Network Basics

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Network Fundamentals

Network Fundamentals

Back in the day, computers have no means to connect and transfer data from
one computer to another. But recent advancement in technology has made
computers to do so. A network is a group of two or more computer systems
and other devices those are connectedto share and collect data with a purpose.
In the modern computing infrastructure, the integral part is Computer
networking.
Upon completion of this module, the students should be able to:
1. Define what Computer Networks are
2. Identify the Network components
3. Identify the standard representation for network devices
4. Identify applications that uses a network

Computer Networks
Computer Network Defined
A computer network is a set of computers connected together for the
purpose of sharing resources. It is a collection of computing devices that are
connected in various ways in order to communicate using electronic means.
Connections between computers in a network are made using physical wires
or cables but through network connection, computers are able to share file,
internet access, printers, etc. but nowadays, it can be connected using
wireless means using radio waves or infrared signal
Below is a simple computer network comprises of Personal Computers, a
printer and a physical cable.

Course Module
 Figure 1.0 A simple Computer Network System
Source: http://pluto.ksi.edu/~cyh/cis370/ebook/ch01b.htm

Components of the Network

The computers are connected through either the use Ethernet Cables or
through Wireless Connection. Devices like routers, hubs and switches make
it possible.
1. End Devices (hardware components)
These are the computing device that interconnects which has an IP address
that is unique for every computing device such as laptops, personal
computers, printers, workstations, smart phones, IP Cameras, etc.
2. Intermediary Devices
These devices provide connectivity to the network, connect individual
networks, and connect segments within the same network.
Examples are:
a. Network Access Devices (Hubs, switches, and wireless access points)
b. Internetworking Devices (routers)
c. Communication Servers and Modems
d. Security Devices (firewalls).
Below are detailed descriptions of commonly used network devices.
1. Hubs
This is a device connecting multiple computers together and makes
them perform the functions as a single unit.

Figure 2: Ethernet Hub

Source: http://www.certiology.com/computing/computer-networking/network-
devices.html
2. Switches
This is a computer networking device that connects devices together
on a computer network.

Figure 3: Network switches

Source: http://www.certiology.com/computing/computer-networking/network-
devices.html
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Network Fundamentals

3. Routers
These are small electronic devices that join multiple
computer networks together via either wired or wireless
connections.

Figure 4: Network Routers

Source: http://www.certiology.com/computing/computer-networking/network-
devices.html

4. Network Card
Network cards also known as Network Interface Cards (NICs) are
hardware devices that connect a computer with the network.

Figure 5: Network Card/Network Interface Cards (NICs)

Source: http://www.certiology.com/computing/computer-networking/network-
devices.html

5. Modems
This is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data
over, for example, telephone or cable lines.

Course Module
 Figure 6: Modem
Source: http://www.certiology.com/computing/computer-networking/network-
devices.html

Representation of Network Devices/Components

In computer networking, a series of standard symbols/images are used to
represent different network devices and components.

Figure 7: Network Symbol Representation

Source: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/1600/NetworkSymbols.png

Applications that uses a Network

The following are some of the applications of a computer network.
1. Games
Allows multiplayer games between various devices
2. Databases
Networking makes it possible for different computers to access the same
database.
3. E-mail
Sending and receiving E-mails is one of the important functions of
Network.
4. Video Conferencing
Video Conferencing applications such as Webex, Facetime, and Skype is
possible because computer networks
5. File Transfer protocol (FTP)
Exchanging files over the web mainly uses network connection.
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Network Fundamentals

Glossary
Computer Network: This is a set of computers connected together for the
purpose of sharing resources
End-devices: These are the computing device that interconnects which has an
IP address that is unique for every computing device such as laptops, personal
computers, printers, workstations, smart phones, IP Cameras, etc.
Hubs: These are devices connecting multiple computers together and make
them perform the functions as a single unit.
Intermediary Devices: These devices provide connectivity to the network,
connect individual networks, and connect segments within the same network.
Modem: This is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data
over, for example, telephone or cable lines.
Network Card: Network cards also known as Network Interface Cards (NICs)
are hardware devices that connect a computer with the network.
Routers: These are small electronic devices that join multiple computer
networks together via either wired or wireless connections.
Switch: This is a computer networking device that connects devices together
on a computer network.

References
Books and Journals
Cisco Networking Academy; 2016; Introduction to Networks v6 Companion
Guide1st Edition; United States of America: Amazon Digital Services LLC.
Tetz, Edward; 2016; Cisco Networking All-in-One For Dummies1st Edition;
United States of America: For Dummies
Troy, McMillan; 2016; Cisco Networking Essentials 2nd Edition; United States
of America: Sybex
Online Supplementary Reading Material
Local Area Networks and their Application in Libraries;
http://web.simmons.edu/~chen/nit/NIT%2792/349-wij.htm; September 4,
2017
Lan Network Topologies; http://www.firewall.cx/networking-
topics/general-networking/103-network-topologies.html; September 4,
2017
Network Devices; http://www.geeksforgeeks.org/network-devices-hub-
repeater-bridge-switch-router-gateways/; September 4, 2017

Course Module
Types of Network Topologies;
https://www.slideshare.net/AdilAslam4/types-of-network-topologies-
69291119; September 4, 2017
What is web server; https://developer.mozilla.org/en-
US/docs/Learn/Common_questions/What_is_a_web_server; September 4,
2017
Online Instructional Videos
Basic Networking Fundamentals;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrY26cvZlSU ; September 4, 2017
Network Fundamentals :Free Cisco Video Training 2017;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2D1o-aM-2s ; September 4, 2017
Networking Fundamentals: Understanding Local Area Networking;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9TmvFvYfWw ;September 4, 2017