Computer Networks: Types, Devices, and Protocols

Posted on Mar 10, 2025 in Technology

A computer network consists of a set of computers and other devices connected physically or wirelessly, with the aim of sharing resources. There are networks with servers and peer-to-peer networks.

Network Types

LAN (Local Area Network): A network within a limited area, like a home or office.
WAN (Wide Area Network): A network spanning a large geographical area, like a city or country.
NIC (Network Interface Card): A component that allows a computer to connect to a network.

LANs typically have two types of structures: tree and star.

Electronic Interconnection Devices

Hub: Receives a data packet through a port and relays it to all other ports.
Switch: Stores MAC addresses of all devices connected to its ports, enabling direct communication.
Router: A device used to interconnect different networks and determine the destination of data packets.

Network Media

Structured Cable: The physical wiring that connects network devices, such as hubs and switches.
Fiber Optics: Consists of transparent glass strands, as thin as human hair, that carry information as light beams.

Protocols

TCP/IP: Consists of two protocols, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol), responsible for controlling communication between computers.
IP Address: A unique identifier for each computer on a network.

Wireless Communication

Infrared Light:

Infrared light is not visible to the human eye. There are three ways to communicate using infrared technology:

Point-to-point communication: Establishing a direct line between devices, like a remote and a TV.
Quasi-diffuse: Aiming at a surface to reflect the signal.
Diffuse: No direct view is required between the elements.

Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity, the procedures used for wireless LANs (Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN).

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access):

WPA was established to improve WEP security and provide user authentication.

Bluetooth:

The Bluetooth core system consists of a radio transmitter, a baseband, and a series of control protocols.

USB Connectors:

There are different types of USB connectors, including Micro USB, Mini USB, type B, female type A, and type A.

Network Architectures

Peer-to-Peer Network

Advantages:

Easy to install and configure.
Low implementation cost.
If one device fails, only its shares are affected.
Often have lower concentrations of network traffic.

Disadvantages:

Designed for a small number of computers.
Difficult to manage and control.
Access permissions are set on each computer independently.
Low network security.

Client/Server Network