An effective computer networking tutorial for beginners is very difficult to find. Most of the times, various websites on the internet mislead the user into making a false purchase. The following computer networking tutorial for beginners should give the common man enough networking knowledge to make an informed decision while implementing any kind of simple network. 
The basic purpose of computer networking is resource sharing. If you plan to have an ethernet with many terminals, then you should be armed with some knowledge of the computer networking basics. This computer networking tutorial for beginners is aimed at achieving exactly that.
Computer Networking History: The technological advancements in the field of computer networking started in 1969. During that time, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) decided to implement a project called the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET). This was the world's first network, which only consisted of four nodes. Since then, computer networking has come a long way. Read more on what does ARPANET stand for?
Introduction to Computer Networking: So what is a computer network? It is, literally, a network of computers. Each computer in the network is connected thorough a transmission media such as ethernet cable wiring. There are many different kinds of computer networks, such a LAN, MAN or WAN. There are also many different types of network topologies (a.k.a backbone network structures). A LAN (local area network) typically consists of a fewer number of computers (hundred or even less). The computer network in any single establishment or building will have a local area network. A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network of many LAN's. For example, an MNC might have many buildings in the same area. Every building might have their individual LAN's. It would be highly essential to have a network between them. This is where a MAN comes into the picture. A city like New York or Chicago will definitely have many MAN's. When you connect all these networks together, you will get a WAN (wide area network). There are also ethernet protocols (such as TCP/IP, according to which communication in a computer network takes place). When all the above issues are taken care of, then you have a smooth running computer network.
Designing a Simple Computer Network: When a beginner starts designing a computer network, selecting the right design should be given priority. There are, basically, five standard types of computer network designs. These designs are also known as network topologies. Depending upon the number of terminals that your network is going to have, you should select the suitable topology. There are five types of network topologies. They are, star, ring, mesh, tree and bus. In star topology, all the nodes are connected to a single node. In ring topology, every node is connected to two other nodes and they form of a circle. In mesh topology, every node is connected to every other node. In tree topology, there is a root node (or super node), to which two or more nodes are connected, and the rest of the terminals are connected in a hierarchical fashion. In bus topology, there is a common medium like a backbone, and terminals are connected to it.
Transmission Media : The physical channel between sender and receiver is called transmission media. There are two different types of media, bounded and unbounded. The bounded media are those media in which communication takes place through wires. The unbounded media comprises of wireless communication. Read more on computer networking cables and crimping device tools.
Types of Bounded Transmission Media
There are seven layers in OSI Reference Model, and each layer performs a very defined function:
Implementing a Computer Network Design: While implementing a computer network, there are two kinds of technologies that have to be thought of - client/server and peer to peer. In my opinion, peer to peer technology should be avoided, as client/server technology provides a better compatibility to future growth. Most existing computer networks are wired networks, and it is very difficult to change them, and if you are really thinking about future compatibility, then a thought must be given to wireless architecture, as it provides easy scale up for a number of computers, without much degradation of performance and additional cost. Learn how to set up a server?
Wireless Networking: A wireless network is a network which uses unbounded network transmission media, that is, it is a network without any computer network cabling. Various examples of wireless computer networks are, WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan area Network), WLAN (Wireless Wide Area Network). Even the network of mobile devices is considered a part of wireless networking.
Computer Networking Security: Network security is a major issue for any software company. If a computer network is carrying sensitive information, there should be an assurance of security of that sensitive information. Computer networking security is a very broad topic, and immense amount of research has been done this field. The following issues in the network security apparatus take prime importance.
Troubleshooting in a Computer Network: Check all the wired connections before you even begin with pin pointing the possible cause of the problem. Bad connection is the most common cause of any network related problem. Wired connections are all checked and problem persists, then check for the hardware. If you find that hardware is also performing properly then check for software malfunction. By performing these basic checks, you should be able to pin point the problem and then proceed to the appropriate solution. Read about how to troubleshoot wireless network and computer hardware troubleshooting.
Computer Networking Certifications: The various certification courses that are available for computer networking certifications are as follows.
Computer Networking Jobs: Once you attain a degree, or become a certified professional, then there are many computer networking jobs that can be applied for, like a network administrator, a network technician, a network engineer, or a network analyst. A Network Administrator job description includes the proper functioning of the network of an entire institution. A Network Technician job description includes establishing and maintaining the network. A Network Engineer is responsible for high level tasks such as creating, designing and maintaining the network. The network engineer and network administrator have similar jobs, but they are different in the sense that, the engineer tackles more complex tasks that an administrator cannot handle (issues with network architecture, etc). A Network Analyst job description includes the analysis of various situations in the network, predicts the outcome, and suggests various solutions. He is basically responsible for various occurrences in the network and judging whether the arisen issue is normal or malicious in nature.
Computer networking is a field which encompasses all the aspects of Computer Science (hardware, software and security). Since there is huge growth in IT sector, the future of computer networking seems very bright. Hope the above computer networking tutorial for beginners gives computer networking information that excites one about this aspect of computer science.
By Vipul Lovekar
Computer Networking History: The technological advancements in the field of computer networking started in 1969. During that time, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) decided to implement a project called the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET). This was the world's first network, which only consisted of four nodes. Since then, computer networking has come a long way. Read more on what does ARPANET stand for?
Introduction to Computer Networking: So what is a computer network? It is, literally, a network of computers. Each computer in the network is connected thorough a transmission media such as ethernet cable wiring. There are many different kinds of computer networks, such a LAN, MAN or WAN. There are also many different types of network topologies (a.k.a backbone network structures). A LAN (local area network) typically consists of a fewer number of computers (hundred or even less). The computer network in any single establishment or building will have a local area network. A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network of many LAN's. For example, an MNC might have many buildings in the same area. Every building might have their individual LAN's. It would be highly essential to have a network between them. This is where a MAN comes into the picture. A city like New York or Chicago will definitely have many MAN's. When you connect all these networks together, you will get a WAN (wide area network). There are also ethernet protocols (such as TCP/IP, according to which communication in a computer network takes place). When all the above issues are taken care of, then you have a smooth running computer network.
| Parameter | LAN | WAN | MAN |
| Area Covered | Covers small area | Covers large area | Covers Larger than LAN, smaller than WAN |
| Error Rates | Lowest | Highest | Moderate |
| Transmission Speed | High Speed | Low speed | Moderate Speed |
| Equipment Cost | Uses Inexpensive equipment | Most Expensive equipment | Uses moderately expensive equipment |
Designing a Simple Computer Network: When a beginner starts designing a computer network, selecting the right design should be given priority. There are, basically, five standard types of computer network designs. These designs are also known as network topologies. Depending upon the number of terminals that your network is going to have, you should select the suitable topology. There are five types of network topologies. They are, star, ring, mesh, tree and bus. In star topology, all the nodes are connected to a single node. In ring topology, every node is connected to two other nodes and they form of a circle. In mesh topology, every node is connected to every other node. In tree topology, there is a root node (or super node), to which two or more nodes are connected, and the rest of the terminals are connected in a hierarchical fashion. In bus topology, there is a common medium like a backbone, and terminals are connected to it.
Transmission Media : The physical channel between sender and receiver is called transmission media. There are two different types of media, bounded and unbounded. The bounded media are those media in which communication takes place through wires. The unbounded media comprises of wireless communication. Read more on computer networking cables and crimping device tools.
Types of Bounded Transmission Media
- Twisted pair cable
- Coaxial cable
- Fiber optic cable
- Radio links (Microwave)
- Infrared
- Bandwidth: The greater the bandwidth of the signal, the higher is the data transmission rate.
- Transmission impairments: Whatever your media, it should have minimum transmission impairments.
- Interference: Competing signals can sometimes distort or completely disrupt a signal. Interference by such signals should be minimum.
- Network Interface Card (NIC): It is a hardware add-on component to the computer. All communication signals, to and from the node, must pass through the NIC first.
- Switch: All computers in a LAN must first connect to a switch. A switch is a device which is capable of maintaining a local area network between all the terminals that are connected to it. It is also responsible for sending traffic inside and outside the switched network.
- Hub: It is used to connect various components (computer as well as other devices) in the network. A usb network hub should fill the needs of a home network.
- Router: A router is a gateway device that is responsible for connection between various networks (Internal as well as external). More on computer hardware information
There are seven layers in OSI Reference Model, and each layer performs a very defined function:
- Application layer: This layer provides distributed information services.
- Presentation layer: Provides independence to application processes.
- Sessions layer: Provides a control structure for communication between applications.
- Transport layer: Provides reliable transfer of data between end points.
- Network layer: Provides independence to the upper layers from the lower layers
- Data-link layer: Provides reliable transfer of information across a physical link.
- Physical layer: Handles transmission of an unstructured bit stream.
- Application layer: Includes all processes and services that use transport layer to deliver data.
- Transport layer: Provides support to TCP or UDP protocol.
- Internet layer: It handles machine to machine communications.
- Host to network: Responsible for accepting and transmitting IP datagram.
Implementing a Computer Network Design: While implementing a computer network, there are two kinds of technologies that have to be thought of - client/server and peer to peer. In my opinion, peer to peer technology should be avoided, as client/server technology provides a better compatibility to future growth. Most existing computer networks are wired networks, and it is very difficult to change them, and if you are really thinking about future compatibility, then a thought must be given to wireless architecture, as it provides easy scale up for a number of computers, without much degradation of performance and additional cost. Learn how to set up a server?
Wireless Networking: A wireless network is a network which uses unbounded network transmission media, that is, it is a network without any computer network cabling. Various examples of wireless computer networks are, WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan area Network), WLAN (Wireless Wide Area Network). Even the network of mobile devices is considered a part of wireless networking.
Computer Networking Security: Network security is a major issue for any software company. If a computer network is carrying sensitive information, there should be an assurance of security of that sensitive information. Computer networking security is a very broad topic, and immense amount of research has been done this field. The following issues in the network security apparatus take prime importance.
- Security attacks: These are actions which compromise security information.
- Security mechanisms: Methods to prevent security attacks.
- Types of computer security: These are the services that are instrumental in handling security of the apparatus. They can be categorized as:
- Confidentiality
- Authentication
- Integrity
- No repudiation
- Access control
- Availability
Troubleshooting in a Computer Network: Check all the wired connections before you even begin with pin pointing the possible cause of the problem. Bad connection is the most common cause of any network related problem. Wired connections are all checked and problem persists, then check for the hardware. If you find that hardware is also performing properly then check for software malfunction. By performing these basic checks, you should be able to pin point the problem and then proceed to the appropriate solution. Read about how to troubleshoot wireless network and computer hardware troubleshooting.
Computer Networking Certifications: The various certification courses that are available for computer networking certifications are as follows.
- CISCO
- Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)
- Novell CNE
- Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
- Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MSCE)
- Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP)
Computer Networking Jobs: Once you attain a degree, or become a certified professional, then there are many computer networking jobs that can be applied for, like a network administrator, a network technician, a network engineer, or a network analyst. A Network Administrator job description includes the proper functioning of the network of an entire institution. A Network Technician job description includes establishing and maintaining the network. A Network Engineer is responsible for high level tasks such as creating, designing and maintaining the network. The network engineer and network administrator have similar jobs, but they are different in the sense that, the engineer tackles more complex tasks that an administrator cannot handle (issues with network architecture, etc). A Network Analyst job description includes the analysis of various situations in the network, predicts the outcome, and suggests various solutions. He is basically responsible for various occurrences in the network and judging whether the arisen issue is normal or malicious in nature.
Computer networking is a field which encompasses all the aspects of Computer Science (hardware, software and security). Since there is huge growth in IT sector, the future of computer networking seems very bright. Hope the above computer networking tutorial for beginners gives computer networking information that excites one about this aspect of computer science.
By Vipul Lovekar
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