Chapter One

Introduction
 Computer Network
A computer network is a group of computers linked to
each other that enables the computer to communicate
with another computer and share their resources, data,
and applications.
 Why Use Networks?
Using a computer connected to a network allows us to…

o Easily share files and data

o Share resources such as printers and Internet
connections
o Communicate with other network users (e-mail, instant
messaging, video-conferencing, etc.)
o Store data centrally (using a file server) for ease of
access and back-up
 Fundamental Elements of a Network
o Messages
In the first step of its journey from the computer to its
destination, our instant message gets converted into a
format that can be transmitted on the network.

o Devices
A computer is one type of device that can send and
receive messages over a network. Many other types of
devices can also be connected to the network to
participate in network services. For example telephones,
cameras, music systems, printers etc.
 Fundamental Elements of a Network
(Cont’d)
o Medium
To send our instant message to its destination, the
computer must be connected to a wired or wireless local
network.

o Services
Network services are computer programs that support the
human network.
 Fundamental Elements of a Network
(Cont’d)
o Rules
Important aspects of networks that are neither devices
nor media are rules, or protocols. These rules are the
standards and protocols that specify how the messages
are sent, how they are directed through the network, and
how they are interpreted at the destination devices.
 Computer Network Types
Networks infrastructures can vary greatly in terms of:

o The size of the area covered.

o The number of users connected.

o The number and types of services available.

 Computer Network Types (Cont’d)
According of that we can classified network into number
of types, below we explain number of these types

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

An individual network usually spans a single geographical
area, providing services and applications to people within
a common organizational structure, such as a single
business, campus or region. A LAN is usually administered
by a single organization.
 Computer Network Types (Cont’d)
2. Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN is another important computer network that which is
spread across a large geographical area. WAN network
system could be a connection of a LAN which connects
with other LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves. It
is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.
 Computers Networks Types (Cont’d)
3. The Internet – A Network of Networks
Although there are benefits to using a LAN or WAN, most of
us need to communicate with a resource on another
network, outside of our local organization.

Examples of this type of communication include:

o Sending an e-mail to a friend in another country
o Accessing news or products on a website
o Getting a file from a neighbor's computer
o Instant messaging with a relative in another city
 Computer Network Types (Cont’d)
• Internet is created by the interconnection of networks
belonging to Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These ISP
networks connect to each other to provide access for
millions of users all over the world.

o Intranet
The term intranet is often used to refer to a private
connection of LANs and WANs that belongs to an
organization, and is designed to be accessible only by the
organization's members, employees, or others with
authorization.