An Introduction to Computer Networks

Amitava Nag Assistant Professor Dept. of IT, AOT

1. What is communication? 2. What is data communication? Ans: Data communication is the exchange of data between two devices via some form of transmission medium.

Data Communication Model

Network

Source

Destination

Simplified Communication Model

Simplified Data Communications Model

Components
Message
Information (data to be transmitted

Sender
That sends the data

Medium
Physical path that carries data

Receiver
Receives data in form of signal

Protocol
A set of rules that governs data communications.
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Networking
Point to point communication not usually practical

Devices are too far apart. Large set of devices would need impractical number of connections.

Solution is a communications network.

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Simplified Network Model

Computer Network
A communication system for connecting computers /hosts and share resources

Why Networking?
Sharing information i.e. data communication
Do you prefer these?

Or this?

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Why Networking?
Why?
Better connectivity Better communication Better sharing of resources Bring people together Overcome geographic limits Access remote data

Goal: Universal Communication (any to any)

How many kinds of Networks?

Depending on ones perspective, we can classify networks in different ways
Based on transmission media: Wired (UTP, coaxial cables, fiber-optic cables) and Wireless Based on network size: LAN and WAN (and MAN) Based on management method: Peer-to-peer and Client/Server Based on topology (connectivity): Bus, Star, Ring

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