Introduction-to-Computer-Networking.Definitons

Networking

1. Name: Nilon, Vince Angelo Date: October 7, 2025
Course/Year/ sec: BIT- ET 3A
Introduction to Computer Networking
1. Definition of Computer Networks
- A computer network is a system of interconnected computing devices and nodes, such as computers,
servers, routers, switches, and other network-enabled devices that communicate and share resources using
standardized communication protocols over physical or wireless media. These networks enable the
transmission of data and information across short and long distances, supporting applications ranging from
local area communication to global Internet connectivity.
2. Significance of Communication in Computer Networks
- Communication is the core of every computer network. It enables devices to share data, resources,
and services effectively, ensuring that users and systems can collaborate regardless of location. Through
communication, computer networks make it possible to access shared files, applications, and hardware like
printers or storage drives. It also allows remote access, enabling users to connect to resources from anywhere
in the world. Furthermore, communication promotes efficiency and scalability by allowing multiple devices to
exchange data in real time. Without communication, networks would simply be isolated machines without
interaction or shared functionality.
3. Elements of Communication (Relation to Computer networking)
Sender
- The sender is the origin or source of the message. In human communication, it is the person who conveys
information; in networking, it refers to the device that initiates data transmission, such as a computer or
server. It is related to networking because every communication process starts from a device that generates
and sends data across the network.
Receiver
- The receiver is the destination or endpoint that accepts the message. In networking, this is the computer,
server, or device that receives the transmitted data. It is essential in networking because communication only
succeeds when the intended recipient accurately receives the data packets.

2. Message
- The message is the actual content or information being transmitted. In computer networking, this refers to
the data packets, files, or information sent from one device to another. Networks rely on message transfer to
share information, perform tasks, and run applications effectively.
Medium
- The medium is the channel through which the message travels. In networking, this includes wired
connections like Ethernet cables or wireless signals such as Wi-Fi and radio waves. The medium is crucial since
it determines how fast, reliable, and secure the communication will be.
Protocol
- A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received. In computer networks,
examples include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP. Protocols ensure that devices with different hardware or operating
systems can communicate effectively and consistently.
Feedback
- Feedback refers to the acknowledgment or response sent by the receiver back to the sender. In computer
networking, this occurs when a receiving device sends a confirmation (like an acknowledgment packet) that
data was received successfully. Feedback ensures data integrity and allows retransmission in case of errors.
Noise
- Noise is any interference or disturbance that distorts the message during transmission. In networking, this
could mean signal loss, electromagnetic interference, or data corruption. Understanding and managing noise
is important in computer networking to maintain data accuracy and network performance.
4. Key Components of a Computer Networking
1. Network Devices
Definition: Network devices are specialized hardware components that connect computers and other digital
equipment together to enable communication and data sharing. They manage, direct, and regulate the flow of
information across the network.
Function: They handle the transfer of data between devices and ensure efficient communication. Examples
include routers (direct data between networks), switches (manage data traffic within a network), hubs (send
data to all connected devices), and access points (provide wireless connectivity).

3. 2. Transmission Media
Definition: Transmission media are the physical or wireless pathways through which data signals travel from
one device to another within a network.
Function: They serve as the channel that carries data in the form of electrical signals, light waves, or radio
frequencies. Examples include wired media such as twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optics, and
wireless media such as radio waves, microwaves, and infrared signals.
3. Network Interface Card (NIC)
Definition: A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component installed in computers or devices that
enables them to connect and communicate over a network.
Function: It converts data from the computer into signals that can be transmitted over the network and
receives incoming signals to be processed by the device. It also provides a unique MAC address for identifying
the device on the network.
4. Network Protocols
Definition: Network protocols are standardized rules and conventions that determine how data is formatted,
transmitted, and received over a network.
Function: They ensure that communication between different devices is understandable and reliable.
Examples include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and DNS, which define how data packets are addressed, transferred, and
confirmed between devices.
5. Network Topology
Definition: Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of devices and connections in a
network.
Function: It determines how data travels between devices and affects the network’s efficiency, performance,
and fault tolerance. Common topologies include bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid configurations.
6. Servers
Definition: A server is a powerful computer designed to manage network resources and provide services such

4. as file storage, email, websites, and databases to other devices (clients) on the network.
Function: It stores, processes, and manages data and requests from multiple client devices, ensuring that
users can access shared resources and applications efficiently.
7. Clients
Definition: Clients are the end-user devices—such as computers, smartphones, or tablets—that access
network services and resources provided by servers.
Function: They send requests to servers for information or services (like a web page or file) and display or use
the received data for user interaction.
8. Network Operating System (NOS)
Definition: A Network Operating System is specialized software that manages and controls network
operations, ensuring all connected devices can communicate and share resources.
Function: It handles network administration tasks such as user authentication, file management, security
control, and data coordination between networked devices. Examples include Windows Server, Linux, and
UNIX.
9. Modem
Definition: A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that converts digital data from a computer into
analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines, and vice versa.
Function: It enables internet access by translating digital signals from a computer into a form that can travel
through analog communication channels and reconverts them into digital form at the receiving end.
10. Firewall
Definition: A firewall is a hardware or software security system that monitors and controls incoming and
outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules.
Function: It protects the network from unauthorized access, malware, and cyber threats by filtering data
packets and blocking suspicious or harmful traffic.