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A Profession University Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Networks

Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Networks Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction

1.1 History of Computer Networks
1.2 Defining Network
1.3 Characteristics of Computer Network

1.4 Networking Goals
1.5 Network Hardware
1.5.1 Local Area Networks(LAN)
1.5.2 Metropolitan Area Networks(MAN)
1.5.3 Wide Area Networks(WAN)

1.5.4 Wireless Networks
1.5.5 Internetworks
1.6 Uses of Computer Networks

1.6.1 Network for Companies
1.6.2 Networks for People
1.7 Network Topologies
1.8 Summary
1.9 Keywords

1.10 Review Questions
1.11 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

Describe the various uses of computer networks from the most general types to the possible
uses in more specific circumstances

Discuss different technologies involved in defining the network hardware
Explain concept of process network software and the significance of layering the
communication process and related design issues for the layers

Introduction

The merging of computers and communications has a profound influence on the way systems
are organized. The concept of computer center as a room with a large computer to which the
users bring their work for processing is now obsolete. The old model of a single computer
servicing all the computational needs of an organization has been replaced by the one in which

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