Computer networks are the basis of

communication in IT. They are used in a huge

variety of ways and can include many different
types of network. A computer network is a set
of computers that are connected together so
that they can share information. The earliest
examples of computer networks are from the
1960s, but they have come a long way in the
half-century since then.
Computer networking refers to connected
computing devices (such as laptops,
desktops, servers, smartphones, and tablets)
and an ever-expanding array of IoT devices
(such as cameras, door locks, doorbells,
refrigerators, audio/visual systems,
thermostats, and various sensors) that
communicate with one another.
What Do Networks Do?
Computer networks are used to carry out a large number of
tasks through the sharing of information.
Some of the things that networks are used for include:
1. Communicating using email, video, instant messaging and
other methods
2. Sharing devices such as printers, scanners and
photocopiers
3. Sharing files
4. Sharing software and operating programs on remote
systems
5. Allowing network users to easily access and maintain
information
Types of Network
There are many different types of network, which
can be used for different purposes and by different
types of people and organization. Here are some
of the network types that you might come across:

1. Local Area Networks (LAN)

A local area network or LAN is a network that
connects computers within a limited area. This
might be in a school, an office or even a home.
2. Personal Area Networks (PAN)
A personal area network is a network that is
based on an individual's workspace. The
individual's device is the center of the network,
with other devices connected to it. There are
also wireless personal area networks.
3. Home Area Networks (HAN)
A home area network connects devices within a
home environment. It might include personal
computers, tablets, smartphones, printers, TVs and
other devices.

4. Wide Area Networks (WAN)

A wide area network is a network that covers a
larger geographical area, usually with a radius of
more than a kilometer.
5. Campus Networks
A campus network is a LAN or set of connected
LANs which is used by a government agency,
university, corporation or similar organization and is
typically a network across a set of buildings that are
close together.
6. Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
Metropolitan area networks are networks that
stretch across a region the size of a metropolitan
area. A MAN is a series of connected LANs in a
city, which might also connect to a WAN.
7. Enterprise Private Networks
An enterprise private network is used by a
company to connect its various sites so that the
different locations can share resources.

8. Internetworks
Internetworks connect different networks together
to build a larger network. Internetworking is often
used to describe building a large, global network.
9. Backbone Networks (BBN)
A backbone is a part of a network that connects
different pieces and provides a path for
information to be exchanged.

10. Global Area Networks (GAN)

A global area network is a worldwide network
that connects networks all over the globe, such
as the internet.
Network Design
Computer networks can have different designs,
with the two basic forms being client/server and
peer-to-peer networks. Client/server networks
have centralized servers for storage, which are
accessed by client computers and devices. Peer-
to-peer networks tend to have devices that
support the same functions. They are more
common in homes, while client/server networks
are more likely to be used by businesses.
Types of Network Connections
There are also different types of network connections
that concern how elements in a network are
connected to each other. Topologies are used to
connect computers, with a collapsed ring being the
most common type due to the Ethernet supporting
the internet, local area networks and wide area
networks.

Here are some of the topologies that are used to

create networks:
Star Topology
A central node connects a cable to each computer in the network in
a star topology. Each computer in the network has an independent
connection to the center of the network, and one connection
breaking won't affect the rest of the network. However, one
downside is that many cables are required to form this kind of
network.
Bus Topology
In a bus topology network connection, one cable connects the
computer. The information for the last node on the network has to run
through each connected computer. There is less cabling required,
but if the cable breaks it means that none of the computers can
reach the network.
Ring Topology
A ring topology is similar to a bus topology. It uses a single
cable with the end nodes connected to each other so the
signal can circle through the network to find its recipient. The
signal will try several times to find its destination even when
the network node is not working properly. A collapsed ring
has a central node which is a hub, router or switch. The
device has an internal ring topology and has places for cable
to plug in. Every computer in the network has its own cable to
plug into the device. In an office, this probably means having
a cabling closet, where all computers are connected to the
closet and the switch.
Network Protocols
Network protocols are the languages that computer devices
use to communicate. The protocols that computer networks
support offer another way to define and group them. Networks
can have more than one protocol and each can support
different applications. Protocols that are often used include
TCP/IP, which is most common on the internet and in home
networks.
Wired and Wireless Networks
Many protocols can work with both wired and wireless networks. In recent
years, however, wireless technologies have grown and become much
more popular. Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies have become the
favorite option for building computer networks. One of the reasons for this
is that wireless networks can easily support different types of wireless
gadgets that have become popular over the years, such as smartphones
and tablets. Mobile networking is now an important thing to consider
because it's not going to go away anytime soon.
Key Networking Terms

Open system: an open system is connected to the

network and prepared for communication.
Closed system: a closed system is not connected to the
network and so can't be communicated with.
IP (internet protocol) address: the network address of
the system across the network, which is also known as the
Logical Address).
MAC address: the MAC address or physical address
uniquely identifies each host. It is associated with the
Network Interface Card (NIC).
Port: a port is a channel through which data is sent and
received.
Nodes: nodes is a term used to refer to any computing
devices such as computers that send and receive network
packets across the network.
Network packets: the data that is sent to and from the
nodes in a network.
Routers: routers are pieces of hardware that manage
router packets. They determine which node the
information came from and where to send it to. A router
has a routing protocol which defines how it communicates
with other routers.
Network address translation (NAT): a technique that
routers use to provide internet service to more devices
using fewer public IPs. A router has a public IP address but
devices connected to it are assigned private IPs that others
outside of the network can't see.

Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP): assigns

dynamic IP addresses to hosts and is maintained by the
internet service provider.

Internet service providers (ISP): companies that provide

everyone with their internet connection, both to individuals
and to businesses and other organizations.
What is network interface card (NIC)?

A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware

component without which a computer cannot be
connected over a network. It is a circuit board installed
in a computer that provides a dedicated network
connection to the computer. It is also called network
interface controller, network adapter or LAN adapter.
Purpose

1. NIC allows both wired and wireless communications.

2. NIC allows communications between computers
connected via local area network (LAN) as well as
communications over large-scale network through
Internet Protocol (IP).
3. NIC is both a physical layer and a data link layer
device, i.e. it provides the necessary hardware circuitry
so that the physical layer processes and some data link
layer processes can run on it.
Types of NIC Cards
NIC cards are of two types −
Internal Network Cards
In internal networks cards, motherboard has a slot for the
network card where it can be inserted. It requires network
cables to provide network access. Internal network cards are
of two types. The first type uses Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) connection, while the second type uses
Industry Standard Architecture (ISA).
External Network Cards
In desktops and laptops that do not have an internal NIC,
external NICs are used. External network cards are of
two types: Wireless and USB based. Wireless network
card needs to be inserted into the motherboard, however
no network cable is required to connect to the network.
They are useful while traveling or accessing a wireless
signal.
Operating Systems and Computer Networks
Every computer ships with an operating system (OS) and
networking capabilities are built into all modern operating
systems. The OS consists of software that manages the
apps, functions, and hardware on the computer and
provides an interface that humans use to interact with it.
Operating system software runs on laptop and desktop
computers, smartphones, tablets, network routers, and
other smart devices.
Types of Operating Systems

Corporations, universities, and enterprising individuals

have developed hundreds of computer operating
systems over the years. The best-known and commonly
used operating systems are those found on personal
computers:
1. Microsoft Windows
2. macOS
3. Linux (a UNIX-like OS)
Network Operating Systems

A modern OS contains built-in software designed to

simplify networking. Typical OS software includes an
implementation of TCP/IP and related utility programs
such as ping and traceroute, along with device drivers
and other software to automatically enable the Ethernet
or wireless interface for a device. The operating systems
of mobile devices normally provide programs to enable
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless connectivity.