The document provides an overview of networking, defining it as the practice of connecting devices to share resources and information, highlighting its significance in global connectivity and technological innovation. It describes various types of networks including Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and Personal Area Networks (PAN), along with their characteristics and coverage. Additionally, it outlines different network topologies such as star, bus, ring, hybrid, and mesh, and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Networking Basics
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Prepared By:
Aditi Nandi Tokder
Assistant Professor
ECE Department
Techno Main Salt Lake

2. Network Topologies
What Is Networking?
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Types Of Networks
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3. What Is Networking?
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Networking refers to the practice of connecting
computers and other devices together to share
resources and data. This allows devices to
communicate with each other and exchange
information.
Significance:
Global Connectivity and Information Access: Networks provide ubiquitous access to
information and resources through the internet. This fosters knowledge sharing,
research, education, and economic growth worldwide.
Innovation and Technological Advancement: Networked infrastructure forms the
backbone of various cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, the Internet of
Things (IoT), and big data analytics. This continuous innovation drives progress in
various fields like healthcare, transportation, and environmental monitoring.

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Local Area Network (LAN):-
A LAN connects devices in a limited geographical area, typically within a building or
campus. Imagine a company office, school, or even your home network. These networks
are characterized by:
High speed and bandwidth: LANs offer fast data
transfer rates, enabling smooth streaming, file
sharing, and real-time applications.
Limited coverage: They are confined to a small
area, typically within a few hundred meters.
Private ownership
Wired or wireless connections
Types Of Networks:-

5. Wide Area Network (WAN) :-
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A WAN spans a much larger geographical area, often across cities, states, or even
continents. Think of the internet itself, connecting devices worldwide. WANs are defined by:
Lower speeds and bandwidth: Compared to LANs, WANs have lower data transfer
rates due to the larger distances involved.
Complex infrastructure
A MAN bridges the gap between LANs and WANs, covering a metropolitan area like a city or
large town. Think of a network connecting government offices, universities, or hospitals within
a city. MANs share some characteristics with both LANs and WANs:
Moderate speed and bandwidth
Medium-sized coverage
Wired or wireless connections
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

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Personal Area Network (PAN):
Very low speed and bandwidth: They prioritize short-
range data exchange for specific purposes, resulting in
lower data transfer rates.
Micro-range coverage: Their coverage area is limited
to a few meters around the user's body.
Personal ownership: PANs are typically owned and
used by individuals for connecting their personal
devices.
Wireless technology: PANs primarily rely on
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or near-field communication
(NFC) for device connectivity.
A PAN is the smallest type of network, connecting personal devices within a short range,
typically around 10 meters. Think of your Bluetooth headphones or fitness tracker connecting
to your smartphone. PANs are distinguished by:

7. Network Topologies :-
Star Topology
In a star topology, each device is
connected to a central hub, providing a
reliable and easy-to-manage network
structure.
Bus Topology
A bus topology uses a single cable to
connect all devices, simplifying the
network's physical layout.
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Network topologies refer to the arrangement of nodes (devices) and the connections
between them in a network. They determine how data flows within the network and impact
its performance, reliability, and cost. Here are some common network topologies:

8. Ring Topology
Devices are connected in a
circular manner in a ring topology,
offering high data transfer
efficiency.
Hybrid Topology
Combines elements of different topologies to create a custom network. For example, a
network might have a star topology for individual workstations connected to a central
switch, which in turn connects to a ring topology for backbone connections.
Advantages: Provides flexibility and customization, leverages benefits of different
topologies.
Disadvantages: Can be complex to design and manage.
Mesh Topology
Devices are interconnected with multiple
redundant paths. Data can take any path to
reach its destination.
Advantages: Highly reliable and fault-tolerant
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9. Thank You
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