Introduction to

Computer Networks
Objectives

 Need of networks
 History of computer networks (ARPANET)
 Types of computer networks
 Client/Server configuration
 Layers of OSI model
 Applications
Computer Network
 Interconnection of two or more computers and
peripherals
 Allows user to share and transfer information
Need of Computer Networks

 Sharing Resources
 Reduced Cost
 Reduced time
 Scalability
 Reliability
 Security
History of Computer Networks
(ARPANET)
 ARPA designed for Department of Defense
(DOD), US
 Small computers were connected to large
mainframe computers
 IMPs were connected to each other through
modem
 Supported different operating systems
 Telenet and ftp services was provided by
ARPANET
Types of Computer Networks
 Networks are classified depending on the
geographical area covered by the network

Computer
Networks

Local Campus Metropolitan Wide

Area Network Area Network Area Network Area Network
(LAN) (CAN) (MAN) (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN) - I
 Covers a small area
 Connects computers and workstations covering a
local area like, office or home
Local Area Network (LAN) - II
 Advantages of LAN:
 Improves productivity due to faster work

 Provides easy maintenance

 New systems can be installed and configured

easily
 Disadvantages of LAN:
 Limited number of systems can only be connected

 Cannot cover large area

 Network performance degrades as number of

users exceeds
Types of LAN
 LANs are classified depending on the techniques
used for data sharing

LAN Types

Ethernet Token Ring Token Bus FDDI

Campus Area Network (CAN)
 Made up of multiple LANs within limited area
 Connects different LANs in a campus
Metropolitan Area Network
 Interconnects networks within a city
 Supports data and voice transmission
Wide Area Network
 Covers a wide geographical area which includes
multiple computers or LANs e.g. Internet
Client/Server Configuration
 Consists of two elements, Client and Server
 Server:
 A centralized element which provides resources

to client
 Manages data, printers or network traffic

 Client:
 Manages local resources used by users such as

monitor, keyboard, CPU and peripherals

Open System Interconnection
(OSI) Model
Network Applications

 Financial Institution (Banking Sector)

 Communication Services (Telecom Industry)
 Internet Service (WWW, ISP)