NT1210 Introduction to Networking

Introduction to Computer Networking
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Objectives
 Identify the major needs and stakeholders for computer networks and network applications.  Identify the classifications of networks and how they are applied to various types of enterprises.  Explain the functionality and use of typical network protocols.  Use preferred techniques and necessary tools to troubleshoot common network problems.

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Objectives
 Define a computer network.  Identify the primary needs for computer networks and network applications.  Draw the four major physical network topologies: bus, star, ring, and mesh.

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Computer Networking
 Use large variety of components that must work together.
 Move bits from one device to another.
 Bit: Smallest unit of data, binary 1 or 0.

 Focuses on copying bits on one device to another.  Computing devices include computers, gaming systems, televisions, phones, tablets, GPS navigation systems, watches, etc.

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Defining a Network with User Applications
 Examples: Digital advertising, online/video games, text messages, websites, social media, and email.  Network diagrams often use cloud to identify what part of network to ignore for a particular discussion.
 LAN vs WAN

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Defining a Network with User Applications

Computer Networks: Cloud Representing Hidden Parts of the Network
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Figure 2-1

An Informal General Definition of a Computer Network
 Telecom: Short for telephone communications
 Primarily focuses on role of traditional telephone companies.

 Datacom: Short for data communications
 Older synonym for computer networking.

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User Actions and the User Devices
 Users use network devices via applications (apps).  Application: Why we use networks.
 Example: Would you use a phone that did not allow phone calls? Maybe, but what if it also did not