Network
= collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by
communication channels that allow sharing of information and resources.
why is Networking Needed?
needed to facilitate communication and the transfer of information between different destinations + it enables speedy data transfer and has made the world a smaller place.
Topology
it can be either physical or logical
What are the physical topology ?
a. Bus topology
b. Ring topology
c. Star topology
d. Tree topology
e. Mesh topology.
Bus topology
type of network topology where all the nodes (systems) are connected to a common main cable called a bus.
Advantages = easy to install and use + the failure of any device connected to the network does not affect the functioning of other devices.
Disadvantage = when the number of nodes connected to the bus increases, the performance may decrease.
+ if the bus fails, the entire network will be down.
Ring Topology
= a type of network topology where every device is connected to two neighboring devices, forming a closed loop.
* Messages can only travel in one direction
* If the loop gets cut, the entire network will be affected.
Star Topology
Tree topology
Mesh Topology
Logical topology
= paths through which signals flow from one node to another.
Components of a typical network ?
network adapters
repeaters
bridges
hub
switch
it examines the destination address (MAC address) from the packet header and redirects the packet to the destination alone.
=> This is possible because the switch maintains a table with details of all ports and corresponding device’s MAC addresses.
* By using a switch, the bandwidth utilization becomes more effective and is managed more efficiently.
routers
When a data packet is received, the router reads the destination address, looks at the path to reach the destination, and sends the packet through the shortest path (= chemin).
* Routers play a crucial role in ensuring effective and reliable communication between networks
gateways
= a type of computer network that connects devices within a shorter proximity, such as a building, school, college, internet cafes, or a home.
It can be maintained and controlled by a single person due to its small operational area.
LANs can also have groups of LANs within them, where each room in a home, for example, can be considered a LAN.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
= a network that covers a larger area, such as connecting branches of an organization across different geographical regions.
* WANs are formed by joining multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) together.
* Technologies like optical fibers, ATM, and Frame relays are commonly used for establishing long-distance connectivity in WANs.
* The internet = a WAN => because it covers the entire globe.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)
= a short-range network that uses Bluetooth technology to connect devices such as computers, printers, and mobile phones without the need for cables.
=> typically covers only a few meters and is commonly used for transferring songs or data between mobile phones.
=> it requires pairing (= couplage) = establish communication between two devices in a PAN
Intranet
Extranet