The document outlines key networking concepts, defining a computer network as a group of linked computers and peripherals for data sharing. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of networking, essential components such as network cards, cables, and routers, as well as types of networks including PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN. Additionally, it covers network architectures, topologies, and the importance of network security against unauthorized access.

1. Networking Concepts
By - Jahanvi

2. Networking
A computer network can be defined as a group of
computers and other peripheral devices that are linked
together for the purpose of sharing data and hardware
resources.
The computer in a network can communicate with each
other. Each computer in a network is called a Node.

3. Figure 1.1: Computer Network

4. Advantages of Networking
● Resource Sharing
● Reduction in Cost
● Increased Storage Capacity
● Fast Data Transfer
● Easy to Take Backup
● Reduces Data Inconsistency
● Reduced Redundancy
● Increases Security

5. Disadvantages of Networking
● Additional Cost of Networking Equipment
● Management of Large Network
● Server Breakdown
● Security Issues

6. Networking Components
● Network Card
● Networking Cable
● Modem
● Hub
● Switch
● Router

7. Network Card
It is a piece of
hardware, usually a
circuit board or
chip, that is inserted
into a computer
(motherboard) to let
it connect to a
network.

8. Networking Cable
It is a piece of
networking hardwar
e
used to connect
one network device
to other network
devices or to
connect two or
more computers to
share devices such
as printers or
scanners.

9. Modem
It is a computer
hardware device
that converts data
from a digital
format into a
format suitable for
an analog
transmission
medium such as
telephone or
radio.

10. Hub and switch
A hub is a networking
device that connects
multiple PCs to a
single network,
whereas a Switch
connects multiple
devices on a single
computer network.

11. Router
A router is a gateway that
passes data between one
or more local area
networks (LANs). Routers
use the Internet Protocol
(IP) to send IP packets
containing data and IP
addresses of sending and
destination devices located
on separate local area
networks.

12. Wireless Networking
Wireless Network Cards - They are
used instead of the normal network
card that are used in wired
networks. Most laptop computers
come with inbuilt wireless network
cards. Radio Signal are used for
transferring data, therefore the
Ethernet cable is not required.
Access Points or Routers - They
have a wireless antenna, which
increases the communication range
of the radio signals. They can also
be used to join a wired network,
thus making the network a
combination of wired as well
wireless networks.

13. Types of Networks
● Personal Area Network (PAN)
● Local Area Network (LAN)
● Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
● Wide Area Network (WAN)

14. Personal Area
Network

15. Local Area Network

16. Metropolitan Area Network

17. Wide Area Network

18. Network Architecture
A network architecture is an overall design of a computer
network that it describes how a computer network is
configured and what strategies are being used in it.

19. It’s Types
Client - Server Network - In
this type of network, several
computers called clients or
workstations are to the main
computer called server.
Peer - to - Peer Network - In
this type of network, few
computers of equal capacity
and capabilities are connected
together to use the resources
available on the network.

20. Client-Server Network

21. Peer-to-Peer Network

22. Network Topologies
Network topology refers the layout in which the various
components of a network, like nodes, links, peripherals, etc., are
connected and communicate with each other. A topology can either
be physical or logical. A physical topology is the physical layout of
nodes, workstations, cable in the network, whereas logical topology
is the way how information flows between the different components.

23. It’s Types
● Point-to-Point
● Bus Topology
● Star Topology
● Ring Topology
● Tree Topology
● Mesh Topology

24. Point-to-Point Topology

25. Bus Topology

26. Star Topology

27. Ring Topology

28. Tree Topology

29. Mesh Topology

30. Network Security
Network Security means protecting data and resources from
any unauthorised access. It is the most important aspect in
computer networking. Since many users are accessing the
same data, it is essential that steps be taken to ensure its
proper security.