Lecture Notes: Introduction to Computer Networks

Overview

Definition of Computer Network:
- Interconnecting computing devices enabling them to send and receive data.
- Different devices connected through a network can interact with each other.
- Various methods to connect: wire, optical fiber, wireless, etc.
Functional Examples:
- Sharing resources like printers among multiple devices via a network.
- Use of network to transfer information across different systems.
- Hotspot usage for mobile communication as an example of a wireless network.

Computer Network (1st Definition):
- Group of computers connected to each other through various media (wire, optical fiber, wireless) to allow interaction.
Computer Network (2nd Definition):
- System where multiple computers are connected to share resources without needing multiple connections (e.g., one printer for multiple systems).
Computer Network (3rd Definition):
- Set of computers sharing resources located on or provided by network nodes.
- Ensures that data can be transmitted and received using protocols.

Network Components: (to be covered later)
- How data transfer happens using different network components like switches and routers.
- Connection of multiple systems in a network.
Protocols:
- Rules for data transmission and reception on a network.
- Examples include SMTP for mail transfer and FTP for file transfer.

Computer networks are essential for device communication and resource sharing.
Various definitions and examples help illustrate how networks function practically.
Introduction to network topologies and detailed discussion on how networks operate will be covered in the next lecture.