating
system.
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Types of Networks
Local Area Networks (LANs)
◼ Limited to a small geographical area.
◼ LAN data transfer rates tend to be very high.
◼ The whole LAN (computers, cables, components) owned by one
organisation (i.e. a business).
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
◼ Connect computers over long distances (round the globe).
◼ WAN data rates lower than those of LANs.
◼ Used to interconnect LANs.
◼ Uncommon for an entire WAN to be owned by one organisation.
◼ Third-party telecommunications carrier companies will provide
the long-haul links
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LAN

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WAN

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Other Network Types
Metropolitan Networks (MANs)
◼ Halfway between LANs and WANs.
◼ can span an entire city and its suburbs, but their reach is not as
great as that of WANs.

Personal Area Network (PANs)

◼ Short range network

Home Area Networks (HANs)

◼ Short range network

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Reasons for Networks
Make it possible to share computer hardware, software
applications and data files.

Make communication possible (i.e. email or IM).

WANs enable the same possibilities as LANs, with the

added advantage of a world- wide reach.

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COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
COMPUTERS

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Source, Destination and
Transmission Medium
Source
Whenever information is sent through a network, there is always
a source (the sending computer).

Medium
The data travels along a medium (often and cable).

Destination
The receiving computer.

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Packet
Packet
◼ A unit of information suitable for travelling between one
computer and another .
◼ The data is usually sent in a packet .
◼ In addition to the data itself, the packet will contain addressing
information.
◼ The source address in a packet identifies the sending computer.
◼ The destination address identifies the receiving computer.

Besides address information, the packet will also contain

other items that are needed to facilitate communication.

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Source, Destination and
Transmission Medium

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Protocol
Protocol
◼ A set of rules / Code of conduct.
◼ These rules make communication via a network work
satisfactorily.

When we want to send a packet of data from one

computer to another, it is vital that the source, the
destination and any other devices on the network all use
the same protocol.

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Questions
1. What are the differences between WANs and LANs?

2. What benefits do networks offer?

3. Why do data packets need to include addresses along

with the data?

4. What is a network protocol?

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Reference

Cowley, J. (2013). Communications and Networking: An

Introduction (2nd ed.). London: Springer.

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