Lesson one
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORK
Computer network
“A group of computers linked together using a transmission media so that
they can communicate with each other, share resources (such as hard disk
and printer) and access remote hosts or other network.
Data communication
Is the electronic transmission of data from one place to another.
Protocol: A set of rules and regulations is called a protocol.
Communication: Exchange of information from one system to another system
with a medium
Communication Protocol: A set of rules and regulations that allow two electronic
devices to connect to exchange the data with one and another.
A network protocol
is an established set of rules that determine how data is transmitted between
different devices in the same network. Essentially, it allows connected
devices to communicate with each other, regardless of any differences in
their internal processes, structure or design. Network protocols are the
reason you can easily communicate with people all over the world, and thus
play a critical role in modern digital communications.
PURPOSE AND LIMITATIONS OF NETWORKING
Purpose of networking
i. Resource sharing
Different computers are connected to each other hence a user at one
site may be able to use the resource available at another site e.g.
printer, internet,
ii. Remote communication
, This involves the transmission of data signals between two
communication devices located at different geographical locations.
Through remote communication people can be able to share ideas and
pass messages over the network
iii. Distributed processing
If a particular process can be subdivided into several sub-processes
then each sub-process can be processed at different sites concurrently
hence speeding up the entire process
iv. Cost effectiveness
Reduction of resources in a network leads to reduction of cost. In
stead of purchasing a printer for each computer you can share one
printer thus saving cost
v. Reliability
If one site fails in a computer network, the remaining sites can
potentially continue operating
Some of the uses of computer networks are the following
Communicating using email, video, instant messaging, etc.
Sharing devices such as printers, scanners, etc.
Sharing files
Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems
Allowing network users to easily access and maintain information
Limitations of networking
i. Cost
It’s expensive to acquire networking equipments, train network
administrators, users and maintain the network
ii. Data security
Data and information held on a network is prone to more illegal
access, danger of data theft and also tapping of unauthorized people
during transmission
iii. Network failure
If the network fails there is the danger of paralyzing organization
operations besides damaging files and programs
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORK
Computer network
“A group of computers linked together using a transmission media so that
they can communicate with each other, share resources (such as hard disk
and printer) and access remote hosts or other network.
Data communication
Is the electronic transmission of data from one place to another.
Protocol: A set of rules and regulations is called a protocol.
Communication: Exchange of information from one system to another system
with a medium
Communication Protocol: A set of rules and regulations that allow two electronic
devices to connect to exchange the data with one and another.
A network protocol
is an established set of rules that determine how data is transmitted between
different devices in the same network. Essentially, it allows connected
devices to communicate with each other, regardless of any differences in
their internal processes, structure or design. Network protocols are the
reason you can easily communicate with people all over the world, and thus
play a critical role in modern digital communications.
PURPOSE AND LIMITATIONS OF NETWORKING
Purpose of networking
i. Resource sharing
Different computers are connected to each other hence a user at one
site may be able to use the resource available at another site e.g.
printer, internet,
ii. Remote communication
, This involves the transmission of data signals between two
communication devices located at different geographical locations.
Through remote communication people can be able to share ideas and
pass messages over the network
iii. Distributed processing
If a particular process can be subdivided into several sub-processes
then each sub-process can be processed at different sites concurrently
hence speeding up the entire process
iv. Cost effectiveness
Reduction of resources in a network leads to reduction of cost. In
stead of purchasing a printer for each computer you can share one
printer thus saving cost
v. Reliability
If one site fails in a computer network, the remaining sites can
potentially continue operating
Some of the uses of computer networks are the following
Communicating using email, video, instant messaging, etc.
Sharing devices such as printers, scanners, etc.
Sharing files
Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems
Allowing network users to easily access and maintain information
Limitations of networking
i. Cost
It’s expensive to acquire networking equipments, train network
administrators, users and maintain the network
ii. Data security
Data and information held on a network is prone to more illegal
access, danger of data theft and also tapping of unauthorized people
during transmission
iii. Network failure
If the network fails there is the danger of paralyzing organization
operations besides damaging files and programs
