Network

Here is a detailed yet precise breakdown of the Cambridge International AS & A

Level Computer Science 9618 (2024-2025) – Networks Syllabus in a structured format
that covers everything you need for your exams.

Networks – Full Notes

1. What is a Network?

A network is a system that connects multiple devices (computers, servers, routers,

etc.) to communicate and share resources. These devices are linked using wired
(Ethernet, fiber-optic) or wireless (Wi-Fi, radio waves, satellites) connections.

Purpose of a Network
• Data sharing – File transfers, cloud storage, databases.
• Resource sharing – Printers, internet access, storage devices.
• Communication – Emails, VoIP calls, video conferencing.
• Centralized management – Security and monitoring.

2. Networking Devices
2.1 Purpose and Benefits

Networking devices manage how data moves between connected devices.

2.2 Key Networking Devices

• Switch – Directs data only to the intended recipient using MAC
addresses (used in LANs).
• Router – Connects different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN) and assigns IP
addresses.
• Modem – Converts digital data into analog signals for transmission over
telephone or fiber-optic lines.
• Network Interface Card (NIC) – Allows a device to connect to a network
using a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection.
• Wireless Access Point (WAP) – Extends a Wi-Fi network, enabling
wireless devices to connect.
• Bridge – Connects two LANs, making them function as one.
• Repeater – Amplifies weak signals to extend network range.

2.3 Benefits of Networking Devices

• Enable faster communication.
• Allow secure and efficient resource sharing.
• Provide better network management and control.

3. LAN vs. WAN

3.1 Local Area Network (LAN)

• Small geographical area (e.g., home, school, office).
• Uses Ethernet cables, fiber-optic, or Wi-Fi.
• Faster speeds (100 Mbps – 1 Gbps).
• Privately owned – More secure than WANs.

3.2 Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Large geographical area (e.g., internet, multinational company
networks).
• Uses leased telecommunication lines, satellites, and fiber-optic
cables.
• Slower speeds (10 Mbps – 100 Mbps).
• Higher security risks – Often relies on public networks.
4. Client-Server vs. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks

4.1 Client-Server Model

• Centralized network with a dedicated server that manages data and
services.
• Used in: Banking, business networks, cloud services.
• Pros: More secure, centralized control, scalable.
• Cons: Expensive, requires maintenance, single point of failure.

4.2 Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model

• No central server – All devices share data directly.
• Used in: Small office/home networks, file-sharing (e.g., BitTorrent).
• Pros: Cheaper, no reliance on a single server.
• Cons: Less secure, hard to manage in large networks.

5. Thin-Client vs. Thick-Client

5.1 Thin-Client
• Relies on a server for processing and storage.
• Used in: Cloud computing, virtual desktops.
• Pros: Cheaper hardware, centralized management.
• Cons: Needs a strong network connection.

5.2 Thick-Client
• Performs processing locally on the device.
• Pros: Works offline, better performance.
• Cons: Expensive hardware, harder to update.

6. Network Topologies

6.1 Types of Topologies

• Bus – Devices connected via a single backbone cable. Cheap but prone to
failure if the cable breaks.
• Star – Devices connect to a central switch. Most reliable and common
but expensive.
• Mesh – Every device is connected to every other device. Very reliable
but costly.
• Hybrid – Combination of two or more topologies. Flexible but complex to
design.

7. Cloud Computing

7.1 Types of Clouds

• Public Cloud – Services are shared among multiple users (e.g., Google
Drive, AWS).
• Private Cloud – Dedicated to one organization, more secure.

7.2 Pros & Cons

Pros:
• Scalable – Resources can be increased as needed.
• Cost-effective – No need for physical servers.

Cons:
• Internet-dependent – Services may fail without a stable connection.
• Security risks – Data breaches can occur.

8. Wired vs. Wireless Networks

8.1 Wired Networks (Ethernet, Fiber-Optic)
• Stable, fast, secure but expensive.

8.2 Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi, Cellular, Satellites)

• More flexible, but slower and less secure.

9. Transmission Media

9.1 Types of Media

• Copper Cables (Ethernet) – Cheap but susceptible to electrical
interference.
• Fiber-Optic – High-speed, long-distance, immune to interference.
• Radio Waves (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) – Wireless but limited by range and
interference.
• Microwaves & Satellites – Used for long-distance wireless communication
but prone to latency issues.

10. Packet Transmission in a Network

• Data is divided into packets with headers (source, destination, error-
checking).
• Packets travel through routers and are reassembled at the destination.

11. Ethernet and Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)

• Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) is
used to prevent collisions in wired networks.
• If two devices send data at the same time, a collision is detected, and
retransmission occurs.

12. Bit Streaming

12.1 Real-Time Streaming

• Live transmission (e.g., Netflix Live, YouTube Live).

12.2 On-Demand Streaming

• Pre-recorded content (e.g., Spotify, Netflix shows).

Bit Rate Impact:

• Higher bit rate = Better quality but requires more bandwidth.

13. Internet vs. World Wide Web (WWW)

• Internet = The global network infrastructure.
• WWW = A collection of websites and services accessed via the internet.

14. Internet Hardware

• Modem – Connects users to the internet.
• PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – Traditional telephone
network used for internet connections.
• Dedicated Lines – Private high-speed internet connections.
• Cell Phone Networks (4G/5G) – Wireless internet access.

15. IP Addresses and Data Transmission

• IPv4 – 32-bit address (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• IPv6 – 128-bit address (designed to replace IPv4).
• Static IP – Fixed IP, used for servers.
• Dynamic IP – Changes periodically.

15.1 Public vs. Private IP

• Public IP – Used on the internet.
 • Private IP – Used inside LANs (192.168.x.x).

16. URLs and DNS

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator) – Specifies the web address (e.g.,
https://www.google.com).
• DNS (Domain Name System) – Converts domain names into IP addresses.

These notes cover everything you need for your exams! Let me know if you need
deeper explanations on any topic.