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WEB DESIGN AND

DEVELOPEMENT

(DIT 505)

TOPIC 1:

Introduction TO INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES LECTURER: MR. ALEXANDER NJUGUNA 07/03/2024 1

What is a Computer Network?

• (^) A computer Network refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources. The computing devices are interconnected using wired or wireless technologies and communicate with each other under a set of rules referred to as communication protocols.

Building blocks of a computer network

1. End nodes (Terminals, workstations, computers and other devices.
2. Transmission media (Bounded or Unbounded).
3. Network electronics (Immediate devices for routing data from source to destination)
4. Software to control data transmission.
5. Network Architecture standards.

1. End nodes These devices are the data sources and destinations in a network (ie., end nodes where data originates or is received). Examples: -

• (^) – Personal computers
• (^) – Terminals
• (^) – Workstations
• (^) – Computers
• (^) – Point of sale cash registers
• (^) – Automatic teller machines

3. Network Electronics These are devices that serve a number of functions such as routing or switching data from source to destination or for providing interface between different transmission media or different communication protocols. They include: - Bridges, Routers, Hubs, Gateways, Switches, multiplexers etc. Task:

4. Software Software in end nodes implements techniques and protocols which define the rules and end procedures for initiating and terminating data transfers, interpreting how data is represented and transmitted and how errors are handled. Software in the network electronics performs other functions to ensure data is transmitted from source to destination(s).

5. Network Architecture Standards. Continued…. Architecture: blueprint of standards for a network consisting of items such as choice of media, media interfaces, encoding methods, transmission protocols, routing protocols, etc. Needed to ensure interoperability between various devices and equipment made by different vendors.

Uses of Computer Networks We can categorize uses of computer networks to what they offer companies and what they offer individuals. Uses to Companies: - Resource sharing (ending the tyranny of geography): making all programs, computing equipment and data available to anyone on the network without regard to the physical location of the resource and the user. Time independence , can be accessed at any time.

Uses to companies continued… Scalability Computer networks provide an effective mechanism to scale up and provide services to more users at more locations where needed and when needed. Manageability Networks allow remote resources to be managed effectively (eg., remote control of telescopes or other resources).

Uses to companies continued… Cost - Effectiveness Networks allow effective implementation of complex distributed systems that must work together (cooperate). Eg., combination of mainframes, workstations, PC’s, networked storage and networked printers. Provide access to needed resources from anywhere at anytime. Support collaborative group work independent of location

Uses to Individuals continued… Person to person communication.

• 21st century’s answer to 20th century telephone-EMAIL or electronic mail
• Video conferencing over the network.
• worldwide newsgroups with discussions on educational, academic and other topics.
• electronic university offering classes over the network to students in far-off and remote areas.

Uses to Individuals continued… Interactive entertainment.

• multimedia games.
• video on demand :
  • order movies or television shows of choice at anytime from anywhere
  • interactive movies and shows

Categories of Computer Networks Client/server networks: In this category a central computer or ‘server’ acts as the storage location for files and applications on the network. The Server is installed in a higher than average performance computer. The server controls the access of other computers which are referred to as client computers. Task: Prepare a comprehensive comparison table between peer-to-peer and client/server networks.

Types of Computer Networks.  There are various types of computer network: -  (^) Local Area Network. (LAN)  (^) Wide Area Network. (WAN)  (^) Metropolitan Area Network. (MAN)  (^) Personal Area Network. (PAN)  (^) Private Networks  (^) Public Networks. Task: Research on more types of network.