OBJECTIVES:

For students to learn about the following:

 Computer networks
 Conceptual model and basic elements of data communication system
 Network Topologies
 Network Security
 Physical Layer
 Concepts of OSI layer model

OVERVIEW

A system of interconnected computers and computerized peripherals such as printers is

called computer network. This interconnection among computers facilitates information
sharing among them. Computers may connect to each other by either wired or wireless
media.

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Introduction

The field of networking and communication includes the analysis, design,

implementation, and use of local, wide-area, and mobile networks that link computers
together. The internet itself is a network that makes it feasible for nearly all computers in
the world to communicate.

A computer network links computers together via a combination of infrared light

signals, radio wave transmissions, telephone lines, television cables, and satellite links.
The challenge for computer scientists has been to develop protocols (standardized rules
for the format and exchange of messages) that allow processes running on host computers
to interpret the signals they receive and to engage in meaningful “conversations” in order
to accomplish tasks on behalf of users.

Network protocols also include flow control, which keeps a data sender from swamping

a receiver with messages that it has no time to process or space to store, and error control,
which involves transmission error detection and automatic resending of messages to
correct such errors.

Computer networking really began in the 1960s with the birth of the Internet, as we’ll see
below. However, while the Internet and web were evolving, corporate networking was
also taking shape in the form of local area networks and client-server computing. In the
1990s, when the Internet came of age, Internet technologies began to pervade all areas of
the organization. Now, with the Internet a global phenomenon, it would be unthinkable to
have a computer that did not include communications capabilities. This chapter will
review the different technologies that have been put in place to enable this
communications revolution.

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LABORATOY MANUALS DO’s and DON’T

DO’s

 DO answer all the exercises and activity

 DO keep your books manual in a stable, moderate environment
 DO keep your manuals away from direct sunlight and other high intensity light.
Ultraviolet and visible light can speed up the deterioration of paper and cause
fading or discoloration of the vibrant colors of paper.

DON’T’S

 DON’T let others answer the exercises.

 DON’T use self-stick notes, paper clips or rubber bands.  Self-stick notes leave a
sticky residue that is not good for paper.

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