NT1210

NT1210 Introduction to Networking

Unit 2:
Chapter 2, Introduction to
Computer Networking

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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

5

Defining a Network with User Applications

Computer Networks: Cloud Representing Hidden Parts of the Network
6

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.

7

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 allow texting? Or email?
Or posting to social media? Or web surfing? Or anything that used a network?

 Key common feature for