Introduction to Networking...^^

Wednesday, 21st March 2012

Our class last week was cancelled, so this week was the third lecture conducted by Dr. Dayang. ^^

This time, we proceeded to another focus of this subject, which was Networking. Dr. Dayang had introduced Networking to us. 

At first, Dr. Dayang reminded us to keep these few things in mind : -

1.)  Elements of Computer

·         IPOSK (Input; Processor; Output; Storage; Communication)

2.)  Elements of Computer and Communication Technology

· People; Procedure; Data/Information; Hardware; Software;      Communications/Connectivity

3.)  Elements of Networking

·         Terminals, Workstations, Computers, and other devices

·         Transmission Media

·         Network electronics

·         Software

·         Network Architecture Standards   

Personally, I felt that repetition was one of the strength of Dr. Dayang. Since the elements above were more or less the same, thus, Dr. Dayang had repeatedly mentioned about those elements so that we were able to differentiate them. In fact, I prefer repetition especially for information that is easily confusing.

Next, I understood that the Networking concept was started since the stone ages whereby human being started to learn to communicate with others that were far apart. It was the basic networking concept.

Computer Networking

Basically, there are two definitions for Computer Networking : -

1.) The connection between two computers by direct cabling. Cabling refers to connection that uses cable.

2.) Connection of computers and other hardware devices to share hardware, software, and data as well as to communicate with each other.

The main purpose of Computer Networking is to share data within different devices.

When we were discussing the sharing of data, Dr. Dayang related it to the transmission of data that we learnt in last lecture.

What is transmitter?

Transmitter = Source of message = Sender

Destination = Receiver

Moving on to the next point, I would like to share about Server. According to Dr. Dayang, server is a specialized computer that controls the sharing of data among a network of computers. There are several functions of server.

1.)  Regulate Internet traffic between all of the computers

2.)  Store all of the important fioles that many computers need to use in one central place

3.)  Let multiple computers access the same printer or scanner (usually the connection to these output devices are secured)

The above functions can be achieved by the aid of Local Area Connection (LAN). 

Next, I would like to share about the Networking Classification.

 

Then, Dr. Dayang had explained about Internet Protocol.

Internet Protocol refers to the rules to send and receive messages by using Internet Protocol Address (IP Address). After listening to Dr. Dayang’s explanation, I realized that every computer has their unique IP Address although they are not the same model. I wonder how the system can create the address in a systematic arrangement as computer users are all over the world.

Coming up next was the Transmission Media that enabled sharing of data occurred. Transmission Media classified into 2 groups, they are Bounded Media and Unbounded Media. Bounded Media refers to physical link that use to transfer data such as Twisted Pair Wire, Co-axial Cable and Fiber Optic Cable.  Meanwhile, Unbounded Media refers to abstract link (air / vacuum) that use to transfer data such as Microwave Radio, Infrared Signals and Satellite Communication.

Later on, we learnt about Network Electronic Devices. I understood that Network Electronic Devices are devices that control data transmission from sources to destinations.

There are several devices that I would like to focus on our sharing.

 

Hub : A device that connect several computers together so that these computers can share their data through a single LAN system.

* Hub

Bridge :  A device that connect a LAN to another LAN that use the same protocol in order to share data with each other. 

* Bridge

Router : A device that enables data to be transmitted at overlay internetwork. 

* Router

Gateway : A point where two or more networks connect. 

Comparison Between Hub, Bridge, Router and Gateway

 

Aspects	Hub	Bridge	Router	Gateway
Network involved	A single LAN	More than one LAN	Multiple LAN or WAN	WAN
Ability to connect  networks with different protocol	-	No. Connected Networks must have same protocols.	No. Connected Networks must have same protocols.	Yes. Able to interpret and translate the different protocols.

I hope that Dr. Dayang can explain more on these Network Electronic Device during next lecture because I quite confused with the functions of these devices. 

That's all from me. ^^