Overview of computer communication and Networking

• Communication VS transmission

• Computer Network

• Types of networks

• Network Needs

• Standards

Communication VS transmission

• Sender• Medium• Receiver

• Sender• Medium• Receiver• Common Protocol

Transmission Communication

Computer Network

• ‘A computer network is a collection of computers and other devices (nodes) that use a common network protocol to share resources with each other over a network medium.’

Types of networks

• Network can be classified in many ways:– The area they encompass– Their topologies– Type of communication

Point to point

• Nodes can only communicate with adjacent nodes (Only one hop)

• Source node sends a message that is passed serially through intermediate nodes until it reaches destination (Bridging or Routing)

• Star• Loop• Complete loop• Tree

Network needs(1)

• Addressing: involves assigning a network node a unique address that allows other systems to locate it

• Routing: involves determining the path a data packet takes as it travels between source and destination

• Reliability: refers to data integrity, data received must be identical to data sent– Error detection:

• Error correction through transmission• Autonomous error correction

Network needs (2)

• Interoperability: refers to the fact that products from different vendors must be able to communicate efficiently over the network

• Security: refers to the proper safeguarding of every thing on the network: Data, media and equipment.

Network Standards

• De Jure: approved by formal accredited standards organization

• De Facto: have come into existence without any formal plan. Accepted because of their use

• Proprietary: Developed in a manufacturer specific manner

• Consortia: Similar to De Jure, but developed by multiple manufacturers or vendors