Network Terminologies:

 
Communication – In computer, communication is
described as a process in which two or more
computers or devices transfer data, instructions,
and information.
Computer Network - consists of two or more
computers that are linked to share resources (such
as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow
electronic communications.
 Network Terminologies:
 
Internet – INTERNET is a short form of Interconnected
Network of all the Web Servers Worldwide. It is also
called the World Wide Web or simply the Web.
Internet Protocol - (IP) is a protocol, or set of rules,
for routing and addressing packets of data so that they
can travel across networks and arrive at the correct
destination. Data traversing the Internet is divided into
smaller pieces, called packets.
 Network Terminologies:
 
Transmission Medium - The transmission medium
can be defined as a pathway that can transmit
information from a sender to a receiver. Transmission
media are also called communication channels.
Firewall - A firewall is a network security device that
monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and
decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based
on a defined set of security rules.
 Network Terminologies:
 
WAN - In its simplest form, a wide-area network
(WAN) is a collection of local-area networks (LANs)
or other networks that communicate with one
another.

LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a collection of

devices connected in one physical location, such as
a building, office, or home.
 Network Terminologies:
 
IP - stands for "Internet Protocol," which is the set of
rules governing the format of data sent via the internet
or local network.
TCP - The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a
communications standard that enables application
programs and computing devices to exchange messages
over a network. It is designed to send packets across
the internet and ensure the successful delivery of data
and messages over networks.
 Lesson 1:
Elements of Computer
Network
What is a Computer
Network?
 A computer network is a collection of computers
and devices connected together via communications
devices and transmission media. Many businesses
network their computers together to facilitate
communications, share hardware, share data and
information, share software, and transfer funds.
 A network can be internal to an organization or span the world by
connecting to the Internet. Instead of using the Internet or an internal
network, some companies hire a value-added network provider for
network functions. A value-added network (VAN) is a third-party
business that provides networking services for a fee.

Networks facilitate communications among users and allow users

to share resources with other users. Some examples of resources are
data, information, hardware, and software.
 A computer network consists of two or more
computing devices that are connected in order to
share the components of your network (its resources)
and the information you store there, as shown in
Figure 1.1. The most basic computer network (which
consists of just two connected computers) can expand
and become more usable when additional computers
join and add their resources to those being shared.
Figure 1.1
A computer network can be as simple as two or
more computers communicating.
Computer Network
- is a system in which multiple nodes are connected to
each other to share information and resources. A
computer network allows sharing of resources between
different nodes connected within it.
Computer Network Elements:
There are basically 4 computer networking
elements:
1. Network and end user devices (Hardware)
2. Transmission medium (wired or wireless)
3. Protocols
4. Network software
 1. Network and end user devices
The end user device, which could be a client computer or an IP phone, is
used to send data to the network. The network devices, which consist of
routers and switches, work in tandem with the medium, to ensure that the
data reaches its destination.
The network devices that people are most familiar with are called end
devices. All computers connected to a network that participate directly in
network communication are classified as hosts. These devices form the
interface between users and the underlying communication network.
Some examples of end devices are:

• computers (workstations, laptops, file servers, and web servers)

• network printers
• VoIP phones
• TelePresence endpoints
• security cameras
Some examples of end devices are:
• mobile handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, PDAs, and
wireless debit/credit card readers and barcode scanners)
sensors such as thermometers, weight scales, and other
devices that will be connected to the IoE.
 Internet of Everything
Internet of Things
What is IoT vs IoE?
IoE is the intelligent connection between
people, process, data and things by creating
'web of things' which is the next generation of
internet. IoT is the network of physical
devices where collection and exchange of
data occurs without human intervention.
End devices are either the source or destination of data
transmitted over the network. In order to distinguish one
end device from another, each end device on a network
is identified by an address. When an end device
initiates communication, it uses the address of the
destination end device to specify where the message
should be sent.
A server is an end device that has software installed
that enables it to provide information, like email or web
pages, to other end devices on the network. For
example, a server requires web server software to
provide web services to the network.
A client is an end device that has software installed to
enable it to request and display the information
obtained from a server. An example of client software is
a web browser, like internet Explorer.
 2. Transmission/Interconnecting Medium:
This means through which we send our data from one place to another is
known as the Transmission medium. Signals are used to represent data by
computers and other telecommunication devices. The signals (i.e., data or
information) are transmitted in the form of electromagnetic energy from one
device to another. These signals travel through a vacuum, air, or other
transmission mediums to move from one point to another (from sender to
receiver). In order to facilitate data transfer, it is important that there be a
wired or wireless medium to connect the devices to each other. This can be
in the form of copper/ optical fibers, or electromagnetic waves.
The two types of transmission medium:
A. Wired or Guided: For example, Twisted Pair Cable, Coaxial
Cable, and Optical Fiber Cable.

B. Wireless or Unguided: For example, Radio waves, Microwaves,

and Infrared.
Different types of network media have different features and benefits. Not all
network media have the same characteristics, nor are they appropriate for
the same purposes. The criteria for choosing network media are:

• the distance the media can successfully carry a signal

• the environment in which the media is to be installed
• the amount of data and the speed at which it must be transmitted
• the cost of the media and installation.
Intermediary devices interconnect end devices. These devices provide
connectivity and work behind the scenes to ensure that data flows across
the network. Intermediary devices connect the individual hosts to the
network and can connect multiple individual networks to form an internet
work.
Examples of intermediary network devices are:
• switches and wireless access points (network access)
• routers (internetworking)
• Firewalls (security)
 3. Protocols
There are some defined rules and conventions for communication
between network devices. These are called Protocols. Network
protocols include mechanisms for devices to identify and make
connections with each other, as well as formatting rules that specify
how data is packaged into sent and received messages.
 Protocols may be of 3 types:

1. Internet Protocols
2. Wireless Network Protocols
3. Network Routing Protocols
4. Network Software:
Network software is a foundational element for any network. This type of software helps
administrators deploy, manage, and monitor a network. The traditional networks are
made up of specialized hardware, such as routers and switches, that bundle the
networking software into the solution. Such type of software encompasses a broad range
of software used for the design, implementation, and operation, and monitoring of
computer networks. Traditional networks were hardware-based with software embedded.
When software like Defined Networking (SDN) emerged, the software is separated from
the hardware thus making it more adaptable to the ever-changing nature of the computer
network. Data transfer can be done using mail, instant messaging, webpage, user call,
etc. The end user generates the message, which is later fed to the network.
 Sample Illustrations
Of Computer Network
 Basic elements of a computer network include hardware, software, and
protocols. The interrelationship of these basic elements constitutes the
infrastructure of the network.
A network infrastructure is the topology in which the nodes of a local
area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) are connected to each
other. These connections involve equipment like routers, switches,
bridges, and hubs using cables (copper, fiber, and so on) or wireless
technologies (Wi-Fi).
If we think of a network as roads, highways, rails, and other means of
transport, the network protocols are the "traffic rules." The network
protocols define how two devices in the network communicate.