Unit 2: Computer Networking
What is a computer network?
It is a computer network that has two or more nodes that are connected using some type of physical medium which exchanges infromation using a common networking protocol.
It is a computer network that has two or more nodes that are connected using some type of physical medium which exchanges infromation using a common networking protocol.
Basic Terminology
1. Serial: one bit at a time (ex. keyboard and mouse)
2. Parallel: two or more bits at a time (ex. USB and RAM)
3. Simplex: a network cable or communication channel which can only send information in one direction.
4. Half-Duplex: a network cable or communication channel which can send information in both directions but one at a time.
5. Duplex: a connection between to devices which is capable of sending information both directions simultaneously.
6. Switch: a hardware device which links network segments or network devices.
7. Router: a networking device which forwards data from one network to another.
8. NIC: a NIC provides the hardware interface between a computer and a network.
9. LAN: Large Area Network which provides networking capability in a small area (ex. house and building)
10. WAN: Wide Area Network which provides networking capability in a large area (ex. province and country)
11. MAN: Metropolitan Area Network which provides networking capability in a geographical are larger than LAN but smaller than WAN.
2. Parallel: two or more bits at a time (ex. USB and RAM)
3. Simplex: a network cable or communication channel which can only send information in one direction.
4. Half-Duplex: a network cable or communication channel which can send information in both directions but one at a time.
5. Duplex: a connection between to devices which is capable of sending information both directions simultaneously.
6. Switch: a hardware device which links network segments or network devices.
7. Router: a networking device which forwards data from one network to another.
8. NIC: a NIC provides the hardware interface between a computer and a network.
9. LAN: Large Area Network which provides networking capability in a small area (ex. house and building)
10. WAN: Wide Area Network which provides networking capability in a large area (ex. province and country)
11. MAN: Metropolitan Area Network which provides networking capability in a geographical are larger than LAN but smaller than WAN.
Types of Network Operating Systems
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1. Peer to Peer
A a peer-to-peer network (also known as P2P) is created when two or more PCs are connected and share resources without going through a separate server computer.
A a peer-to-peer network (also known as P2P) is created when two or more PCs are connected and share resources without going through a separate server computer.
2. Client server
A client server network is comprised of a single central computer which acts as a server that directs multiple other computers, these are referred to as the clients. By accessing the server, clients are then able to reach shared files and information saved on the serving computer.
3. Centralized
A centralized network allows all users to connect to a central server, which is the acting agent for all communications. (Most public instant messaging platforms use a centralized network).
A client server network is comprised of a single central computer which acts as a server that directs multiple other computers, these are referred to as the clients. By accessing the server, clients are then able to reach shared files and information saved on the serving computer.
3. Centralized
A centralized network allows all users to connect to a central server, which is the acting agent for all communications. (Most public instant messaging platforms use a centralized network).