Networks

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Introduction Whether you realize it or not, computer networks are a vitally important part of your day to day life. Many technological and telecommunications companies such as Google, Facebook, and MTS rely very heavily on computer networks. The internet itself is nothing more than a large and very extensive computer network. Computer networking is currently a rapidly growing, ever changing, and very interesting area of computer science.

...By Students "Not long ago, I knew nothing about networks, but that had to change when I wanted to upgrade the speed and reliability of the wireless network at home. I started by doing some research on routers, looking for faster download speeds and stronger signal. I learned about the various network standards in speed, range, encryption and wireless protocols. I also leaned about various features and techniques that help make a network more secure. The one thing that really surprised me when I was researching all these things is that I now find networks kinda cool."

More to come...

What is a Network?

A network is a link between two or more computers.

Network Layers

A network can be conceptually subdivided into a number of different layers, including:

• Physical Layer : The physical layer is the link between a computing device and a transmitter. This layer, usually comprised of cables or wireless network adapters, allows for the computer to be connected in a network.
• Data Link Layer : The data link layer defines how data is transferred from one device to another.
• Network Layer :
• Transport Layer : The transport layer
• Application Layer : The application layer is the link between the network and the network application.
• Presentation Layer :
• Session Layer :

Network Applications

A network application is a program Web browsers, e-mail, instant messaging, and video conferencing are very common examples of network applications.

Types of Networks

Local Area Network (LAN) A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office or university campus.

Wide Area Network (WAN) A wide area network is a computer network that spans a wide geographic area. The most common example of a WAN would be the internet, but cellular networks (Rogers, MTS) are also examples of WANs.

Courses

There are 4 courses required for the networking specialty at the U of M:

• Computer Networks I (COMP 3720)
• Computer Networks II (COMP 4720)
• Computer Security (COMP 4580)
• Cryptography and Cryptosystems (COMP 4140)

Computer Networks I covers the basics about what a network is and provides students with a basic understanding about how the internet works. Students taking Networks I will also learn about the various layers that comprise a network in more detail.

Computer Networks II deals with advanced network layers as well as multimedia networks, mobile and wireless networks, network management, and provides some basics about network security.

Computer Security teaches students how to prevent malicious users from attacking computers and potentially stealing information not intended for them. Topics discussed will include preventative measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and basic cryptography.

Cryptography and Cryptosystems is designed to teach students how to encrypt messages to make them unrecognizable. Cryptography is one of the most important security measures used in networking, and the course provides details about a number of methods used to disguise messages.

Career Opportunities

With the growth in the field of computer networks, demand for specialists in this area has also increased enormously.

• Network Administrator : network administrators configure and manage LANs (Local Area Networks) and sometimes WANs (Wide Area Networks)

Useful Links

http://learn-networking.com/network-design/a-guide-to-network-topology

References

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