Welcome to

Computer
Networks
Introduction to Computer Networks
Understanding the Foundations of Digital Communication

• Definition: A computer network is a system of

interconnected devices that communicate to share
data and resources.

• Key Objective: Facilitates resource sharing,

communication, and access to services between
devices.
• Modern Importance: Integral to businesses, Photo by Alina Grubnyak on Unsplash

education, healthcare, and social connectivity in

today’s world.
Importance & Applications of Networking
Empowering Modern Life Through Connectivity

• Business: Enables cloud services, remote

collaboration, and secure financial
transactions.

• Healthcare: Supports telemedicine, patient

record sharing, and real-time diagnostics.
• Education: Facilitates e-learning platforms,
online resources, and virtual classrooms. Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash
 History of Networking: ARPANET
The Birthplace of Modern Computer Networks

Origins in 1969 Legacy

Developed by the U.S. Department of Laid the groundwork for TCP/IP and
Defense to connect research inspired future networks like NSFNET.
institutions.
Packet Switching
Introduced the concept of
packet-switched networks, a
foundation for the Internet.
Evolution: NSFNET to the Internet
From Academic Networks to Global Infrastructure

TCP/IP Adoption
Unified networks using TCP/IP,
leading to scalable and
interoperable systems.
NSFNET Creation (1985) Commercialization
Developed to replace ARPANET and Transitioned from
support academic research government-funded to commercial
networking. ISPs, forming the modern
Internet.
Key Data Communication Terms
Foundations of Digital Messaging and Networking

• Sender & Receiver: The source and destination

devices involved in data transmission.

• Message & Medium: The data being transmitted

and the pathway used for delivery.
• Protocol: Set of rules governing data exchange,
ensuring consistency and reliability.
Photo by AbsolutVision on Unsplash
 Sender, Receiver, Protocol & Medium
Mechanics of Network Communication

Sender Receiver Protocol & Medium

Initiates the communication by Endpoint device that accepts and Rules for exchange (protocol) and
transmitting data to the network. processes the incoming message. path of transfer (medium), crucial
for successful communication.
Wired Transmission Media
Exploring Coaxial, Twisted Pair, and Fiber Optic Technologies

Coaxial Cable Twisted Pair Fiber Optic

Used in early Ethernet and cable Widely used in LANs; inexpensive High-speed, long-distance
TV; good shielding but limited and supports moderate-speed data transmission using light signals;
bandwidth. transfer. immune to interference.
Wireless Transmission Media
Wi-Fi, Satellite, and Infrared Communication Technologies

• Wi-Fi: Enables short-range wireless data

transmission using radio waves; widely used in
homes and offices.

• Satellite: Supports long-range global

communication; essential in remote and mobile
applications.
• Infrared: Used in short-range, line-of-sight Photo by Galen Crout on Unsplash

communication like remote controls and some

sensors.
Network Devices
Understanding Modem, Hub, Switch, and Router Functions

• Modem: Converts digital data to analog for

transmission over phone/cable lines and vice
versa.

• Hub: Basic device that broadcasts data to all

connected ports; no traffic management.
• Switch & Router: Switches forward data to
specific devices within a LAN; routers connect Photo by Joe Murray on Unsplash

multiple networks and manage traffic.

Firewall, Access Point & Gateway
Securing and Extending Network Connectivity

Firewall Gateway
Monitors and controls Acts as a translator between
incoming/outgoing traffic based different network protocols and
on security rules; essential for topologies.
cybersecurity. Access Point
Extends wireless network coverage;
bridges wired and wireless
connections.
 Network Types
LAN, MAN, WAN, and PAN Explained

LAN (Local Area Network) MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Covers small geographic areas like homes, offices; fast and Spans city-wide regions, interconnecting LANs within a
cost-effective. metropolis.

WAN (Wide Area Network) PAN (Personal Area Network)

Connects devices over large geographical areas, such as the Short-range network for personal devices like
Internet. smartphones and wearables.
 Network Topologies
Bus, Star, Ring, and Mesh Configurations

Bus Topology Star Topology Ring & Mesh

All devices connected to a single Devices connected to a central hub Ring connects devices in a loop,
backbone cable; simple but prone to or switch; easy to manage and Mesh uses multiple connections for
data collisions. expand. high redundancy.
Network Protocols
Understanding TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP

• TCP/IP: Core protocol suite that ensures reliable

data transmission and routing over networks.

• HTTP & FTP: HTTP transfers web content; FTP is used

for file transfers between client and server.
• SMTP: Protocol responsible for sending emails
between servers.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
 Packet Switching & Flow Control
Optimizing Data Transfer Efficiency and Reliability

Packet Switching Flow Control Protocols Involved

Divides messages into packets sent Manages data rate to prevent Implemented through TCP, sliding
independently for flexible, efficient overwhelming the receiver; ensures window algorithms, and
routing. smooth transmission. congestion control techniques.
Web Services Overview
Understanding WWW, HTML, and XML

• World Wide Web (WWW): A system of

interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the
Internet.

• HTML: HyperText Markup Language; defines the

structure and content of web pages.
• XML: Extensible Markup Language; used for data
storage, transport, and configuration. Photo by apoorv mittal on Unsplash
Real-Life Applications of Networking
Transforming Daily Life and Global Industries

• Smart Homes & IoT: Networked devices manage

lighting, security, and appliances for convenience
and efficiency.

• Healthcare Systems: Real-time access to patient

records, diagnostics, and telemedicine solutions.
• Industrial Automation: Factories use networked
systems for monitoring, control, and predictive Photo by Ildefonso Polo on Unsplash
maintenance.
Thank You!
A PROJECT BY KSHITIJ MATHPAL, GARV KANDPAL, VED
MISHRA AND GOBINDJEET SINGH