Networking

What is Computer Networking?

refers to the interconnection of two or more computing devices (like computers, printers, phones, etc.) to share resources, communicate, and transfer data. The purpose is to allow these devices to "talk" to each other either through wired (physical) or wireless (radio waves) means.

Example: When students in a computer lab save files to a shared folder or access the internet from their desktops, they are using a computer network.

Importance and Advantage / Advantage of Computer Network

sharing of devices such as printer and scanners
sharing of program/software
sharing of files
sharing of data
sharing of information
sharing of single high-speed internet connection
can access server-centered database
Better communication using internet services such as emai, mailing list.

Type of Networks

Personal Area Network

is a network that connects electronic devices within the immediate vicinity of a person, typically within a few meters.

Local Area Network

is a network that connects devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or school.

Campus Area Network

is a network that connects multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) within a limited geographical area, such as a university campus, school complex, government facility, or a group of buildings close to each other.

Metropolitan Area Network

is a computer network that connects users and resources within a metropolitan area, typically a city or a large region. It's larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).

Wide Area Network

is a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs). WANs allow devices in different locations, even across cities or countries, to communicate and share resources as if they were on the same local network.

Network Architecture

refers to the framework that defines the structure, roles, and communication model of devices in a network. It includes the physical layout, software rules, and communication procedures that make the network function.

Two Main Types of Network Architecture

Peer-to-peer (P2P) and client-server are two fundamental network architectures. In a client-server network, clients request services from a central server. In a peer-to-peer network, all nodes are interconnected and can act as both clients and servers, sharing resources directly with each other.

Peer to peer Network

Peer-to-Peer:

Decentralized:
Each node has equal capabilities and can share resources directly with other nodes.
Examples:
File sharing networks, some blockchain systems.
Pros:
Easier to set up and maintain, potentially more scalable in certain scenarios, more resilient to individual node failures.
Cons:
Security can be harder to manage, performance can degrade in very large networks, and there's a risk of "free riders" who consume resources without contributing.

Client Server Network

Client-Server:

Centralized:
A dedicated server manages resources and services, while clients (users' devices) request access to those resources.
Examples:
Web servers, email servers, database servers.
Pros:
More reliable, easier to manage security and backups, better suited for large networks.
Cons:
Single point of failure (if the server goes down, the network is affected), potentially higher cost due to dedicated server hardware and maintenance.

Feature

Resource Control

Reliability

Scalability

Security

Cost

Complexity

Client Server

Server manages resources

More reliable (redundant servers possible)

Can scale well with more clients

easier to mange

generally higher

more complex to set up

Peer-toPeer

Each node manages its own resources

Less reliable (no central control)

can scale well with more peers is some case

harder to manage

generally lower

simpler to set up

Network Topologies

Bus Topology

Star Topology

Ring Topology

MeshTopology

Topology

Bus

Star

Ring

Mesh

Description

all devices share a single communication line

all devices connect to a central hub or switch

devices are connected in a circular fashion

each device is connected to every other device

Advantages

easy to implement and cost effective

easy to manage and troubleshoot

data flows in one direction reducing collisions

high redundancy, reliable

Disadvantages

difficult to troubleshoot, not scalable

if the hub fails, the whole network fails

one device failure affects the whole network

expensive and complex to set up

Intranet, Extratnet and Internet

An Intranet is a private network used within an organization. It uses the same technologies as the internet (such as web browsers and web servers) but is restricted to authorized users only, typically employees or members of the organization.

Example: A school’s internal website where teachers upload grades, memos, and schedules accessible only within the campus.

🔹 Key Features:

Private and secure
Requires login/authentication
Used for internal communication, sharing documents, HR tools, etc.
Cannot be accessed from outside the organization (unless via VPN)

An Extranet is a controlled extension of an Intranet that allows external users (like partners, suppliers, or clients) to access certain parts of the internal network.

Example: A school giving DepEd supervisors or book suppliers limited access to a document portal via login.

🔹 Key Features:

Shared access between an organization and external parties
Requires secure login
Used for collaboration with business partners
More secure than the open internet, but not fully public

The Internet is the global system of interconnected computer networks that allows public access to information and communication from anywhere in the world.

Example: Browsing websites like Google, Facebook, DepEd Commons, or YouTube.

🔹 Key Features:

Public and open to anyone with a connection
Massive scale — billions of users and websites
Used for communication, information sharing, entertainment, e-commerce, etc.
Requires internet service provider (ISP) and can be accessed via mobile data or Wi-Fi

Feature

Intranet

Extranet

Internet

Access internal users only internal + authorized external users Open to the public

Security very secure secure with controlled access less secure, unless encrypterd

Purpose internal communication/sharing business collaboration global information sharing

Example users employees, students suppliers, partners everyone

Accessibility limited to organization requires login or VPN accessible from anywhere

Connection Type LAN or VPN secure interenet connection public internet

Importance of Network Communication Technology

Intranet

Enhances internal communication
Improves productivity
Keeps internal data secure
Reduces printing and paper costs

Extranet

Enables collaboration with trusted external entities
Improves coordination between partners
Speeds up processes like inventory, reporting, and procurement

Internet

Connects people globally
Supports online learning, business, entertainment
Enables instant access to unlimited information

What is a networking device?

Network devices are components used to connect computers or other electronic devices together so that they can share files or resources like printers or fax machines. Devices used to set up a Local Area Network (LAN) are the most common type of network devices used by the public. A LAN requires a hub., switch, router.

Types of networking devices

NIC ( Network Interface Card )
Repeater
Modem
Bridge
hub
Switch
Router

Connecting Devices

Networking Devices
- Repeaters
- Bridges
Internetworking Devices
- Router
- Gateways

Networking and Networking Devices

are hardware components that enable communication and data exchange within and between networks. These devices operate at different layers of the network model and have distinct funntions, from simply connecting devices to routing traffic across complex networks

Key Networking and Internetworking Devices

Hub

A basic device that connects multiple devices in a network, broadcasting all incoming data to every connected port.

Switch

more advanced than a hub, a switch filters traffic based on MAC addresses, sending data only to the intended recipient, improving network efficiency.

Router

similar to a switch, a bridge connects network segments, filtering traffic based on MAC addresses to improve network performance.

Bridge

connects different networks (like LAN and the Internet) and uses IP addresses to forward data packets along the most efficient path.

Gateway

acts as an entry/exit point between different networks, potentially using different protocols or architectures.

Repeater

regenerates netweork network signals, extending the range of a netwrok segment.

Modem

connects a network to an internet service provider (ISP), converting digital data into signals suitable for transmission over telephone lines or other media.

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