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Network And Internet

Network

A network is defined as a system of computers connected together through a single transmission technology.
The connected computers can communicate with each other through receiving or sending information.

Internet

The internet is defined as a set of networks, connected by routers which manage traffic between different computers.

Classification of Networks

The network can be classified by following: 1. Size 2. Connectivity 3. Medium 4. Mobility

By Size

According to the size, there are 2 classifications. 1. LAN (Local Area Network): It covers a small area such as a building. 2. WAN (Wide Area Network): It covers large areas such as cities or countries.

By Connectivity

According to connectivity, there are 2 classifications. 1. Point-to-Point 2. Broadcast

Point-to-Point

This comprises of 2 topologies. 1. Star: In this topology, computers are connected to a central hub. 2. Tree: In this topology, computers are connected in such a way that the structure appears like a tree.

Broadcast

This comprises of 2 technologies 1. Satellite or Radio: In this technology, computers are connected through satellite through radio waves. 2. Ring: In this technology, computers are connected in a ring structure.

By Medium

By medium, network are classified as such: 1. Copper Wire 2. Co-axial cable 3. Optical Fiber 4. Radio Waves

These can differ from each other depending on following parameters: - speed - range - topology - Installation and maintenance cost

By Mobility

There are 2 types of networks. 1. Fixed networks 2. Mobile networks

Issues

  • Location and Tracking
  • Semi persistent connections
  • Complex administration
  • Billing as devices
  • Users move across the networks

Networks in Daily Life

network is being used in daily life as follows:

Business

  • Advertisements
  • Production
  • Shipping
  • Planning
  • Billing
  • Accounting

Homes

network can be used to control home appliances through phone.

Government

Following use network for communication. 1. Federal 2. Local 3. Military

Education

We have libraries or LMS systems which we can access from home.

Complexity of Network Systems

Following are the reasons why network are complex,

Many Technologies Exist

There are multiple standards developed by multiple companies which result into incompatible technologies.

No Single Underlying Theory or Model

Instead of having a theory, we have similarities or differences between the network hardware and software.

Models Are either way Too Simple or Complex

Either the models are way to simple that it is hard to spot differences or either they are way too much complicated and are not simplified enough.

No Simple or Uniform Terminology

There is no uniform terminology used for same features.
Different technologies with similar features use different terminologies.

Mastering of Complexity

Concentrate on Understanding the Concept

An example is: instead of looking at how different protocols handle congestion, look at what congestion itself is.

Learning the Network Terminology

Focus on the breath, not the depth.
Understand the illustrations.
New terminology is introduced with new concepts so learning those can make life easier.