What is Computer Network? • People and digital devices are entities that communicate with each other among themselves. Just as people have a circle, devices in the digital world have a circle.
Purposes of Computer Networks
Computer networks have become usable for many different purposes with the developing technology. The main uses of computer networks are as follows:
• Providing image and sound transfer (Chat and online
meetings) • Hardware sharing (Printer sharing) • File, data and information sharing • Software sharing • Central management • Support Types of Networks Computer networks are geographically divided into many groups according to their size. There may be large networks with millions of devices in them and small networks consisting of 2-3 devices. The following image shows some types of computer networks by size. Personal Area Network (PAN) • Personal Area Network (PAN) refers to networks with a minimal and small number of devices that cover very short distances (for example, up to 10 meters). Example: • Bluetooth • Hotspot Local Area Network (LAN) Local Area Network (LAN) has a larger area than PAN. The number of devices in it can be much more. It is the most used and found network type. Sometimes a network with 2 devices can also be called a LAN.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
The Metropolitan Area Network
(MAN) is a geographically city-sized computer network in which many LAN computer networks are interconnected. It connects networks with fiber optic cabling. Wide Area Network (WAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN) is
the computer network with the largest geographical area among computer networks. This computer network is so large that it can even contain continents. It hosts all other computer networks within it. Campus Area Network (CAN) Campus Area Network (CAN) is a computer network that is geographically smaller than MAN and larger than LAN. This computer network can contain several LANs. Usually, the computer networks of universities, institutions, or private companies are given as an example of this computer network.
Network Topologies Network topology is a visual map to understand the physical or logical structure of a computer network. The locations of the devices and cables in the network are among the factors that determine the network topology. There are many benefits to having a network topology.
Network topology is divided into 2 type:
• Physical Topology • Logical Topology Physical Topology It is a type of topology in which all devices and components in the network are drawn in terms of their exact locations. Looking at this topology, it is seen which cabling is made over which paths and devices. What is seen in the drawing has a physical counterpart. For example, if there is a network device in the path from device A to device B, this device is seen in the physical topology.
Logical Topology It does not show the exact location of the devices in the topology like physical topology. It often contains fewer elements than physical topology. Because data flow is important in logical topology. For example, data going from device A to device B may not be included in the topology if it passes over device C between device A and device B, and device C has no effect on the data that would need to be displayed on it. In this topology, it is the path of the data flow that is desired to be emphasized rather than the physical placement of the devices.
Common Network Topologies
Star Topology Each node in the Star topology is connected to a central node. All data flow is done through the central node. Star topology is one of the most common computer network topologies. Ring Topology It works in a closed loop logic. The sent data travels around the ring in one direction until it reaches the destination. Each node passes the incoming data over it and ensures that it reaches the target. There is no hierarchical relationship between nodes.
Mesh Topology It is a network topology where there is no central node and each node can be directly connected to the other. Mesh topology is not a suitable topology for large networks. It is divided into 2 types: • Full-mesh • Partial-mesh
Full-Mesh In the Full-Mesh topology, each node in the network is connected to all other nodes by cabling separately. In this topology, it is unlikely that the connection between two nodes will be broken. Because there are alternative ways of connecting.
Partial-Mesh
In the Partial-Mesh topology,
although each node is not directly connected to all other nodes, they are largely interconnected. Just like in Full-Mesh topology, there are alternative ways to reach the target node in case of disconnection.
What is the OSI
Reference Model? The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model was developed by ISO (International Organization of Standardization) in 1978. The OSI model is a model created to enable communication between different operating systems. With this model, it has become easier to understand network structures. It is a reference quality and has a layered architecture. Each layer in the OSI model has separate tasks. There is a hierarchical order between these layers and each layer serves the next layer. The number of layers in the OSI model is 7. Network Devices
In a computer network, there are network devices, each responsible for a
separate task. Without these components in a computer network, the network cannot fulfill its task. Therefore, knowing the tasks and capabilities of network devices allows for solving problems in the network and understanding security breaches. In this way, a solution is reached by taking quick action. In this part of the training, information about network devices in an IT network will be discussed.
Switch The switch is one of the network devices operating at layer 2 according to the OSI reference model. However, some switches with more manageable features operate at layer 3 according to the OSI reference model. The switch is the interconnection device and is used to connect the nodes that want to connect to the network. Sizes may vary depending on the number of ports on it.
Router The router is one of the network equipment working at the 3rd layer according to the OSI reference model. The router is a packet routing device with highly advanced features that contains an operating system (IOS - Internetworking Operating System). It is network equipment used by placing it between two computer networks. For example, it is often used in LAN-LAN connections and WAN-LAN connections. The most basic task of the router is packet routing and thanks to this device, the networks are separated from each other (segmentation). In other words, it is one of the devices that separate computer networks from each other. It is a configurable device.
Hub The hub is one of the network hardware operating at layer 1 according to the OSI reference model. The hub device, which has a very simple structure, is one of the devices used to connect computers that want to connect to the network. What is the TCP/IP Model? The TCP/IP model was designed and developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) in the 1960s. When the TCP/IP model was introduced, there was no model that set the standards in computer network communication yet. With this model, it was determined how the network communication should be on the basis of the internet.
The TCP/IP model has a layered architecture and consists
of 4 layers:
• Application Layer • Transport Layer • Internet Layer • Network Access Layer TCP/IP Model OSI Model vs. Although the OSI reference model and the TCP/IP model are very similar models, they differ from each other on some points. When the TCP/IP model first emerged, it emerged out of necessity, not aiming to be a standard. The OSI reference model, on the other hand, aimed to design the ideal network communication, which should be in theory, including its practical use. The TCP/IP model was developed based on some protocols. The OSI model, on the other hand, was not developed on any protocol.
The image above shows which layers in the
OSI reference model are equivalent to which layers in the TCP/IP model in terms of tasks and protocols.
IP Addressing Mechanism While creating TCP/IP computer networks, a logical address (IP Address) must first be assigned to each device in the network. These assignment processes are called "IP Addressing Mechanism". If an IP address is not assigned to a device in the network, it cannot communicate with devices inside or outside the network.
