GSE 213: Introduction to Computer Studies II

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING:
A computer network is a group of computers and other devices connected together to
share resources and exchange information. The devices can be connected through
wires (wired network) or wirelessly (wireless network). The most common type of
computer network is the internet, which is a global network of millions of computers
and devices connected together.

In a computer network, each device has a unique address (IP address) that allows it to
communicate with other devices on the network. This makes it possible for people to
access information, send emails, use social media, and perform other activities from
their devices.

Computer networks are important because they allow people to work together, share
information, and access resources from anywhere in the world. They also help to
increase efficiency and productivity by allowing people to communicate and share
information quickly and easily.

Networking is carried out by connecting devices together and establishing

communication protocols to exchange information and resources. Here are the basic
steps involved in networking:

1. Physical connection: Devices are physically connected using wired or wireless

connections. Wired connections use cables, while wireless connections use Wi-
Fi or other wireless technologies.
2. IP addressing: Each device on the network is assigned a unique IP address that
acts as its identifier on the network.
3. Data transmission: Devices use IP addresses to send and receive data over the
network. Data is transmitted in packets, which are small data units sent from
one device to another.
4. Data routing: Routers are used to direct packets of data from one device to
another. They receive data packets and determine the best path for the packets
to take to reach their destination.
5. Protocols: Networking protocols are used to establish and manage
communication between devices on the network. Some of the most common
protocols are TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
6. Services: Network services, such as file and printer sharing, email, and web
services, are provided to users on the network. These services allow users to
access and share information and resources over the network.
GSE 213: Introduction to Computer Studies II

Overall, networking involves connecting devices, assigning IP addresses, transmitting

data, routing data, and establishing communication protocols to allow for the
exchange of information and resources between devices on a network.

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a type of computer network that connects devices in a
small geographic area, such as a single building or campus. LANs typically consist of a
limited number of devices, ranging from a few to several hundred, and are designed
to allow the devices to communicate and share resources, such as files, printers, and
internet connectivity.

LANs are typically faster and more secure than wide area networks (WANs) because
the physical distance between devices is limited. This allows for the use of high-speed
technologies, such as Ethernet (Ethernet is the traditional technology for connecting
devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). It enables
devices to communicate with each other), to transmit data quickly and efficiently.
LANs are commonly used in homes, small businesses, and large enterprises to connect
devices and allow for easy sharing of resources.

Setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) involves several steps, including:

1. Planning: Determine the number of devices you want to connect, the types of
devices, and the resources that you want to share.
2. Hardware selection: Choose the hardware components needed to create the
network, such as routers, switches, cables, and network adapters.
3. Physical setup: Connect the devices and hardware components physically. For
wired LANs, connect the devices to the switch or router using Ethernet cables.
For wireless LANs, set up a wireless access point (WAP) and connect the devices
to it.
4. Configuration: Configure the hardware components, such as the router, switch,
or WAP, with the necessary settings, such as IP addresses and subnet masks.
5. Installation of Network Operating System (NOS): Install a network operating
system on the devices that will be serving as the network's file and print servers.
6. Sharing resources: Set up file and printer sharing on the devices that will be
serving as the network's file and print servers.
7. Security: Implement security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software,
and password-protected access to shared resources, to protect the LAN from
unauthorized access and potential security threats.
GSE 213: Introduction to Computer Studies II

8. Testing: Test the network to ensure that all devices are communicating properly
and that shared resources are accessible.

By following these steps, you can set up a functional Local Area Network that will allow
you to connect devices and share resources easily.

Local Area Network can be either wired LAN or wireless LAN.

Wired local area network

A wired LAN is also known as an Ethernet LAN connection. In this type of connection,
wires are used to connect the computers. It is a fast connection and latency is low in a
wired connection. Latency means when you transfer data, then in how much time it is
received to the destination. So, data reach time is low in wired LAN. In industries,
Ethernet LAN is used because in this case data is not lost and each user gets a
dedicated line for transferring the data. The ethernet speed is about 1Gbps. Different
types of equipment are used in wired LAN e.g., modem, switch, hub, router, and
coaxial cable is used to make wired LAN connection.

Wireless local area network

Wireless LAN is also known as a Wi-Fi connection. It has low speed as compared to
wired LAN. The speed of Wi-Fi is below 1 Gbps. The latency rate is high in wireless LAN
which means data transfer time from one location to other is high. There is a high
chance that your data collapse with the other data i.e. the signals may collide with
each other if many devices are sending and receiving data wirelessly. If you are
interested to play games then I suggest you use a wired connection because it has a
low latency rate as compared to Wi-Fi. You can use a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect different
devices in a wireless LAN. There are no wires needed to make a wireless connection.
The equipment used to make the wireless connection is a wireless modem, wireless
router, and wireless network card.
GSE 213: Introduction to Computer Studies II

A Wide Area Network (WAN) A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that
covers a large geographical area comprising a region, a country, a continent or even the
whole world. WAN includes the technologies to transmit data, image, audio and video
information over long distances and among different LANs and MANs. WANs are used to
connect devices and resources that are located in different cities, countries, or even
continents.

The distinguishing features of WAN are

• WANs have a large capacity, connecting a large number of computers over a

large area, and are inherently scalable.
• They facilitate the sharing of regional resources.
• They provide uplinks for connecting LANs and MANs to the Internet.
• Communication links are provided by public carriers like telephone networks,
network providers, cable systems, satellites, etc.
• Typically, they have a low data transfer rate and high propagation delay, i.e.,
low communication speed.
GSE 213: Introduction to Computer Studies II

• They generally have a higher bit error rate.

Example of WAN

• The Internet
• 4G Mobile Broadband Systems
• A network of bank cash dispensers.

Some common applications of WAN include:

Remote Access: WANs enable remote access to company resources and applications from
different locations.
File Sharing: WANs facilitate file sharing and collaboration among geographically dispersed
teams.
Video Conferencing: WANs support video conferencing and virtual meetings, allowing people
from different locations to collaborate in real time.
Cloud Computing: WANs provide access to cloud-based services and applications, enabling
organizations to benefit from the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing.
In conclusion, WANs are critical for connecting remote locations, enabling collaboration, and
accessing cloud-based services. They are complex, costly, and require specialized tools for
management and monitoring. However, the benefits they provide in terms of connectivity
and access make them an essential component of modern enterprise networks.

Difference between LAN and WAN

The following table highlights the major differences between a LAN and a WAN.

Key LAN WAN

Definition LAN stands for Local Area Network. It is a WAN stands for Wide
network that connects a group of computers Area Network. It
across a short distance. connects countries and
spans a broad
geographic area. As an
example, consider the
Internet.

Ownership LANs are often owned by private organizations. WAN ownership can be
private or public.
GSE 213: Introduction to Computer Studies II

Key LAN WAN

Speed The speed of data transmission is quite high Data speed in a WAN is
across the devices connected in a LAN. It is due slower than that of a
to the fact that there are limited number of LAN.
devices connected in a LAN.

Latency In a LAN, the propagation latency is minimal. A WAN, on the other

hand, has a long
propagation latency.

Congestion LAN has low congestion as compared to WAN. WAN has higher
congestion than LAN.

Fault The Fault Tolerance of a LAN is higher than a Fault Tolerance of a

Tolerance WAN. WAN is lower than a
LAN.

Maintenance Designing and maintaining a LAN is easy and less Designing and
costly than a WAN. maintaining a WAN is
complex and more
costly.

Conclusion

LANs are simple networks that are used to connect computers and devices within a small area
like an office, a building, or a campus. A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a much larger network
than a LAN or a MAN. It is quite expensive to maintain a WAN; hence a single organization
may not own it. A satellite is used to manage a WAN.

Internet
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use standardized
communication protocols to connect devices and facilitate the exchange of information. It
allows people to communicate, share information, and access services and resources
anywhere.
The Internet is a decentralized network, meaning that there is no central authority controlling
it. Instead, it is made up of a vast number of interconnected networks that are owned and
operated by various organizations and individuals.
The Internet operates on a set of protocols called the Internet Protocol Suite, which includes
the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP). These protocols allow
for reliable and efficient transmission of data across the network.
GSE 213: Introduction to Computer Studies II

One of the key features of the Internet is the World Wide Web (WWW), which is a system of
interconnected documents and resources accessed via the Internet. The web is accessed
using a web browser, which allows users to navigate between web pages, view multimedia
content, and interact with web applications.
Other Internet services include email, instant messaging, file sharing, online gaming, and
streaming media. These services are made possible by various technologies such as hypertext
markup language (HTML), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), and file transfer protocol (FTP).
The Internet has had a profound impact on society, enabling people to connect and
communicate in ways that were previously impossible. It has transformed the way we access
information, conduct business, and socialize with one another.

Computer Operation
Computer operation refers to the process of using a computer to perform tasks and
accomplish goals. The operation of a computer involves several components, including
hardware, software, input devices, output devices, and storage devices.
Hardware components are the physical components of a computer system, such as the
central processing unit (CPU), memory, motherboard, and peripherals like keyboards, mice,
and monitors. Software components are the programs and applications that run on a
computer, such as operating systems, productivity software, and games.
Input devices allow users to input data into the computer, such as keyboards, mice, and
touchscreens. Output devices display information processed by the computer, such as
monitors, printers, and speakers.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the computer's " brain, “responsible for processing data
and executing instructions. Memory is used to store data and programs temporarily while
they are being used. Storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, are used to
store data and programs permanently.
To operate a computer, users must interact with its hardware and software components. This
may involve starting up the computer, logging into a user account, launching programs,
creating or editing documents, browsing the internet, and shutting down the computer when
finished.
In summary, computer operation involves interacting with various components of a computer
system, including hardware, software, input devices, output devices, and storage devices, to
perform tasks and accomplish goals.

Different Aspects of Computer Operation