Lecture one: Introduction to Computer Networking

computer network architecture
lecture1
introduction to computer network

A network can be defined as two or more computers connected together in such a way that they can share information and resources.
– The purpose of a network is to share information and resources.
– The resources may be:
data, file, folder, printer, an Internet connection, applications, or anything else that exists on a computer.

Data Network is a network that allows computers to exchange data.
– The simplest data network is two PCs connected through a cable.
– Most data networks connect many devices.
Computer Network can be defined as a collection of devices that can store and manipulate electronic data, interconnected in such a way that network users can store, retrieve, and share information.

Internetwork is a collection of individual networks connected by networking devices and function as a single large network.
– The public Internet is the most common example which it is a single network that connects millions of computers.

Delivery: The system must deliver data to the correct destination. Data must be received by the intended device or user and only by that device or user.

Accuracy: The system must deliver the data accurately. Data that have been altered in transmission and left uncorrected are unusable.

Timeliness: The system must deliver data in a timely manner. Data delivered late are useless. In the case of video and audio, timely delivery means delivering data as they are produced, in the same order that they are produced, and without significant delay. This kind of delivery is called real-time transmission.