The document discusses networking, defining it as linking computing devices together with hardware and software to enable data communication. It describes common uses of home networks to share files, printers, and internet connections between two computers. It then defines different types of area networks including local area networks (LANs) within a building, metropolitan area networks (MANs) connecting users in a region, and wide area networks (WANs) connecting networks globally. It also outlines basic network topologies like bus, star and ring, and common network devices like Ethernet, routers, switches and hubs. Finally, it introduces important network protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP and OSI that provide communication standards for the internet.

1. Networking
1. Definition
Networking is the practice of linking computing devices together with hardware
and software that supports data communications across these devices.
2. Applications and uses.
The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use
this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even
an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing network resources,
consider these alternatives. We will also cover Internet.
3. Introduction to Area Networks and Network Types – LAN, MAN, WAN
LAN: (local area network) A group of computers that share a common connection
and are usually in a small area or even in the same building.
MAN: (metropolitan area network) This is a larger network that connects
computer users in a particular geographic area or region.
WAN: (wide area network) This is the largest network and can interconnect
networks throughout the worldand is not restricted to a geographical location.
4. Basic Network Topologies – Shared Bus, Star, etc.
One way to classify computer networks is by their topology. Common network
topologies include the bus, star, and ring.
5. Network Devices – Ethernet, Router, Switches, Hub
Ethernet is a physical and data link layer technology for local area networks
(LANs). Ethernet is reliable and inexpensive, the leading standard worldwide for
building wired LANs. A router is a small hardware device that joins multiple
networks together. These networks can include wired or wireless home networks,
and the Internet. A network switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple
computers together at a low-level network protocol layer. Switches differ in
important ways from both routers and hubs.
6. What Is a Network Protocol? – HTTP, TCP/IP, OSI, UDP
Protocols serve as a language of communication among network devices.
Network protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and SMTP provide a foundation that
much of the Internet is built on. Find out more about these protocols and how they
work.
(**Presentation by Avnika (N-17) and Manish (N-39)**)