COMPUTER NETWORKS

What is computer network?

• A computer network is a group

of two or more computer
systems connected together.
• Example: School network,
home network, Internet etc.
What is Local Area Network?

• Local Area Network (LAN) is a

network that is restricted to a
small geographical area.
• Example: a school network,
a home network
What is Wide Area Network?

• Wide Area Network (WAN) is a

network that covers a large
geographical area.
• Example: Internet, large bank
networks
Advantages of computer networks

• Users can share files and data on the network

• Can share resources such as printers and Internet
connections
• Can communicate with other network users
(e-mail, instant messaging, video-conferencing, etc.)
Disadvantages of computer networks

• Networks can have security risks if the network is

not sufficiently protected.
• Viruses could easily spread from one networked
computer to another.
• A whole network could fail if the main server breaks
down
Network devices

• Network Interface Card

• Hubs
• Bridges
• Switches
• Router
• Modem
• Firewall
Network Interface Card

• A network interface card (NIC) is

a circuit board or a card that is
installed in a computer so that it
can be connected to a network.
Hub

• A hub is a device that connects

computers together to make a
LAN.
• When hub receives a message,
it sends it to every computer on
the network.