DATA COMMUNICATION & COMPUTER NETWORKS LAB-1 INTRODUCTION

What is Computer Networks A computer network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other to share information and resources.

Characteristics of a computer network Objective: Share Resources from one computer to another Create files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other computer(s) connected over the network Connect a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the network and let other computers of the network use the machines available over network.

Types of Network  Local Area Network – LAN  LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network covering a small area, like a home, office, schools.etc  The LAN is build using the layer 2 devices like switches, bridges and layer1 devices like hubs.  LAN is easier to maintain at relatively low costs.

 Wide Area Network – WAN  WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer network that connects areas that are physically away from each other like city-to-city  The best example for a WAN is the Internet  The WAN is build using the layers 3 devices Routers and Multi-layer Switches. Types of Network

How to setup a computer network Here is the list of some hardware that are require to setup a computer network Network Interface Card – NIC Network Cables – Straight Cable / Cross Cable Hub Switch Routers

Hub Hub is use to connect more than 2 workstation/PC with each other Hub receive the data and broadcast over all its ports Hub works on Layer-1 in OSI Model, also known as Layer-1 Device Bandwidth divided between all the connected computers (100 Mbps/5 system = 20 Mbps) Inexpensive but not being use anymore

Example of Hub

Switch Network Switch is also use to connect workstations/networks with each other It works on Layer-2 in OSI Model, also known as Layer-2 Device They manage data instead of just broadcast.(info about source/destination) It creates MAC Address Table

Example of Switch

Routers connect networks of computers It allows your network to communicate with other networks including the Internet Router works on Layer-3 in OSI Model, also know as Layer-3 Device Router Creates Routing Table Router

Example of Router

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