INTRODUCING
BASIC
NETWORKING
CONCEPTS
VIR ARORA
VIII A
Page 01
WHAT IS A COMPUTER
NETWORK?
A computer network is when two or more computers are
connected together to share information, files, or resources
like printers or the internet. Just like how people talk to each
other, computers use networks to “talk” and work together.
Networks let computers share things like games, music, and videos
quickly and easily.
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WHY DO WE NEED NETWORKS?
Networks help us share things easily. We can send messages, share photos, and
use the same printer or internet connection. Schools, homes, and offices use
networks every day to stay connected and work faster.
Networks help us share things easily. We can send messages, share photos, and use the
same printer or internet connection. Schools, homes, and offices use networks every
day to stay connected and work faster.
Without networks, we would have to carry files around using USB drives or CDs, which
would take more time. Networks also make teamwork easier—students in different
classrooms can work on the same project, and teachers can share notes with all
students at once.
Page 03
TYPES OF NETWORKS
A project refers to a sequence of tasks that are carefully planned and
executed to achieve a specific objective. Projects are essential in various
fields, such as business, engineering, and education, and often require
collaboration and resources.
THEY ARE:
PAN - Personal Area Network
LAN - Local Area Network
MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
WAN - Wide Area Network
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PERSONAL AREA NETWORK
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest type of network. It connects
devices that are very close to one person—like a phone connected to wireless
earbuds or a smartwatch.
LOCAL AREA NETWORK
A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers in a small area like a home,
school, or office. All the computers in the school’s computer lab are usually
part of a LAN.
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MAN AREA NETWORK
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects multiple LANs in a city or town.
It’s larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. Businesses, schools, and
government offices in the same city may use a MAN to stay connected.
WIDE AREA NETWORK
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is the largest type of network. It connects
computers and smaller networks across long distances—even across countries!
The internet is the biggest WAN in the world. WANs use satellites, cables, and
other technologies to keep us connected everywhere.
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NETWORK DEVICES
ROUTER: Connects your network to the internet.
SWITCH: Helps computers inside a network talk to each other.
MODEM: Connects your network to your internet service.
HUB: A basic device that connects computers together.
Page 07
WIRED VS WIRELESS NETWORKS
COMPUTER NETWORKS CAN CONNECT DEVICES IN TWO MAIN WAYS: WITH
WIRES (WIRED) OR WITHOUT WIRES (WIRELESS). BOTH TYPES HAVE THEIR
OWN ADVANTAGES AND ARE USED IN DIFFERENT PLACES.
WIRED NETWORKS WIRELESS NETWORKS
In a wired network, devices are connected Wireless networks use radio waves (like
using physical cables like Ethernet cables. Wi-Fi) to connect devices. You don’t need
These cables plug into computers, routers, any cables—just a Wi-Fi signal and a device
and switches to create a strong and stable that can connect to it.
connection.
Page 08
IP ADDRESS AND MAC
ADDRESS
Every computer or device on a network has an IP
address, like a house address, so other devices
can find it.
It also has a MAC address, which is like a unique
ID number. This helps the network know which
device is which.
Page 09
CLIENT-SERVER VS PEER-TO-PEER
CLIENT SERVER NETWORK:
In a client-server network, one computer (called the server) controls and
provides services to other computers (called clients). The server stores files,
runs programs, or manages printers. The clients connect to the server to use
these services.
PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK
In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are equal. Each computer, or "peer," can
act as both a client and a server. This means they can share files and resources
directly with each other without a central server.
Page 10
Thank you!
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