Network Protocols

           A network protocol is "an agreement on how to converse". The four most commonly used network protocols are TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, X.25 and SNA. Each protocol performs essentially the same functions, but each protocol is incompatible with other unless there is a special device to translate between them. TCP/IP Network Addressing               TCP/IP protocol uses 3 different types of addressing to move data between computers: Physical, Logical and Port addresses. The physical addresses (MAC addresses) are utilized to move data within a single LAN, logical addresses (IP addresses) are used to move data from one LAN to another LAN across the network and the port address...

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Backbone Network Components

         A backbone network is a network that connects many networks in a single site. There are many backbone network components. Router - A router is a special device that enables the connection of two or more networks so that the computers in different networks can communicate with each other. A router may be a special device, a computer with several network interface cards or a special network module in a computer or other network device. Routers also allow a network to be segmented into smaller logical networks or subnets. Bridge - A Bridge is an interface that enables similar networks to communicate. Gateway - A Gateway is an interface that enables dissimilar networks to...

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Data Transmission Types

       In a network data can be transmitted in two different ways, serial transmission and in parallel transmission. Serial Data Transmission - Bits are transmitted sequentially, one after the other. Parallel Data Transmission - Bits are transmitted through separate channels simultaneously.      The standard unit of measure used to specify the speed of the data flow through a network is bits per second (bps). Network Interface Card (NIC)  A network Interface Card provides the physical connection between the computer and a network cable and enables access to a network. Most modern computers come with NIC cards pre-installed, and ready to be connected to networks.  Types...

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Network Topologies

           Networks can be laid out in a number of different ways. The physical layout of a network is called its topology. The basic network topologies are Star, Ring, Bus. These basic topologies can be combined in a variety of ways to build complex hybrid network topologies. Star Topology            In a star network all computers and other communications devices are connected to a central point such as a hub, file sever or a host computer. Ring Topology             In a ring network all communications devices are connected in a continuous ring. Messages are passed around the ring until...

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Data Communications

           Data Communication is the process of moving information from one point to another by means of some transmission system. Network           A network is a collection of entities that exchange information or good. Few examples of networks are railway system, nervous system of animals, telephone system. Communications Network           A communications network is a system of interconnected computers, and communication devices that can communicate with one another and share resources. At the most elementary level, a computer network consists  of two computers connected with...

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