Computer Networks
What a network is and why it is useful, networks by size (LAN, MAN, WAN), common topologies, the devices that connect networks, and the basic vocabulary of the internet and the web - IP addresses, DNS, URLs, HTTP and HTTPS.
What you will be able to do
- Classify networks by geographic scale: LAN, MAN, WAN.
- Describe bus, star, ring and mesh topologies and their trade-offs.
- Match network devices (hub, switch, router, modem, access point) to their job.
- Explain IP address, DNS, URL, and the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
What is inside this lesson
- 1What a network is
- 2Networks by geographic scale
- 3Topologies
- 4Network devices
- 5Internet and web vocabulary
- 6Common confusions
- 7Quick revision
- 8Practice
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What a network is
A computer network is two or more computing devices connected so they can exchange data and share resources - files, printers, an internet connection, applications.
A network needs a transmission medium (cable or radio), a set of rules (protocols) that both ends follow, and hardware to join it all up. Benefits are resource sharing, communication, central management and backup, and access to remote services. The costs are setup, and new security and reliability risks.
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