An Introduction to Networking

Objectives
• List advantages of networked computing relative to standalone computing

• Identify elements of a network

• Describe several specific uses of a network

• Distinguish between client/server and peer-to- peer networks
What is a Computer Network?
• A network can be defined as the communication between two hosts using
intermediate network devices and some form of connectivity.
• The main purpose of this communication is to share available information and
resources.
• Data originates from one sending End device, flows through the network and arrives at
the receiving End device.
What is a Computer Network?
 Networks and Standalone Computers
• Network
• Group of computers and other devices connected by some type of transmission media

• Networks enable users to share devices and data, collectively called a network’s resources

• Standalone computer
• Uses programs and data only from its local disks and is not connected to a network
Communication before Network
• • Method of sharing data by copying it to a disk and carrying the disk from computer to computer

• Figure 1-1: Data sharing before the advent of networks

Advantages of Computer Network
• Data Sharing
• Resource sharing
• Connecting computers
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration
• Security
Disadvantages of Computer Network
• Dependence on central server
• Malware/virus attacks
• Difficult implementation
• Cost
Components of a Network
Host devices / End Devices
Components of a Network
Intermediate Devices
• These are the network devices which help to interconnect End hosts together

Hub Switch Wireless Access

Point

Repeater Router
Bridge
Components of a Network
Other Components

NIC Operating System

Cables Protocols
Local and Remote Computers
Local computer
• Computer on which user is working

Remote computer
• Computer that user controls or works on via network connection
Types of Network
• Local Area Network [LAN]
• Metropolitan Area Network [MAN]
• Wide Area Network [WAN]
• Intranet
• Internet
Local Area Network (LAN)
•Network of computers and other devices
confined to relatively small space

•LANs involving many computers are usually

server-based

•On a server-based network, special

computers (known as servers) process data for
and facilitate communication between other
computers on the network (known as clients)
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
• Network connecting clients and servers in multiple buildings within limited geographic
area
Wide area network (WAN)
•Network that spans large distance and
connects two or more LANs
•The Internet is an example of a very intricate
and extensive WAN that spans the globe
Three characteristics of WANs:
•WANs interconnect LANs over wide
geographical areas such as between cities,
states, or countries.
•Usually administered by multiple service
providers.
•WANs typically provide slower speed
links between LANs.
Wide area network (WAN)
Types of Network model
• Peer-to-Peer Network
• Client/Server Network
Client/Server Network
Every computer connected to a network is
called a host or end device.
•Servers are computers that provide information to
end devices on the network. For example, email
servers, web servers, or file server

•Clients are computers that send requests to the

servers to retrieve information such as a web page
from a web server or email from an email server.
Peer-to-Peer Network
• Client and server software usually run on separate computers.

• However, in small businesses or homes, it is typical for a client to also function as the server. These networks are
called peer-to-peer networks.
Peer-to-Peer Network
• Peer-to-peer networking advantages: easy to set up, less complex, and lower cost.

• Disadvantages: no centralized administration, not as secure, not scalable, and slower performance.
Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of
interconnected LANs and WANs.

LANs are connected to each other using WANs.

WANs are then connected to each other using

copper wires, fiber optic cables, and wireless
transmissions.

The Internet is not owned by any individual or group,

however, the following groups were developed to
help maintain structure:
IETF
ICANN
IAB
Internet
It is a worldwide system which has the following characteristics:
• Internet is a world-wide / global system of interconnected computer networks.

• Internet uses the standard Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

• Every computer in internet is identified by a unique IP address.

• IP Address is a unique set of numbers (such as 110.22.33.114) which identifies a computer’s

location.

• A special computer DNS (Domain Name Server) is used to give name to the IP Address so that
user can locate a computer by a name.
• Internet is accessible to every user all over the world.
Intranet
• Intranet is system in which multiple PCs are connected to each other.
• PCs in intranet are not available to the world outside the intranet.
• Usually each company or organization has their own Intranet network and
members/employees of that company can access the computers in their intranet.
• Each computer in Intranet is also identified by an IP Address which is unique among
the computers in that Intranet.
Intranet
Similarities in Internet and Intranet
• Intranet uses the internet protocols such as TCP/IP and FTP
• Intranet sites are accessible via web browser in similar way as websites in internet. But
only members of Intranet network can access intranet hosted sites.
• In Intranet, own instant messengers can be used as similar to yahoo messenger/ gtalk
over the internet.
Differences between Internet and Intranet
• Internet is general to PCs all over the world whereas Intranet is specific to few PCs.
• Internet has wider access and provides a better access to websites to large population
whereas Intranet is restricted.
• Internet is not as safe as Intranet as Intranet can be safely privatized as per the need.
Why Certification?

Hands ON
Cisco Certification Paths
Jobs available in the industry
•Help Desk Technician •Network Support Administrator

•System Engineer •Network Administrator

•Server Specialist •Network Engineer

•IT Support Specialist •Systems Analyst

•IT Security Specialist •Cloud Architect

•Ethical Hackers