Section 1.1: Introduction to Computer Networking
Learning Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to
- describe the fundamental concepts of computer networks;
- give the advantages and uses of computer networks;
- identify the basic elements of computer networks.
Tasks
- Study Chapter 1 of TD textbook.
- Complete Case Project 1-1.
Study Questions
You may want to use the Personal Study Space wiki to answer these questions, which may require some Internet research. You can also post comments and queries in the Unit 1 Forum.
- What is a computer network?
- What are network resources?
- What is sneakernet?
- What are local computers and remote computers?
- What is a peer-to-peer network?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of peer-to-peer network?
- What is a local area network (LAN)?
- What are server-based networks?
- What are servers in a server-based computer network?
- What are clients in a server-based computer network?
- What are workstations in a server-based computer network?
- What is a network operating system (NOS)?
- What is the client–server architecture?
- What is a metropolitan area network (MAN)?
- What is a wide area network (WAN)?
- What is the Internet?
- Is the Internet a WAN?
- What elements are common to all server-based computer networks?
- What is a network interface card (NIC)?
- What are hosts?
- What is a node in computer networks?
- What is a network topology?
- What are network protocols?
- What are data packets?
- What is addressing in computer networks?
- What are transmission media?
- What services do computer networks commonly provide?
- What is a gateway in computer networks?
