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WHAT IS A NETWORK OR IP ADDRESS?

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     In today's digital age, the concept of networking and IP addresses plays a crucial role in connecting devices and facilitating communication on the internet. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a budding programmer, or simply curious about how data travels across the web, understanding what a network and an IP address are is essential. Let's delve into the world of networking and demystify these fundamental concepts. What is a Network?      At its core, a network is a collection of computers, servers, and other devices that are interconnected to share resources and information. Networks can be as small as a home network connecting personal devices or as vast as the internet, linking millions of devices globally. By establishing connections between devices, networks enable data transfer, communication, and collaboration. Understanding Network Address      A network address , also known as IP (Internet Protocol) address , is a uni...

"OSI Layer"

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What is an OSI Layer? The OSI Model The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model is a conceptual framework that standardizes and categorizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven abstraction layers. Each layer in the model is responsible for specific tasks related to network communication, and the model as a whole provides a systematic way of understanding and designing network protocols and systems. The OSI Model was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to facilitate interoperability and standardization in network communication. Layers of OSI: Application Layer (7) Presentation Layer (6) Session Layer (5) Transport Layer (4) Network Layer (3) Data Link Layer (2) Physical Layer (1) Before we dive into the description and functions of these layers, let's first talk about the role or purpose of the OSI Model: The OSI Model acts like a helpful guide for making sure that different electronic devices (like computers ...

"Other Network Devices"

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WHAT ARE THE OTHER NETWORK DEVICES? The Bridge A bridge is a network device that  is primarily designed to connect and filter traffic between different segments of a local area network (LAN). Its fundamental purpose is to enhance network performance and efficiency by selectively forwarding data packets based on the hardware (MAC) addresses of devices within the network. Bridges are deployed to segment larger networks into smaller, more manageable segments, thereby reducing the overall network traffic and improving the overall performance of the system. By examining the destination MAC address of each incoming packet, a bridge intelligently determines whether to forward the data to the destination segment or filter it, preventing unnecessary traffic from reaching segments where it is not required. This selective forwarding helps minimize collisions and congestion, optimizing the flow of data within the network. Typically located at the boundary between different network segments, br...

Hub, Switch, and Router

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What are the differences between HUB, SWITCH, and ROUTER? Hub: A hub is a basic networking device that operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model. It is essentially a multi-port repeater, meaning it broadcasts data received on one port to all other ports. Hubs are simple and inexpensive but have significant limitations. They can lead to network congestion and reduced performance because all devices connected to a hub share the available bandwidth. Switch: A switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. Unlike a hub, a switch is more intelligent and selectively forwards data only to the specific device it is intended for. This reduces network congestion and improves efficiency. Switches build and maintain a MAC address table to keep track of the devices connected to each port, allowing them to make more informed forwarding decisions. Switches are widely used in modern networks for local area network (LAN) connections. Router: A router ...

Elements of Computer Network

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What are the Elements of Computer Network? What is Communication? Communication is a process of passing information from one person to another. It has its basic elements which are: Message Source Encoder/Decoder Channel Message Destination These basic elements can be compared to demonstrate how networks operate. 1. Message Source Message Source is the sender or origin if the message. In communication, a message is the information or data that is being transmitted from one point to another, it could be a text document, an image, a video, or any other form of data, while the source is the entity or device that initiates the communication. It is responsible for generating the message and starting the communication process. In summary, Message Source is the starting point of communication, responsible for creating and initiating the transmission of data or information in a computer network. 2. Encoder/Decoder In networking, an encoder could refer to a device or process responsible for co...

Types of Network Topology

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 What are the Types of Network Topology? Before we proceed, let us first identify what is a network topology. Network topology refers to the arrangement or layout of interconnected elements (such as nodes, links, and devices) in a computer network. It outlines how different components of a network are connected and how data is transmitted between them. Common network topologies include linear bus , ring , star , mesh , and hybrid configurations. Linear Bus Topology A linear bus topology is a type of network topology in which all network devices are connected to a single communication channel, often referred to as a "bus" or a main cable. In this topology, the devices are connected sequentially along the bus, and each device has a unique address. Data transmitted by one device travels along the bus and is accessible to all devices, but only the device with the corresponding address processes the data. Advantages of a linear bus topology include simplicity and ease of ins...

Types of Computer Network

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What are the types of computer network? PAN (Personal Area Network) A computer network used to interconnect devices centered on an individual workplace. PAN can be used for connecting personal devices, which typically involve a mobile computer, a cell phone, and/or a handheld computing device such as PDA. The network is used to transfer files including email, calendar appointments, digital photos, and music. Personal area networks can be created using USB cables, Bluetooth, infrared, or other wireless technologies. It generally covers a network range of less than 10 meters and is viewed as a special type of Local Area Network. (Note: Distance range is up to 10 meters) LAN (Local Area Network) A type of network where two to as much as hundreds of computers are connected with each other using a network sharing device known as a hub or switch to enable sharing of files, printers, and other resources. Application of LANs: The LANs' primary functions are linking mobile and desktop co...