Computer Networking Overview

Gives an overview of computer networking with definitions and basic terminologies

Overview of Switched WAN Networks

This post gives a brief overview of Switched WAN networks and their theory of operation.

Different types of node to node communications used in Computer Networks

This post gives an overview of the different types of node to node communication used in Computer Networking. Specifically it describes Unicasting, Multicasting, Broadcasting and Anycasting.

Overview of different types of addressing used in Networking

This post gives a brief overview of the different types of addressing used in Computer Networking. Specifically, it covers MAC addresses, IP addresses and port numbers.

Examples of Intermediate nodes in a computer Network

This post gives a brief introduction to the very basic types of network devices like modems, repeaters, hubs, bridges, Layer 2 Swiches and Routers.

Some thumb rules for basic computer networking operation

Lists out some basic attributes of computer networking including similarity to postal networks, packet switching, next-hop routing, layering and types of services.

Comparison of types of service offered by computer networks

Describes the two primary types of service offered by computer networks, namely reliable byte stream oriented service and an unreliable best effort message oriented service.

Layering Similarities between postal and computer networks

Computer networks theory of operation has lot of similarities with postal networks. This post briefly describes the similarities between a postal network and a computer network with respect to layering. The Hybrid 5-layer model is considered for comparison purposes.

Layer Processing at End and Intermediate Nodes

This post briefly discusses about the layers that are processed at the end nodes (sending and receiving computers) and at the intermediate nodes (Layer1 Hubs/repeaters, Layer2 switches, Layer3 Routers) when a data unit (packet) is transferred between the end nodes.

Describes the process of encapsulation and decapsulation in computer networks and the need for them.

Describes the five layer Hybrid layering model and the functionality of each layer.

Gives an overview of the TCP/IP layering model and briefly describes the role of each layer

Functions of the seven layers and the unit of data in each layer

Describes the seven layer OSI model used for computer communication and gives a brief overview of the functionality of each layer.

What are communication protocols?

Describes the meaning of the term communication protocol and gives examples

Describes the concept of layering in Computer Networks and the need for layering

Compares the similarities in operation of computer networks and postal networks, like packet switching, next hop routing etc.

A sample telephone conversation using circuit switching

Compares and contrasts the basic principles of operation of Computer and telephone Networks

Basic Theory of Operation of Communicating Computers

Describes the basic theory of operation of computer networks that includes packet switching, next hop routing and encapsulation

Describes a mesh topology network with an example

Describes a tree topology network with an example

Describes a star topology network with an example

Describes a ring topology based network with an example

Describes a bus topology based network with an example

Describes the concept of Network Topology with a few examples

What are Public and Private networks?

Explains the concept of Public and Private networks

Explains the meaning of the term “Internet” along with an example Internet topology

Describes the term “Extranet” with an example

Describes the term Intranet with an example

Message Exchange in a peer to peer network

Describes the concept of a peer-peer network with an example

Typical message exchange in a client server network

Describes the concept of a client server network with an example

Describes an enterprise network with an example

Describes the concept of WAN networks with an example

Describes a Metropolitan Area Network with an example

Describes a campus area network with an example

Describes the components of a typical SOHO network

Describes the typical structure of a home LAN

Describes a Local Area Network and give some examples of LAN like Home LAN and SOHO LAN.

Describes a Personal Area Network with an example

Types of Distance based Networks

Describes different types of distance based networks like PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, WAN

Methods of Classification of Networks

Describes the different methods of classification of Networks like distance based classification, service based classification and administrative domain based classification.

Aside

It consists of a set of hardware components and a suite of Network software protocols

Basic building blocks of a computer networks

Hardware components consists of End Nodes (sending/receiving computers), Intermediate Nodes (Routers/Switches/hubs etc. that are part of the data exchange) and telecommunication links (wired/wireless media, cables, connectors etc.).

End Nodes:

Computer or any embedded system with Network Hardware and Software.
Hardware typically consists of add-on-cards called Network Interface cards (NICs). The NICs implement some of the communication protocols in hardware, so as not overburden the main CPU. The NICs also interfaces to the telecommunication links, that connect the end nodes to the network.
While certain lower layer protocols are implemented in hardware, lots of higher layer protocols like TCP, IP, FTP, HTTP etc. are implemented in software.
Actual communication of meaningful data happens between a sending computer and a receiving computer.
Data is split into smaller units called packets by the sending computer and then handed over to the data exchange devices, to be carried over to the receiving computer

Examples of End Nodes in a Computer Network

Intermediate-Nodes

These are special purpose computers/embedded systems used only for data transfer between end nodes
These devices are part of the data exchange and are used to route data packets between the sending and receiving computers.
E.g.: Packet Switches (Routers/Switches), Hubs, Repeaters, Modems, Satellites etc.

Examples of Intermediate nodes in a computer Network

Telecommunication Links

Consists of Wired and wireless medium that actually carries the electrical/optical/electromagnetic signals.
Just like vehicles need roads to move, computers require wired/wireless telecommunication links to carry the signals between them.
Includes cables (e.g. twisted pair copper, coaxial etc.) and connectors (e.g. RJ-11, RJ-45 etc.) for wired media
Includes different types of antennae for wireless media

Examples of Wired and Wireless Communication links

Network Software

Wide range of protocols developed specifically for computer communication (E.g. IP, TCP, UDP etc.)
A protocol is a set of rules developed for a very specific purpose
Consists of core communication protocols (like IP, TCP, UDP etc.) and also application specific protocols (like HTTP, FTP, SMTP etc.)
Includes device drivers written for specific hardware (E.g. Ethernet device drivers)

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